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Basic Internal Art Principles

Here is an excellent article on some very basic principles of the internal arts, yes all of the internal arts, that must be instinctive when used, from a blog entitled "The Way of Least Resistance."  The article's title is The Way Internal Arts Work: Part 1 and eloquently breaks down the usage of footwork coupled with momentum and mass to develop power.  Naturally, since the internal styles (e.g., taijiquan / tai chi chuan, baguazhang /  pa kua chang, hsing I chuan / xingyiquan, I chuan / yiquan, liuhobafa, etc.) each do this differently, it doesn't break each style down into specific detail; however, the article does provide a nice overview of those concepts for the three major internal styles as known in the West.  Each internal style also has its unique methods for relaxation and skeletal usage to employ its own power generation mechanics based upon the tactics and core theories of the style, but indeed it is physics and not magic.  Kuntao Silat relies heavily on the principles of internal martial arts especially at more advanced levels, but a trained eye can spot it even at the introductory levels.

Bapak Willem de Thouars Seminar in Niles, IL June 24, 2012

If you can't make it to the "Blood, Sweat and Steel" Seminar I'm putting on for Uncle in New Orleans on May 12  & 13, 2012, please attend the seminar my kuntao silat brother is putting on near Chicago on June 24, 2012.  Guru Joe Judt is hosting the seminar and Guru Kris Roberts will be assisting Uncle when he teaches.  I'm adjusting my schedule now to try and attend.  You can register at www.studiogaruda.com

Profile of Sigung / Guru Marcelo Rainero Video

Here is a video profile of one of Uncle's senior instructor's in Kuntao Silat de Thouars.  The video clearly shows the family style of training and friendship between the practitioner's while providing a glimpse of the potentially lethal techniques trained.  You'll also see some other familiar faces. A link to Marcelo's website can be found to the right of this page in links.

Guru / Tai Si Hing Philip Sailas at a Seminar 2010

Here you can see Uncle's most accomplished and longest practicing student, an amazing martial artist and person in every sense of the word, Philip Sailas.  This video shows a very casual bit of instruction during The Family Gathering 2010 Seminar for Kuntao Silat de Thouars.  Guru Sailas will be here for the Blood, Sweat and Steel Seminar in the New Orleans area May 12 & 13, 2012 demonstrating Monkey Kuntao, Kuntao Silat knife and Uncle's Pencak Silat Serak.  It will be so good to see them both.  It's been too long.

Fencing with the Sabre

Uncle speaks quite often about the integration of the fencing he learned while living in Europe.  Kuntao Silat de Thouars contains quite a bit of fencing in the footwork, lunges, and usage of the arms while entering.  Fencing is a simple system to learn, but takes a lifetime to master to any real degree...much like good Kuntao Silat.  The attached video demonstrates the fundamentals of sabre fencing.  It's the closest to a large knife you'll find in an officially sanctioned international sporting context.  Notice the timing required for even one pointed moves.

The Kuntao Silat Design Store is Now Open!

Be as water.  Kuntao Silat Designs including the Seminar Shirt for Uncle's arrival May 12 & 13, 2012.

The Kuntao Silat Design Shop for a shorter link.  Exclusive designs for Kuntao Silat you can't find anywhere else!  Proudly support your art.

Basic Sapu and Besset Drill with Guru Stevan Plinck

Video of a great basic exercise to assist with awareness, sensitivity, familiarity and mechanics in a relaxed manner with some langkah movements.

Pukulan Pentjak Silat with Guru Stevan Plinck

Here is video of some well instructed, very basic information regarding silat movement that is universal to the de Thouars silat arts.

Pencak Silat Five Experts

These short silat videos were sent to me asking some questions about our art.  Many of the same techniques are used in Kuntao Silat.  There is some difference due to the kuntao influence and the shen fa, or body movement/expression, is necessarily different causing some change in response and technique, but many are very similar.  It must be remembered that Kuntao Silat incorporates several different styles of silat and kuntao.  Each practitioner, once obtaining a solid foundation through many years of practice, eventually specializes in what suits their nature.