The Malay Art of Self-Defense: Silat Seni Gayong [Paperback]

Sheikh Shamsuddin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2005

Silat Seni Gayong is an art of self-defense, a fighting art but one that also emphasizes the development of the self, becoming a better person, and serving humanity. Sometimes compared to a tiger ready to devour its prey, Gayong helps practitioners develop and increase physical fitness, flexibility, mental conditioning, and self-confidence. Author Sheikh Shamsuddin, who has studied Gayong for 25 years, introduces this little-known practice to Western readers in this first book on the subject in English. The most comprehensive study in any language on Gayong and its customs, The Malay Art of Self-Defense explores in depth the system, techniques, crucial elements, and philosophies involved. Also covered are the art’s history, profiles of the most notable practitioners, and an informative Q&A collected from various martial art practitioners to expand readers’ knowledge and appreciation. Included are photos of Gayong demonstrations, traditional training centers, customs, and events.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Guru Sheikh Shamsuddin helps the art of silat flourish. His pace precisely exhibits the legendary slogan ‘No Malay shall perish from this earth.’ Congratulations to Guru Shamsuiddin – he is definitely not an amateur, he is Tok Guru."
-Azlan Ghanie, director and owner of Seni Beladiri magazine, Malaysia, and founder/chief instructor of silat melayu keris lok-9

"I consider Shamsuddin one of the great pioneers of pentjak silat gayong in the United States. He has increased the popularity of the silat gayong practice and always upholds the grace, traditions, and honor of the art."
-Bapak Willem de Thouars, chief instructor of kuntao silat, Denver, Colorado

About the Author

Sheikh Shamsuddin (his full Malaysian name is Sheikh Shamsuddin bin Tan Sri Dato Sheikh Muhammad Salim), also known as Sam, is a Malaysian native who first learned gayong in Malayshia in early 1973. He is ranked pelangi hitam harimau cula sakti (fifth degree black belt) in the Gayong Malaysia hierarchy and carries the title ketua khalifah (chief of caliph). Shamsuiddin started teaching gayong in Malaysia, and has taught the practice to many local high schools, colleges, and private training centers in Kuala Lumpur. He has also studied other martial arts such as the Korean martial art hapkido and the Japanese art aikido, and has worked in martial arts disciplines such as kosho ryu kempo and kuntao silat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (July 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556435622
• ISBN-13: 978-1556435621
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #488,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best!, September 6, 2005

By 

M. Slane - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Malay Art of Self-Defense: Silat Seni Gayong (Paperback)

It's about time someone wrote a comprehensive book on this subject. If you're interested in both the history and how-to of silat or even simply self defense, then you need to buy this book. Wonderfully written, with a unique look into the culture of Malaysia and the history of silat. Insightful imagery and explanations of many techniques further clarify this instructional work of art.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great addition to world of malay silat!, September 22, 2005

By 

Joel A. Champ (IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Malay Art of Self-Defense: Silat Seni Gayong (Paperback)

this book covers an incredible overview of Malay Silat with an emphasis on Silat Seni Gayong in particular. The techniques shown are a perfect start to anyone interested in this art that is rare in the western world. The author translates the real aspects of Malay Silat and the raw essence that makes it well known throughout southeast asia as one of the deadliest forms of combat and intricate forms of art and spiritual culture. a BIG congradulations to Cikgu Shamsuddin Salim for his contribution to the propogation of Silat Seni Gayong around the world as envisioned by the late Mahaguru Dato Meor Abdul Rahman.
This is REAL Silat with additional works on culture,and traditions that make for a well rounded knowledge rarely shared in the west.
thank you for this work!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New look at an old art, December 30, 2005

By 

Chi An Fu "secret warrior" (Prescott, Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Malay Art of Self-Defense: Silat Seni Gayong (Paperback)

reading this work it is immediately obvious that the writer is not only well versed in the martial art of Seni Gayong Silat- but that he has the capasity to produce a well written and concise book explaining the history, technical application, and philosophy of his art. I am impressed with the depth the author goes to in giving the reader a look into this Malaysian cultural art form, and system of combat. Though not as well known as some of the other more publicised martial arts, Seni Gayong Silat as shown by this book, is as rich and as profound as any of the more popular forms of Asian combat. Thank you for this great book!