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Movement, Resilience, and Hope: How One Silat Student Reclaimed His Life

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Movement, Resilience, and Hope: How One Silat Student Reclaimed His Life” Sometimes life throws us challenges that feel insurmountable. For one of our Silat students, whose life circumstances had dealt a deep toll on his health, his spirit, and his well-being, he said: "[life].... almost killed me too. I was not in good shape." Fast forward to today: 30 pounds lost (from 190 to 160 lbs). Blood pressure lowered. Cholesterol reversed. Resting heart rate and blood work? Perfect. The journey was not about chasing perfection or quick fixes. It was about small, consistent actions: Movement that feels meaningful : “Find something you enjoy, like martial arts, dancing, or walking. Just move your body.” Silat became a cornerstone for him—helping rebuild his strength, balance, and confidence. Mindful eating : More veggies, and water. Less salt and caffeine. Small habits like walking after meals made a huge difference. Restful sleep and stress management : “Breathing exercises and med...

Top Questions About Sikap Pasang, Answered

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Curious about Sikap Pasang, the foundational stance of Silat? Sikap Pasang , also known as the Pasang stance, goes beyond mere physical posture to embody a state of readiness in both body and mind.  Understanding Sikap Pasang Q: What is Sikap Pasang, and why is it important in Silat? A: Sikap Pasang, also known as the Pasang stance, is more than just a position in Silat; it’s a practice in readiness that connects the body and mind.  It serves as a “ready stance” that practitioners can rely on, grounding them in balance, focus, and mindfulness. Sikap Pasang carries significance beyond physical posture; it represents an intentional alignment of mind and body, signaling that one is present, aware, and fully prepared to engage in movement and technique. Q: How does Sikap Pasang represent readiness in both body and mind?  A: Sikap Pasang is a stance where both the body and mind come together in a state of relaxed readiness . Physically, it promotes stability and alertness, pre...

Finding Strength in the Flow: A Journey with Silat Buka Lingkaran

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Sometimes, life leads to unexpected paths, and discovering Silat Buka Lingkaran (SBL) can feel like one of those profound turns. SBL is more than just a form of training—it serves as a practice that cultivates strength, resilience, and clarity. In beginning with SBL, the search often lies in something that can expand skills, deepen understanding of movement, and challenge both the body and mind. Silat Buka Lingkaran does just that, offering a world of benefits beyond the expected: enhanced physical capability, sharper mental focus, and a renewed sense of purpose. The balance of solo practice within a group fosters personal growth in a supportive setting. Solo training encourages mindfulness, allowing the body to move with intention and the mind to find quiet focus. This shift is transformative, advancing growth on every level. Mindfulness and Conditioning through Solo Practice In Silat, the body finds a way to move that feels both unfamiliar and inherently natural. The low, grounded s...

Think You Can’t Practice Martial Arts? Here’s Why Silat Might Change Your Mind

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Many people hesitate to start martial arts due to concerns about age, physical limitations, or fitness levels. However, Silat, an ancient Southeast Asian martial art, offers a welcoming and adaptable approach suitable for individuals of all backgrounds.  Here's why Silat might be the perfect fit for you: 1. Physical Limitations? Silat Emphasizes Fluidity Over Force Unlike martial arts that rely on sheer strength or high-impact movements, Silat focuses on controlled, flowing techniques that adapt to your body's capabilities. This approach enhances flexibility, balance, and body awareness, helping you move confidently without overexertion. 2. Age Is Just a Number—Silat Welcomes Everyone Silat is inclusive, with no specific starting age. Our group session ranges from ages 12-70! Its adaptable nature challenges you at your current fitness level, making it beneficial at any stage of life. Many practitioners find that Silat helps them maintain strength and flexibility as they age, s...

3 Surprising Benefits of This Ancient Martial Art for Modern Life

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Silat is an ancient martial art from Southeast Asia. It has been practiced for hundreds of years and is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural treasure . Silat isn’t just about learning self-defense; it’s a full-body practice that builds strength, focus, and calm.  Here’s why I, along with many others, believe it’s worth doing: 1. Build Everyday Strength [1] Silat builds strength that helps in daily life. Rather than working on one muscle at a time, it teaches your body to move as a whole. This type of strength helps with regular activities, from lifting your kids to sitting properly at a desk for hours. Many of us who practice Silat find that we’re more balanced and less prone to injury. In fact, studies show that martial arts like Silat can also help protect joints and improve flexibility.  2. Find Calm and Focus Silat encourages you to stay present in each movement. This makes it a powerful way to reduce stress and increase focus . Research supports what many of us experience—t...

The value of impact training and conditioning

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The Value of Impact Training in Silat One of the most important lessons in Silat or any martial art training is the value of impact conditioning. It’s not just about learning to deliver strikes, but about preparing your body—and your mind—to take a hit. The pain and sting from bone-on-bone contact, like forearms clashing, can be enough to distract anyone, but that’s exactly where conditioning comes in. It teaches you to endure, to stay calm, and to keep moving forward. Forearm conditioning is particularly vital. With time and practice, the sting fades, and the focus sharpens. That’s the key—it’s not just about toughening up your body, it’s about training your mind to push through discomfort. In moments of real conflict, a conditioned forearm and mind could mean the difference between hesitation and quick action. Bruises come and go I recently had a training experience that again drove this home. I took a controlled hit to the side of my ribs, and it felt like the energy bounced around...

Reflecting on Two Empowering Women's Self-Defense Workshops during the International Women's Week (2024)

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This week, BloomIndoSilat hosted two self-defense workshops for women in Bloomington, led by myself. A celebration of strength, resilience, and empowerment! 💪 In honor of International Women's Day, we dove into practical techniques, embraced personal safety, and stood tall in our collective power. 🌟 To all the women who joined us, thank you for your courage and determination. Your commitment to self-empowerment inspires us all. As we reflect, let's carry these lessons forward and continue supporting one another. 💖👊 Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to the power of coming together to make a difference! 🌟✨ Also check out my interview by IUSTV on the topic of self-defense. #Empowerment #SelfDefense #Strength #Resilience #Community #InternationalWomensDay