Silat influence

[Shaun]

Where does the Silat influence in Albo Kali Silat originate?

[gagimilo]

Man, I was thinking about posting the same question...

[KaliGman]

Apohan Tuhan Hasting Albo studied Silat, in various forms, in Hawaii. When learning the family Kali from his grandfather, he realized that his grandfather's Kali, which sometimes utilized low stances and quite a bit of reverse grip knife work, in some instances looked quite a bit like Silat. He incorporated some of the Silat that he studied into the family system, because it seemed to fit and expand on the basic concepts learned from his grandfather.

From what I have seen while examining and studying various arts over several years, it seems to me that, looking at the "pure" Albo Kali, as exemplified by the dances taught to Apohan Tuhan Albo, there is a lot in the family system that seems to be influenced by Chinese and Indonesian arts. Low stances, leg destructions, reverse grip knife against targets low on the body, takedowns, etc. and the system of movement and concepts exhibited when conducting the above techniques all seem to have an Indonesian flavor. Some of the circular movements, some of the triangular stances, trapping, breaks, kicks, balance disruptions, etc. seem related in concept and execution to some Chinese systems.

The main "donor" for the Silat concepts and techniques added by Apohan Tuhan Albo to the family system in order to "flesh out" his grandfather's Kali is a Vietnamese system, Mui Lau Silat. I had never heard of Vietnamese Silat prior to working with Apohan Tuhan Albo. I have no idea how the system should be spelled (and am guessing--any Vietnamese speakers here may be able to help me out), but it is pronounced similar to Moo-E-Lau (with the "Lau" pronounced similar to the "low" in "allow.") This system employs a lot of low level work, but emphasizes going back and forth between high and low levels depending on what target is open. For instance, a high stance can drop to a low sitting posture to attack a knee with an elbow strike, then explode upward with a flying knee to an opponent's head. Some of the forms and drills that I know from this system are pretty physically demanding (particularly in stamina and flexibility--especially when you first begin to learn and are "tight.") Mui Lau bears a resemblance to the Tiger forms of Silat. According to Apohan Tuhan Albo, the head of this system lived for several years on the Big Island of Hawaii, then moved with his son back to Vietnam. Apohan Tuhan Albo studied this art in Hawaii, along with some Indonesian styles, and put "blocks" of the concepts and techniques into the family system.

From my perspective, there are only so many ways for a human body to move, only so many ways to conduct combat. Some of these have been worked out independently by various arts, some arts have influenced other combative arts. I am concerned, primarily, with what will work in combat. I am not sure whether the Albo family Kali developed "on its own" or was influenced by other arts. If I had to bet, I would say that it was influenced by Chinese, Indonesian, and other arts. As for the modern addition of Silat concepts and techniques, everything seems to fit together in the art just fine. I have been observed by Kali students and asked what form of Kali I am doing. I have been observed by Silat students and asked what form of Silat I am doing. I take that as a compliment, as I have great respect for both systems.

[gagimilo]

Very nice answer sir, thanx for sharing that information with us!

[PG Michael B]

I agree KaliGman..movement is movement. I get the same questions in regards to BaHad ZuBu...much of the empty hand work has the Silat/ Kuntao feel and look..but to me it is just movement...kudos bro..keep on keeping on!

PG Mike B
BaHad ZuBu
Western HQ
SATX