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Gibran said, “the mountain, to the climber, is clearer from the plain.” As I ruminate upon the event, my heart is overwhelmed with the love I witnessed among those who made the arduous journey to the New Mexico wilderness to partake in the Gathering.
Oft I say that the best defense is a big smile ~ and Bill Chang often told me that it impressed him that I always laughed when fighting. That attitude prevailed amongst the KTS Practitioners as they battered each other and compared and “claimed” huge lumps and bruises and lamented a lack of dit a jow whilst enjoying a beer or so afterward on ThunderRock.
I am truly humbled to see the skill, tenacity and proficiency of our Senior Teachers. In my forty some odd years in martial arts I cannot recall a more erudite martial gathering. I realize that most all those who join the KunTao Silat Family have “been-around-the-block” ~ but I have known many other master martial artists in my life and few compare with this group. Not just skill in combat, but it is the skill in teaching that truly impresses me. I oft implore The Creator to enlighten me how and why these sterling martial masters call me “teacher.”
Most folks know that I never wanted to be a teacher, especially of martial arts and I certainly never deliberately set out to create my own system and most certainly never entertained the thought of spreading it about the Earth. . . but as a salesman, photographer, videographer, publisher I did have those aspirations for the de Thouars Brothers and helped as best I could ~ under the dire conditions some might explain became my life story.
Yet, here I am and I feel sometimes like an aberrant donkey being led down a road I don’t care to travel. “Blessed are the PeaceMakers, for they shall be called the sons of YHVH.” This has long been my desire, especially after discovering that Melchizedek means the King of Peace and that the Changing of the Ages is close upon us.
So when I see Peace, Love and Kindness manifest in a group of fighting men it makes me pause to consider that perhaps my long-held desire is truly manifesting in my life. Yes, it is true that I go forth quite well-armed. . . but the smile is still my shield and Peace my purpose.
Thank all of you who shared my dream and contributed to my comfort and well-being. You are truly the Family that has eluded me for 70 years and I love you all.
May YHVH richly bless, enlighten and protect you all, in YahSheua’s Great Name,
Steve -
Yes, I sent it to jon@kuntaosilat.com
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I heard Sigung Joe was passing through sometime soon. Any details yet?
Joe and Jeff teach at the First Annual American KunTao Silat Gathering from KunTao Silat on Vimeo.
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Absolutely Don! That’s how I started when I was driving for a living in the 1970s. Got it from the Charles Atlas Dynamic Tension program from back in the dark ages. The concept evolved for me as I continued to drive and ride bikes for long distances and perceived a need for constant exercise and breathing.
But here’s one of the most useful versions of Constant Training I’ve yet seen:
Constant Training – Work Station Workout demonstrates the application of KunTao Silat training in virtually any profession people engage in.
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No longer a dormant thread! Guru Muda Jonathan Pyndus {jon@kuntaosilat.com} has stock on-hand now!
Here’s the new thread: https://kuntaosilat.com/forums/topic/dit-da-jow/ -
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Yes! There is a choice of Ling Sing Toy or Taung Lung to advance to Level Seven, which is the material I mentioned above. In your case, however, since you joined before this level of “External/Internal” “Taoist/Shaolin” was added ~ it is optional for you. When you complete this next level you will be Guru Muda. That was the deal we made when you started. Yet, I’m also certain that you will train, study and perfect “Willem’s External/Internal Taoist/Shaolin” and pass it along to future generations of KunTao Silat Practitioners as honor to Willem de Thouars’ contributions to the martial arts community.
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The “new” Level Seven in Malabar is the External Shaolin consisting of the I Shing Po, the Tai Keah and the Po Qua Zen forms which were originally reserved for gurus. I think this addition completes the Malabar System as Willem de Thouars gave to me as my own system. It has always been my goal to teach Willem’s art as he wanted it taught ~ so here are three forms that only Willem is performing. There are variants, of course, but you are welcome to include them all in your performance of these forms. . . or to choose the version you prefer.
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This is a great video to introduce KunTao Silat Estevan. It seems that you have developed a speech impediment ~ I could only understand a few of the words you spoke. However, your command of KunTao Silat basics is visually obvious. You are a great representative and I’m really proud to see your rapid growth in strength, power & finesse that will make you a superb teacher.
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I have discovered that it is cost prohibitive to ship single items internationally. That is why I always include extra free products. In this case Estevan may want to up the quantity to mitigate the per item shipping costs. . . I sure would. As a matter of fact, I wanted two bottles for my first order . . . for the same reason. The Postal Circus is NOT our friend.
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Every KTS practitioner within driving distance should make it a critical point to attend this event. Anyone who wants to attend and needs a ride or has a ride and needs some friends, please let me know and I’ll try to get folks connected.
The video training program is designed to prepare practitioners for the application phase, found in seminars and workshoppes like this where Sigung Joe can share things that cannot be learned from video.
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OK. . . here goes:
Level One ~ the most difficult by some accounts
WarmUp
TriAngle Hand & Leg Sets
Lankas Nol {for Malabar}
Applications for teacher certificationLevel Two through Six:
Level Specific form for practitioner / applications for teacherWhat have I missed? Oh yeah. . . the KunTao Silat Testing Group ~ where all the latest info on testing is to be found.
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I believe the form had only two Iron Broomstick sweeps in its original version. Chuck and Dave’s version was for demonstration, so it was embellished a bit for the audience IMHO. Marcelo must have keyed in on that version for his own practice.
Out of the descending elbow’s full turn the broomstick comes in the same direction that you were moving when the turn was initiated and completed. You would still be heading North-East if I understand the question.
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The very fact that the Inner Circle KTS Greeting precedes this form indicates that it is a kuntao/silat hybrid. . . as is Satu. It also introduces the kuntao Iron BroomStick sweeps, which you will see later in Ling Sing Toy. It was understood amongst our Pai in the early days that the handwork was Satu & Dua with some double punches and you will see Willem confirm that in the video above.
From the first descending elbow into the pretzel position to the end of the form Marcelo, Chuck and Dave and Ted follow close to the the same choreography, Ted’s is easier to see the 9 ~ 11 ~ 12 o’clock landings and return to the middle for the next turning descending elbows and leaping out before moving in again.
The handwork consistently falls into twos and fours for testing and performance and eight for class.
It’s good to see you GentleMen working so diligently to get this form down correctly!!!
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The public offering for Level Four American is: https://kuntaosilat.com/learn-kuntaosilat/american-kuntao-silat/level-four-akts/
The private course material is at: https://kuntaosilat.com/lesson/american-kuntao-silat-level-four/
Let’s work on this issue and get some clarification.
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This is an excellent example of what I had hoped would develop through the PracticeLeader Program. In spite of the fact that my organization of the video learning programs and testing procedures leaves a lot to the imagination, Rick wants to be very precise in his personal teaching ~ so he asks questions.
Christopher, who has recently progressed through the first levels has set forth, from personal experience, what the basics of the first level is about and then some. Christopher attended the AKTS Family Gathering, so observed the testing process in real time with several folks at different levels. Not everyone has that opportunity. Through this communication media, he has assisted a fellow KTS guru-in-the-making help crystalize the program as so many have requested.
I will be very interested in your script when it is first constructed Rick. If you would; please publish it in this thread.
Christopher also identifies one of several topics that can bear some discussion, like the Serak Djurus. Let’s consider some of these topics as well.
For testing, I like to see applications from Level One on. With progression, I like to see variations on applications appropriate for the forms of each level. Kembaggan is also very important to me because of what can be seen with the practitioner’s progression through the program. The WarmUp is one of the KTS standards that should be a part of every class, so it should also be included in at least one test so that I can see that all the PracticeLeaders have that solid.
Christopher is spot on with the Vimeo Testing Group being the best current information. I get a better idea with each test what the common difficulties of mastering KunTao Silat are. By sharing each other’s testing critiques, members have important specific information available before testing so that each generation of KunTao Silat teachers have a clearer path to widen with their understanding. I have recorded many answers to common questions and corrections in those critique videos.
I also have great expectations for the Learning Management System as a means of providing up-to-date information to everyone immediately.
Keep up the fine work, and thank you for your efforts.
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This page in the KunTao Silat Guru website appears to have two different versions of Ling Sing Toy ~ perhaps it will answer your question. http://kuntaosilat.guru/GCC/LingSingToy.htm
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No form, but the stance and kicking style is embedded in the Malabar LegSet WarmUp.
You haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience the “gunting” inherent in our StickingHands, but that IS Eagle in application, and it hurts plenty.
The ‘travel’ you see in the Inner Circle Greeting is the Eagle.
But since it is my logo and I’m apologetically American, I placed our American symbol atop the Chinese/Indonesian symbols signifying the ‘animal’ elements and the internal Chinese symbols of the four Earth elements.
Then, of course, since the Eagle is capable of striking from the greatest distance ~ the Eagle honours the American contribution of the personal firearm to the martial arts world.
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Message: Greetings Kuntao Silat Players, I am interested in the distance program and am curious as to weather or not there are any other Kuntao players in the Michigan area ( I currently reside in Michigan). I have been studying martial arts for a little while now. First starting in Shaolin Long Fist, Chen tai chi, and now a indo-Chinese variation of Bagua. I am pursuing the Bagua system with the intent of eventually teaching the system and would love to have a complimentary system to teach alongside. I have a passion for martial arts and would love to at least start a conversation about my intent to see if this system would be a good fit and to get a brief introduction as to who Steve is and what he values out of students/ teaching.
Thanks for your time and consideration
-TylerThis question came in from the Contact Us page, but I think Tyler really wants to hear from people who are studying KunTao Silat so I’ve posted it here.
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KunTao Silat Blades from KunTao Silat on Vimeo.
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One of my favourites: Luke 22: 36-38
He answered them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag; and he that has no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, that which was written must be completed in Me: That He was also ranked among the outlaws {Isa. 53:12-13} for indeed what has been written about Me will have fulfillment.”“Master, see!” said they, “there are two swords here.”
“That will do,” was His replyAnd my favorite: Psalms 144: 1-2
Bless YHVH my Rock,
Who taught my hands to fight,
And my fingers to war!
My hope, and my fortress,
My high hill of retreat;
My shield that I trust,
Who to me brought my Tribe!
{From the Ferrar-Fenton Bible} -
Sigung Aric is producing some training knives based upon my original “World’s Fastest Knife” for the Seminar in New Mexico coming up May 21 & 22. Those planning to attend should secure their personal training knives because there will be a lot of focus on knife training.
You can contact Aric directly at sigungaric and kuntaosilat dot com
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Howdy John,
They are there. When you see a link like the above it was copied, so you can be sure it is there.
However, if you are not logged in you will not be able to see it. Many of the pages and posts on KunTao Silat dot com are not available to the public, only to members. These pages are part of the OnLine Learning Management System and they are marked to ‘preview’ for the public, but maybe the software is lying. . . or I don’t have it configured properly.Just log in first, then click the link and let me know how it goes.
Have a blessed & inspired day,
Steve -
May 21 & 22 2016 in New Mexico
https://kuntaosilat.com/forums/forum/general-category/seminars/ -
Hello John,
The on-line Learning Management System is reserved for subscription members, but Level One can be viewed without joining the program and it will give you a good idea of what comprises the beginning of the journey through American KunTao Silat as well as Malabar.
Here’s the links:
American: https://kuntaosilat.com/lesson/american-kuntao-silat-level-one/
Malabar: https://kuntaosilat.com/lesson/malabar-level-one/ -
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Howdy to All,
We’re getting close to the vision I had when beginning the official Distance Learning Program back in the 1980s. The first hurdle was to codify the forms, which was no simple matter for more reasons than I care to enumerate.I guess I’m not going to get into the hurdles, but rather concentrate on the opportunities that a program like this presents.
First of all, you have hundreds of hours of KunTao Silat video at your command, right in this module.
Then you have the bloody pulpit from whence to ask questions supported by a video repartee right in the Blog and on the KTS Forum as well, not to mention from within your own personal Course module. You can quote timeline numbers or make clips to upload to illustrate your question, comment or epiphany and open it to discussion, or keep it between you and I. . . your choice.
I don’t know what all the possibilities are yet, so let’s investigate together!
Happy Thoughts,
Steve Gartin -
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The first method we show is the silat method, where although there is not as much power generated in the turning motion, the turning motion itself becomes the energy for the throw while the interaction of your legs moving against your opponent’s creates the displante. The hitting power then combines with the energy of the throw to dispatch the adversary.
The waist turning you will see later in the first part of the Chang style introduction, which is kuntao. You’ll notice that the forearms and elbows provide the major hitting mechanisms because of our penchant for close quarters ~ even in the kuntao.
So, because our art is a synergism of two unique, but complementary, methodologies KTS practitioners learn both methods ~ beginning with the silat because it is simpler to understand and apply and evolving into the kuntao because it takes longer to feel and develop the internal mechanics that gives the KTS practitioner another set of combat tools to develop.
At some point along the way both methods will meld together in application so that a KTS practitioner then has myriad options when dealing with combat situations.
Nice work GentleMen! Thanks for bringing this topic up.
Steve -
Welcome to the KunTao Silat Family Fabrice!
It’s interesting that Randall was one of the five people who decided what would be in the original curriculum for the Kun Lun Pai, which is what I eventually called Malabar because that was the name given to my personal system from Willem. I had the good fortune of living and training with Randall for many years, so I suspect you’ve gained some skill from your association with him.
Yes, we have continued the evolution of the organization of the video learning system. And we have branched off in the American system with internal kuntao principles Bill Chang shared with me, so you probably have a very good foundational understanding of KunTao Silat’s two branches.
You will find a strong core of dedicated KunTao Silat practitioners here who are willing to share their hard-won knowledge with their martial Brethren.
May your day be blessed & inspired,
Steve -
I’ve gone back and forth about this issue for years. Serak is a great martial art, and for some people it is ideal.
Malabar KTS is based upon the teachings of Willem de Thouars, so it would seem most appropriate to include Serak somewhere in Malabar. Paul & Victor de Thouars claim that Serak is completely Indonesian with no influence from kuntao, so the one form in the Malabar program that is uniquely silat is Lankas Dua. Adding the Eighteen djurus at Level Three might benefit the practitioner with additional tools, compatible in attitude and complementary in application.
So, for the time being the 18 Djurus and a lot of information on Serak will be available, especially to the Inner Circle Members, and it can certainly be presented for test evaluation in either Malabar or American KTS . . . but it is not required, yet, in either.
There has been a lot of changes in the program over the decades and some out-dated information still remains on line, so as we endeavour to rectify that situation we will keep current information on the programs here on the KTS Forum. Perhaps I’ll start a new topic on the subject.
Happy training,
Steve -
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The plan is to spend a couple of days training and considering the primary principles of KunTao Silat’s combat applications.
It will be critical for those who choose to attend to have a solid foundation in the KTS basics.
PracticeLeaders are encouraged to attend, but also those who want to certify as Teachers because applications are required and training partners will be available for testing as well as the primary agenda. . . which is applications. :-)>
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