When we describe pencak silat we talk a lot about “meta-movements,” “principals,” “the flower,” “the fruit,” and a lot of different ethereal ideas. Ideas that people outside of our circles, without our training, likely don’t relate to well.

Sometimes we even hide behind all of the language, uniforms, and flash rather than just working hard.

When I put Combat Silat together, I vowed to make it accessible to people. In pursuit of that, I want to break down some of the ethereal ideas. In particular, the idea of meta-movements.

Meta-movements, in the context of pencak silat, are simply defined as gross movements and positions. They are achieved with relatively particular relationships of the hands for purposes of definition and instruction.

With moderate changes at how we move into those particular relationships, the energy used, trajectory of the hand movements, or focus of the hands, we can employ defense, strategy, and even offense with these gross movements.

Leading from simply feigning weakness to parrying, takedowns, counter striking, and even locking. If we choose, we can change them further by putting a manual weapon in our hand—any kind of manual weapon.

In Combat Silat, the purpose of these positions is to give us a base of movements and hand relationships to begin our learning from. They are not meant to be 100% inclusive of everything possible, but they are meant to define the bulk of movements and relationships.

In Combat Silat there are seven such meta-movements that will get you through the bulk of the curriculum.

Enjoy,
Sean

4 Thoughts to “Meta-movements”

  1. Herb Gonzalez

    Is there a “Silat Training Facility” in or near Kissimmee, Florida 34743 ???
    If there is,can you possibly forward me the info ???

    1. Hey Herb

      I lived in st. Cloud for nearly 10 years but have since relocated. I do have an instructor in Orlando. LMK if you went his contact info.

      Sean

      1. Herb Gonzalez

        Please & Thank You.
        I would sincerely appreciate it if you would forward me the address of the facility.
        “Thanks” (@gain) !!!

  2. Herb Gonzalez

    Good Afternoon Sir,
    I am still interested in the Silat Schools here in Orlando & so are a couple of other folks.
    If you could forward me the schools address or the instructors info. It would be sincerely appreciated.
    “Thank You” (@gain) !!!

Leave a Comment

Enter Captcha Here : *

Reload Image

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.