Customer Reviews

The Secret of Silat Tiger

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

 

 

I would just like to share my thought about this book. If the reader just looks at the book briefly and pay attention to the illustration, the reader can conclude it is a book geared towards children. If an adult reader reads and think more deeply about the writing, the true meaning of the book surfaces. The book is filled with philosophy that silat practitioners can trully appreciate. On one hand, If you are looking for illustrations on Silat techniques, this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for philisophy of Silat then I highly recommend this book.

Charming! Basic intro into principals of Silat using simple explanations of technique and mindset. The illustrations are attention grabing and not intimidating (to the reader), one wants to assume the various positions they describe! Although more simple than most, this book has a positive energy that is lacking in other 'how-to' manuals.

I am a practicioner of Silat and have read the previous review, would like to comment on the book and the earlier review. To truly understand silat one must first understand its concepts and the Indonesian way of thinking. This is not necessarily easy for the Western mind and although this book is written for kids as stated, nevertheless for those of us who are adult and practioners there is much useful information here. For example, page 0 states "To the Tiger in us all...". Indonesian martial art does not simply seek to imitate animal movement, perfection of movement means one has assumed the mental dispositon of the animal itself which when accomplished manifest in one's physical movement. The Indonesian approach to martial arts is fundamentally different from other systems in this respect. This statement therefore which seems on the surface a casual or childlike statement is actually one of profound substance for those who can decifer this hidden meaning. On page 2, "will-power and balance" are mentioned which are essential to Tiger movements. Page 4 speaks of "Kuda Kuda" which is akin to a front stance in silat and the picture of the Tiger includes the right hand foward in a Tiger's claw followed by the left. This posture is one of the fundemental fighting postures (sikap)for the Harimau (Tiger) style when one is standing versus other postures which are low to the ground. I could go on however, for those who can understand I believe I have made my point. For children of course it is great book in terms of its animation and in terms of introducing silat to a young audience. There are not many books available on silat and I personnally have found all information useful. For any who think they can learn silat from a book without a qualified instructor, THINK AGAIN!