Friday Blues of Nak Muay

with anok jate ambo yg sokmo2 curious...

Checking my stuffs in the store, I found my Muay Thai equipment. It has been years of not playing such "game". The last time I put in my gloves was in 2008 in France. That gloves doesn't suit me anymore seems I have been now heavier. My wife seems prefers I go back into the "industry" so I could get my previous form.  Being a principal, lecturer, busy with research publications, Silat, Capoeira, and perhaps getting back into regular training of Muay Thai, I think I will make my car as our second home, where my son will grow! ;) The thing is, it is always a good thing of practicing different martial art. It helps to move every inch part of our body. The different style concentrates on different moves. At the end, you will find that you are not only comfortable of locking and unlocking the opponent but also giving a right punch, knees, elbow, kicks and even the jumping and balancing the body.

CAPOEIRA SENZALA UMP

 Alhamdulillah, last night we had our first meeting and training of Capoeira at the studio, Kompleks Sukan of UMP Gambang. These motivated engineering students called me to give an assistance to set up a Capoeira club here in UMP. With Eddy, Chua, Didi, Izzat, Wiznan (I think I may get wrong in pronouncing your name), Epol and Hazwan, I am sure Capoeira will be one of the favorite martial art class in UMP in the next few months ahead.

The training started smoothly with the basic movements of Ginga for half and hour, then we move to Meia-lua de Frente, then Negativa and lastly the Au. Seems this is their first time of learning Capoeira, I did exactly right as I was in the first time learning Capoeira with Mestre Sorisso. Then we start training with partners of simple combos and finally we finish with the Roda.

 As one of the staff of the student affairs department and also the faculty, I do support of the activities like this. The students will acquire new experience, physical and mental works, and also all of the soft skills needed as the graduated engineers one day. Come and see us on this Tuesday at UMP Gambang for the "Malam Kelab dan Persatuan". ;). To Mestre Sorisso and Instructor Pixote, the moment is coming. ;)

SAFETY FIRST!

I am the "Guerrier"!!!! ;)

nice and smooth

Safety is the priority. That's the Safety point of view. But an intensive training of supermotivated young Gayong practitioner with a sharp weapon is not exactly with that principles. Eventhough we have the modern and tradition regulations to be respected so that we could avoid the unwanted incident or accident, but sometimes we tends to neglect some rules. Never mind Julien, it will be a very beautiful scar!!! ;) BIEN JOUE!!!! ;) Hope that you won't give up Gayong! he he he

Jalan2 ke Felda Kerteh

 Our training goes as usual and the students are coming back to the university. I make a friend with one of our staff here in UMP and he invited us to his family back to Felda Kerteh. He "paid" us a demo team of Silat and a Boksing Siam. "Segar-Segar Angin", it's good to be back in the 'family' again.

HP abes bateri. Gambor xder bnyak...

Thank you very much Pak Mam, Pak Ungga, Pak Yi and all of the Silat Gayong, Boksing Siam and Gendang team. InsyaAllah I'll have a stop at Gelanggang anytime we pass through when going back to Kelantan. 

Blues of the Beginning of Semester! ;)

Being a martial art practitioner, more or less, one would have wanted to learn the art in it's whole aspect. Silat Seni Gayong is not only a sport, or neither only a self-defense system, nor only a series of movements or Jurus, nor only a spiritual or army type secret group. It is ALL of it. It is a system that permits one defend himself, or his family against the assault. It is a system that create a man with a heart and mental of steel. It is the tradition, and adaptable with modern situation.

I am not saying that it's only Silat Seni Gayong who is complete in it's existence. But what is special about the art is that one will never finish learn the art. Years and years, and yet you are still practicing and learning a new stuff. We are blessed to have the senior Masters who are still able to share with the young practitioners like us. It is just a matter of intention, and motivation, whether we want more or not. Some would compare the art of Silat is like "eating something good". Too much is not good either. But the limit of this "too much" is variable and different to everyone of us, depending on our ability to carry it.

In looking for the science of engineering, for example, one had to sacrifice his time, his money and his energy, even ready to fly overseas and spending couple of years with continuous test and exams, only to get a certificate, a diploma, a degree, a master, or a doctorate in the field. Why one must force himself to strive on such a recognition??? It is due to the fact that with the "paper" of recognition, we will have a good life by being accepted in a very good job. If we could do a lot of effort in such a material and physical needs, why the need of our mind and heart, are always neglected? Body needs foods, Minds needs books (knowledge), and heart needs soul (spiritual).

The art of Silat Seni Gayong precisely, and Pencak Silat generally is precious, and is funnily being appreciated more to the non-Malaysian than the Malay people itself. Silat, once was a "clothes" of every Man and Woman, nowadays is being thrown away by some Melayu. The answers of some new University students would hurt your heart as one who loves to witness this art will remain on Tanah Melayu. "Do you practice Silat?". One replied; "Silat??? No no no, it is too dangerous for me". "Silat? Do you mean Wing Chun like Ip Man?", "No, Silat was practiced by the old old old folks. Not anymore". "Silat? I am not interested. Better playing futball then being hit".

If every Gurulatih, could improve his skills of teaching Silat Seni Gayong, and bring a good image of it, than we can bring back the art to be something that one young must learn at least once in his life. But once again, how could we improve our skills when we don't train, don't learn new things, don't go to see the old Masters, and don't admit that why people around us are not interested in Gayong is due to our own weakness. A "Hangat-Hangat Tahi Ayam" type of Gurulatih, who depends totally on a Hot issue to get involved in Gayong will only find a closed path in the future. As what we practice, the Istiqamah (continuity) is the most important, although it's a small effort.

Hope that God permits us to have the opportunity of practicing this art more and more. Hayyakoumoullah...

ANAK PERANCIS MENCARI GAYONG (11)

LE VOYAGE @ SELANGOR

At Master Mufti Ansari's house

Our last destination was Kuala Lumpur. Our Gayong France team will leave from KLIA in two days so we took the chance to visit some old masters in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Seems it is in the month of Ramadhan, not so many Masters are available that we could meet. Alhamdulillah, the gayong France team was finally arrived at Cikgu Mufti's house. Cikgu Mufti Ansari was the first master who introduced Silat Seni Gayong to France in he late 80's and beginning of 90's. 

When I came to France in 2002/2003, there was no more Silat Seni Gayong club anywhere, but the spirit of Silat Seni Gayong was still strong and ready to wake up. The destiny, alhamdulillah, make me have the chance of reviving Silat Seni Gayong back in France. The continuous effort of me and my right man Benjamin PONS, and also all of the Gayong France members,  make it possible to see how Gayong has been a tiger cub ready to grow up in France now. Our plan of coming to Malaysia has been planned for many years, but this is the first time an official training journey for us. In 2006 and 2007 I have brought students from France also, but none of them is still active in Gayong. I do hope after one month intensive training in Malaysia, Gayong France now will move forward step further with a strong team of Gurulatihs and Jurulatihs. 

For Cikgu Mufti, Kak Ji and Cikgu Wan Kancil, thank you for a warm welcome and good food. ;)

Salam Perpisahan

And then, we arrived at the moment of separation. Every encounter will absolutely finish by a separation. As their Cikgu, I finally let them go back to their place, even though it is hard see this. One month of eating, sleeping, training, travelling, joking, and even shopping together, and I do hope this entry will make all of the souvenir here in Malaysia will last forever. Insyaallah, I will wait for the second group coming to Malaysia.

Salam Perpisahan, Salam SeGayong, Salam Persaudaraan.

From Cikgu Hakim, Cikgu Anis and Aaisy Aryan with LOVE

ANAK PERANCIS MENCARI GAYONG (10)

LE VOYAGE @ PERAK

 The tomb of the late Cikgu Siti Kalsom binti Naning @ Meor Abdul Rahman

Our journey continued to Perak, the birthplace of the late founder and the Mahaguru, Dato' Meor Abdul Rahman bin Daeng Uda Mohd Hashim. We paid them, (Dato' Mahaguru, Datin and Cikgu Siti Kalsom)
a visit at the tomb for a respect and prayer from us.

 The house of Mahaguru

After that we went to visit Cikgu Sazali, the son of the founder. It was a very meaningful meeting with him. I am sure that the Anak Gayong France must have been very happy for moment.

 One of the Sundang Lipas of the Mahaguru

 A Keris of the Mahaguru

Some souvenir from Cikgu Sazali

Gambar kenang-kenangan

We took also the chance of being in Perak to pay a visit to the cave of Panglima Hitam, a cave where the great grand father of Mahaguru had done his meditation, and same as where the Mahaguru himself. It is believed that the cave was dug by using an axe. We were welcomed by Pak Man, a Gayong Master who are still active at Taiping. He bring us also to visit the Gelanggang of Gayong Warisan at the  top of the hill.

Pak Man told some history to us

 Gua Panglima Hitam

 Gelanggang Silat Seni Gayong milik PSSGWSM

 Tun Teja's Kerambit collection ;)

Our last destination in Perak is to visit Pak Ngah Izahar, one of a senior master in Perak. As usual, a visit to this old Master's house, we will never leave without a good "souvenir"! The training was accompanied by a good food prepared by Mak Ngah. The moment was really really really awesome, especially for me! ;) Thank you Pak Ngah for the Ilmu. InsyaAllah, next time we will spend more time with next French delegation! ;)

 With Pak Ngah Izahar

The fabrication of Sundang Lipas...The "RNGN" is in the making! ;) 

sajer letak gambar ni di sini. santapan mata hahahaha. (gambar tak berkait dengan lawatan ke Perak)

ANAK PERANCIS MENCARI GAYONG (9)

LE VOYAGE @ KELANTAN

 With Tok Ayah Sor

Our journey continued to my hometown at Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. For me, it is very important for the students to know my family and my background, as it is one of the criteria of sincerity. The Ramadhan started already and the training was continued despite the hot and dry environment. Other than training, we made some tourist thing: visiting, window shopping, shopping, eating, etc. I bring the team to visit Tuan Haji Mansor, as known as Tok Ayah Sor, who came to France on my invitation in 2005 to perform the Mandi Tapak for the first time in France. Tok Ayah Sor nowadays takes his rest for a while of his health and going better now.

 With Cikgu Nasir

After that, I bring them to shop some cheap imported Indonesian Keris at Kota Bharu. For those who doesn't have any experience in buying the Keris, will absolutely become the victim and pay a big price for a Keris of low quality. There are many range of quality of Keris. Some seller who cheat and sell "the story" of Keris, rather than it's quality. So I bring them to buy some cheap keris for the training. In the next day, I brig them to my Master, Cikgu Nasir, one of the expert of Keris in Malaysia. And that was the time that everyone "cried". Every each of keris and weapon in his house is in their finest quality. There are the cheapest Keris of hundred of Ringgit, but the quality is still superb, to the hundred thousands of quality of Keris designed for the Royal personality and high rank politician. It reminds me a lot to the Katana of my Master in France, which he bought from Japan. There are some Katana blacksmith in Japan who are restricted to sell their Katana outside Japan. Their finest Katana are all considered as the country treasure. The same thing I see what's in the spirit of this Master. I asked him once, "why don't you sell a cheap Keris?". He replied nicely, "a cheap Keris, with low quality, will make the people think that Melayu (Malay), we don't have a knowledge in forging our own weapon." And I read it, the fact of making cheap Keris, will downgrade the image of our own people, who are actually very intelligent and expert dealing with the metals. I urge that every Gayong practitioner, to get at least one "true" Keris as our "sisipan".

 Seni Kipas

 Seni tekpi & Ibu Tekpi

Our training at Pasir Puteh made my first partner in Silat Seni Gayong came and trained with us. He is Cikgu Sabri, and I forgot his position in Army. Luckily, we was training the Tekpi and Ibu Tekpi technique. I learned Tekpi with my Gayong Masters, but the Ibu Tekpi technique is a specific weapon of my Master of Silat 7 Permainan. He was the late Allahyarham Guru Pak Ku Hussein of Bukit Awang. Cikgu Sabri was the one who made my teeth cracked until now which is fortunately still strong enough not to fall down. And I was the one who make him half fainted. It was the terrible technique of "PUKULAN SATU".

the first intensive course and white belt grading at Kem Kijang, 1996

We was still 13 years old, but were the best partners who trained and played Gayong in a very violent and hard way. In one Keris training, I had even picked the Keris and pushed it so hard into his stomach. He managed to escape the strike, but I made a big hole on his underwear! lol That was a very fun and happy moment in Gayong. But after 3 years, he moved to Taiping and had a chance to train under Cikgu Ahmad Ayazi and Bonda Siti Kalsom. And me, I continued my training in Pasir Puteh until I finished my secondary school with Red Belt.

Buah Kaki

ANAK PERANCIS MENCARI GAYONG (8)

Certificat D'honneur de Ceinture Noire

Before leaving Universiti Malaysia Pahang, me and Cikgu Zaki, bring the Gayong France team to the PNC office of SAFFAD at Universiti Malaysia Pahang at Gambang. We met the main person behind the support of UMP to this big event; Prof. Dr. Yusserie Zainuddin. We had a long chat and the Gayong France team had expressed their grateful and "happiness" of being welcomed in the university with a full-pack intensive course of the art of Silat Seni Gayong. The General Secretary of Association Francaise Silat Seni Gayong, Christophe Dervaux, had represented AFSSG to award Prof. Dr. Yusserie Zainuddin the honor certificate of Black Belt, for his support and effort of the promotion of Silat Seni Gayong in France.

Should I mention that, Prof. Dr.Yusserie had been a very outstanding Pesilat when he was young, and even had been invited to to the demonstartion of Seni Silat in France when he was young. Prof. Dr. Yusserie also had been awarded by the P.S.S.G.M, the high rank of Sandang Kehormat Mahkota Seri Relang Pelangi, that makes him the first academician of receiving such Sandang in Malaysia.

Prof Yusserie, at the left. (at his office)

Last photo before leaving UMP

ANAK PERANCIS MENCARI GAYONG (7)

The next challenge of Anak Gayong France was to meet my Master, Ayahanda Amin Hamzah. Personally, I was quite nervous seems I don't know how it will be the perception of my Master to my "non-Malay" students? Will he be happy, or will he get mad? Before letting it happened, I consult the advice of Cikgu Azizan first. The willingness of Cikgu Amin Hamzah to share with Anak Gayong France and Naga Rantau of some his valuable treasure from the late Mahaguru had relieved me a lot.

 Cikgu Amin Hamzah

Advice and tips

The intensive training started a soon as after the prayer if Isya'. The students were taught the movements, the technique of KOMBAT, the variation of ELAKAN, the Knife technique and the Kerambit technique. The training last until 3 in the morning, and we had "a lot of fun", especially the three "OLD" Anak Gayong of UMP, me, Cikgu Razhan and Cikgu Affendy. At the other hand, Cikgu Zaki, came to meet the Master the next morning.

 Intensive training

 Khusyuk mendengar

 Kopek Kelapa

In the morning, everyone participated for the ceremony of "Hot Oil". Cikgu Amin Hamzah was the Dalang, the one who prepared and monitored the ceremony. The ceremony was done successfully and all of Anak Gayong France and UMP had the chance to experience the Mandi Minyak and walking on the burning charcoal.

 Perah Santan

 Letak di atas Api

 Sediakan Bara

 Ayahanda Amin as the "Dalang" was checking the Oil

As the organizer, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my Master, Ayahanda Amin Hamzah, for having accepted to come and teach Anak-Anak Gayong France and Naga Rantau UMP the art of Silat Seni Gayong. I do hope that we can organize more of such event in the future, InsyaAllah. Personally, I am happy to have my students met this old Master, who once among those were close to the late Mahaguru.

And now, this event of intensive course and Mandi Minyak had finally completed the program of Konvensyen Naga Rantau-Gayong France 2012. Thank you Ayahanda, thank you Cikgu! ;) Thank you to all of the Naga Rantau who had sacrifice their time, their money and their energy to support this big event. I hope that all of us had gained the benefits materially, psychically, mentally, and spiritually. ;)

SALAM RAMADHAN AL-MUBARAK!!!!

Gambar Kenang-Kenangan

ANAK PERANCIS MENCARI GAYONG (6)

Empower Mahkota is a program initiated by the Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sulatan Ahmad Shah, a co-operation between Universiti Malaysia Pahang and ECER-DC. The "keberangkatan" (arrival) of Tengku Mahkota Pahang to UMP was welcomed by the traditional music and "Tari Sembah Sultan" (Seni Bunga Teratai) by Anak - Anak Gayong France and Naga Rantau. It was truly an honor for us to have been given the chance by Universiti Malaysia Pahang to perform in front of the Tengku Mahkota who ia also the Cancelor of the university.

Tari Sembah Sultan

The performance in front of the Tengku Mahkota was mostly guided by my teacher Cikgu Nasir and also Cikgu Mazlan Hashim. "Tari Cindai" was also included in the  demonstration, many thanks to Pak Ngah Izahar. Thank you very much to our Tengku Abdullah, to the vice cancelor Dato' Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim, and all of the high management committee of Universiti Malaysia Pahang. Thanks again!!! ;)

(PHOTOS: credits to the UMP's photographers)