Kali Majapahit is a very rich martial arts system. At its core it is Filipino but, as the name suggests, it is a comprehensive system that reflects a variety of Southeast Asian influences. These multiple subsystems were brought together by the founders, Punong Guro Fred Evrard and Guro Lila Evrard, to showcase and highlight their experiences of travelling the world for several years and training with a wide variety of masters from different styles. These included not only Filipino martial arts, but those of Southern China, Indonesia/Malaysia, Thailand and even Japan. In this regard, Kali Majapahit exemplifies the belief of Sigung Bruce Lee, founder of Jeet Kune Do, to "absorb what is useful".
Currently, Kali Majapahit includes among its subsystems Hakka Kuntao, Tai Chi, Indonesian/Malaysian Silat, Muay Thai/Muay Boran, JKD and even elements of Aikido and Jiu Jitsu. Many of the KM guros cross-train in other systems like BJJ as well. Over the course of the curriculum students would be exposed to western boxing/wrestling, kickboxing (Filipino, Western and Savate) and see a variety of weapon-based applications from all of these systems as well.
Not only does this make Kali Majapahit rich and diverse, it allows for a body of knowledge that can remain fresh and interesting for decades and present many opportunities for deep dives and extensive research. In my case, I've been studying intensely for 16 years and every year I feel like I have even more left to explore and discover.
The beauty of these many diverse subsystems lies not only in their cultural or historical value, but also in what we learn when we practice their techniques. Each subsystem moves in a very different way. Thus, to do the techniques of Hakka Kuntao correctly requires us to present the body in a very unique way - different to that of Muay Thai or Silat. This is by design. Each subsystem offers a different perspective and context on motion and how to maximize the use of the body to create the appropriate results. Even within seemingly similar domains, such as kicking, for example, we learn that a front kick in Muay Thai looks very different from the front kick of silat or Hakka Kuntao. In each technical category: strikes, kicks, locks/throws, weapons, every subsystem understands them uniquely and requires us to explore, discover and master a different way of using the body for the techniques to be correct.
A great example of this are the "animal styles" in Shaolin Kung Fu (also found in some silat systems). The practitioner is expected to move in a human approximation of the way each particular animal would move. At a high level of mastery, the master personifies the animal not just in their physical movements but also in their mental attitudes and strategy. This develops a deep awareness of how to use the body effectively under a wide variety of circumstances.
Guro Fred used to explain that when doing any one of the subsystems, we should look like an expert in that art alone. Our entire attitude should change when we change subsystems. When boxing, we should move like a professional boxer; when doing Tai Chi we should flow like a tai chi master, etcetera. In our early days, we spend a lot of time focused on just trying to learn the mechanics of each technique in each subsystem, without necessarily recognizing and accepting that we must completely change the way we move our bodies in order to do those techniques properly. This then causes us to really understand elements like weight shifting, footwork, stance, posture, body mechanics and how to generate power. Each subsystem correctly solves for this equation in a different way, and that affords us a lot to investigate.
For example, in Filipino Kali, we do not cross the feet when we move. However, in silat, this is extremely common footwork. In Muay Thai, we may fight with a long guard position of the hands, however in western boxing this is generally not used. There are many, many such apparent contradictions among the various subsystems, but this is by design. Not only does it form the foundation for discovering how to use the body in a variety of different ways effectively, it also insures that we do not subscribe to any "absolutes" in our training, and allow for the possibility of adaption to each unique situation we encounter. All that we ask is that when doing a technique from a particular subsystem, try to move the body according to how that subsystem dictates.
I'm very grateful to have such a rich tapestry of knowledge in Kali Majapahit. Guro Fred and Guro Lila have given us a very comprehensive framework that we can spend decades understanding. One of the keys is to examine carefully the way each subsystem carries the body and uses it. Make this part of the practice. As a result, you will look (and feel) more authentic in your movement and uncover even more knowledge about your amazing body and how to use it.
Pugay Po
No comments:
Post a Comment