Customer Reviews

An Indo-Malay Martial Art: Pencak Silat Pertempuran

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is an excellent introduction to the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran in particular and Pencak Silat in general. One of the great strengths of the book is the organized and sequential manner in which the author presents the material. I have a number of martial arts books and have found too many are just a collection of techniques. In this book Sean Stark introduces a series of core evasions and then proceeds to show how they lead into other actions, such as strikes, throws, and joint locks. He also demonstrates how the art employs positioning to outflank an opponent. In my opinion, this is one of the characteristics that makes Pencak Silat so effective. It is apparent that Pencak Silat Pertempuran is a very efficient and well-conceived martial art.

This is a book I have read several times. Since this is to be the first volume of a series, my only regret is that the second volume is not yet published and I have to wait to see the next book.

The author gives a great introduction to the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran. Well written and reader friendly, this first volume will give the reader a better understanding of what Pencak Silat is about. This first volume covers everything from Silat strikes, to evasions, to entries all of which are fully illustrated. I anxiously await the second volume.

Guru Stark presents the basis of his system concisely. I am notoriously a hands on person and would much rather train than read as a lot can be missed when not felt. That being said, Guru Stark touches the main points by building upon and with each other so as to convey the necessary information logically.
I highly recommend attending a seminar with Guru Stark or his annual gathering, Keluarga. See his website, [...] for locations for upcoming events.

I really liked the contents of the book, as well as Guro Stark's presentation of the art he obviously loves from the bottom of his heart. Also, if I may add, he seems to be really nice and friendly person, judging from my brief correspondence with him. Still ,the book received only four stars, because I find the quality of the photos truly unsatsfactory in comparison with the overall quality of the book.

Still, to my understanding, Gure Stark has finished the preparation of the material for the second book, in which I hope this shortcoming will be avoided. That said, I can hardly wait for it to be published.