Do you consider Kuntao Silat technique based or principle based?

[Sihing73]

Hello,While the answer may seem obvious to some, I was curious as to whether or not the majority of people training considered this art to be principle or technique based. I mean, can one learn the art simply by mimicking the movements demonstrated? In today's world of readily available DVDs and other media for those not fortunate enough to live close to an instructor, can one really learn from watching others perform and copying the movements? Or, does one need to understand the concepts and principles behind the movements?In traditional Chinese Martial Arts there are plenty of storied of those learning by spying on or watching the practice of others. In Wing Chun this is also true in particular of Wah the Money Changer who spied on Leung Jan teaching his two sons. I have always though that it was the understanding of the energy involved in each movement or technique which was more important than the specific shape. However, without the proper shape can the proper energy be applied? Just thought I would see what others thought. Peace,Dave

[Tim Nichols]

Dave, I'm not sure KTS yields to the principles-or-techniques way of mapping the territory.

[Sihing73]

Hello Tim,Thanks for the reply, I admit to being unfamiliar with several of the "signature" techniques as well as the principles your reference. I guess I will have a lot to learn. Looking forward to it!!!!Maybe I am missing something but it seems that AKTS would be a conceptual art based on principles and how they are applied within the system. Without being difficult, could you explain a different approach rather than principleconceptual or technique based. It may be me, but I am having difficulty understanding an approach which does not fall into one of these two catagories. Just trying to digest some things before I get a chance to actually start training, hopefully this coming weekend will be my first time.

[Derric]

A couple things on this topic if I may.

[Tim Nichols]

Guru Derric, I stand corrected; thank you.

[Andrew]

This is probably a dead topic and a lot of this has been addressed but i thought i would share some of my own perspective in hopes it might help anyone who happens to come across this topic.I know when i first started this was a really hard concept for me to understand and most of all accept.I recall Willem saying "Silat is a warrior art.. there are no standards to battle."These arts are principle and concept based NOT technique based. So everything is based on learning methods of movement and how to make use of it in combat. This is what Djurus and Langkahs are for, they are made to ingrain these combative movements into your Nervous System. These movements can be applied in seemingly endless variations with different applications depending on the situation, body structure of your opponent ect. Will everyone perform these movements and apply them the same way ? No because we all have unique physical structures given to us by the creator. There cant be a standard technique for all people because everyone is different.Once your djurus are second nature and you understand the applications & principles contained within the movements you can start applying them in different variations with different results.. there are endless amounts of "techniques" that can be drawn from the Djurus and forms.When i first started in Kuntao Silat I really struggled with this concept, and overlooked the Djurus.. I wanted to just get straight to the good stuff and do some awesome techniques. What a foolish move that was, because all the good stuff comes from the Djurus and Forms.. practice them hard !

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