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Asymmetry in Our Bodies and Lives

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Have you ever paused to notice how your body feels after a long day? Perhaps one side is tighter, one shoulder sits higher, or you favor one leg over the other. These subtle imbalances are a part of our nature. We are asymmetrical beings, shaped by genetics, habits, and life’s experiences. Yet, within us lies an innate drive to achieve symmetry—a state of balance and harmony that reflects not just physical alignment but also mental and emotional well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how embracing our asymmetry can lead to growth, both on and off the mat, and why the journey toward symmetry is a cornerstone of Silat practice and life itself. The Beauty of Asymmetry: Asymmetry is not a flaw; it’s a story. It tells us about how we’ve moved, adapted, and survived. Our dominant hand, the tilt of our posture, or even our preferences in movement are reflections of who we are. Recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful growth. In Silat, this recognition becomes a powerful tool. The...
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10,000 hour vs Exploration

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 Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule , popularized in Outliers , argues that mastery of a skill requires approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. While it underscores the value of deep focus and effort, David Epstein's Range provides a nuanced counterpoint, suggesting that the path to mastery isn’t always a straight line.   Here's how these ideas can relate to training Silat—or mastering anything The 10,000-Hour Rule in Silat Training To master Silat, consistent, focused practice is essential. Gladwell’s rule implies that: Deliberate practice is critical: Success in Silat requires intentional repetition of techniques, refinement of movements, and correction of errors. Time matters: Accumulating hours of training develops the muscle memory and intuition needed for expertise. Specialization yields expertise: If your goal is to become a true Silat master—someone deeply skilled in the nuances of the art—spending focused time is non-negotiable. David Epstein’s Perspec...
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The Role of Finger Extension in Forearm Muscles: Conditioning, Combat, and Artistry

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An exploration of why it's beneficial to do finger extensions. Physiological Impact: Finger extension activates the extensor muscles in the forearm, including the extensor digitorum , extensor carpi radialis , and extensor carpi ulnaris . This action balances the typically dominant flexor muscles, enhancing muscle symmetry , strength , and endurance . Regular finger extension helps prevent imbalances, improving grip functionality and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. In Combat and Conditioning: Conditioning Purpose: Finger extension strengthens the extensors, which stabilizes the wrist and ensures more control during punches, grabs, or weapon handling. A balanced forearm increases power transfer and reduces fatigue during extended training sessions. Combat Advantage: In scenarios requiring quick transitions—such as grabbing an opponent or shifting grips on a weapon—finger extension supports precision and dexterity. It also trains control over the tension-release c...
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Rediscovering Your Inner Vision

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Silat offers a profound lesson: true awareness is not about what you see clearly but about what you sense in the spaces beyond. Silat, with its flowing movements and emphasis on awareness, is a perfect practice for training peripheral vision and heightened sensitivity. It teaches you to engage not just with what’s directly in front of you but with the environment around you, relying on intuition and your body’s natural ability to sense motion and energy. The Power of Peripheral Awareness When practicing Silat, my body and mind are in constant communication.  Defocused Vision : Letting go of sharp focus to expand your field of view. This allows you to react instinctively to movement, even from your blind spots. Engaging Rod Cells : In low-light or candlelit practice, your rod cells (responsible for peripheral and motion detection) become your greatest allies. This enhances your ability to sense subtle changes in your environment. Flow State Training : Silat’s emphasis on fluidity an...
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Silat: The Martial Art That Makes You a True Generalist

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In Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World , David Epstein champions the value of broad learning over narrow specialization.  Book here.  The thesis of David Epstein’s book is that breadth of experience and interdisciplinary thinking are often more valuable than early specialization, especially in complex, uncertain, or rapidly changing environments. Epstein argues that the traditional belief in early specialization as the key to success is overstated and that developing a broad range of skills and experiences enables people to adapt, solve novel problems, and excel in unpredictable domains. He supports this argument by comparing two paths to success: the "Tiger" approach (early specialization, like Tiger Woods in golf) and the "Roger" approach (delayed specialization, like Roger Federer in tennis, who sampled many sports first). Epstein shows that generalists tend to be better at creative problem-solving, transferring knowledge across domains, and a...
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The Silat Advantage Against Keroyok.

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Do you train to handle a single opponent or many? Silat prepares you for the chaos of keroyok —a coordinated attack by multiple people. How? Silat’s secret lies in its logic of movement . Every step and rotation is designed with awareness of the whole terrain. The trunk rotation creates power without overcommitting, allowing you to change directions accordinly. Heightened awareness keeps you in control, reading the attackers before they reach you. This is about thinking three moves ahead, staying calm in chaos, finding a body as a shield against the others and turning overwhelming odds into opportunities.  A vital skill for life, not just self-defense. Are you ready to train your body and mind to move with purpose? 
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Kuntao (拳 Kun 道 Toh) = Silat ? A hidden treasure of Sumatran martial art

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My late Chinese grandfather who emigrated from Chaoshan  潮汕 to North Sumatra was a kuntao practitioner.  Among the martial arts of Indonesia, Kuntao stands as a captivating fusion of cultures, history, and combat expertise. Its name may be rooted in the Medanese Hokkien Chinese term 拳 Kun 道 Toh , or “Way of the Fist.” Brought to Sumatra centuries ago by Chinese migrants, Kuntao evolved into something distinctly Indonesian, blending Chinese martial philosophy with the adaptive bela diri (self-defense) of the local fighting traditions. But what makes Kuntao truly fascinating is how it differs from Minangkabau Silat, the hallmark of West Sumatra’s indigenous Minangkabau culture. Where Kuntao speaks of directness, power, and upright stances, Minangkabau Silat focuses on fluidity, low stances, and movements inspired by the natural world.  Here's a quick showcase of Kuntao  pukulan (series of hits and elbows).  A Tale of Two Traditions Kuntao: Kuntao’s C...
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