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Kerambit. The World Famous Silat Weapon!
A note from Guru IImi Khalid
Disclaimer: The author and publisher are not responsible on any injuries due to application of the knowledge and techniques highlighted in this article. The Kerambit is a deadly weapon; you are advice to only practice them under a supervision of a Silat Kerambit expert.
Kerambit is a traditional Silat weapon which has gained so much popularity due to its simplicity and combat effectiveness. It has evolved from a lady ornament of beauty in Nusantara (Malay world) to the world’s most popular close range weapon. Naturally, there so many experts pop out on the worldwide web.
After watching international Kerambit experts in action in YouTube, I am really fascinated, excited and sometimes disappointed to see how the Kerambit has evolved from a conceal killing machine of the Malay world to a tool used by international security and army groups today. I am a Kerambit student of Prof Jak Othman who is one of the fore fathers of international Kerambit. He shared the same disappointment too.
I am passing the pen to the Prof. Let’s hear what he would like to share about the Kerambit.
Disclaimer: The author and publisher are not responsible on any injuries due to application of the knowledge and techniques highlighted in this article. The Kerambit is a deadly weapon; you are advice to only practice them under a supervision of a Silat Kerambit expert.
Kerambit is a traditional Silat weapon which has gained so much popularity due to its simplicity and combat effectiveness. It has evolved from a lady ornament of beauty in Nusantara (Malay world) to the world’s most popular close range weapon. Naturally, there so many experts pop out on the worldwide web.
After watching international Kerambit experts in action in YouTube, I am really fascinated, excited and sometimes disappointed to see how the Kerambit has evolved from a conceal killing machine of the Malay world to a tool used by international security and army groups today. I am a Kerambit student of Prof Jak Othman who is one of the fore fathers of international Kerambit. He shared the same disappointment too.
I am passing the pen to the Prof. Let’s hear what he would like to share about the Kerambit.
Guru Ilmi Khalid
Kerambit. The Martial Art Weapon of the Millennium.
By Prof. Jak Othman
I was one of the Silat practitioners from the source who introduced the fighting art of the Kerambit to the west about 30 years ago. I am not a martial artist who just picks up the Kerambit and creates a fighting system based entirely on my martial arts knowledge. I am Malay from Malaysia who trained in the art of Silat under Mahagurus and Pewaris (Heirs) of various systems, the sources themselves. My Silat are direct from my teachers and has been in the original form all this while. Silat is the original Malay art of fighting where winning is the ultimate goal and losing is really not an option.
Prof Jak, a Malay from Malaysia, with his Kerambit, the martial art weapon of the millenium
My Excitement
Knowing the Kerambit has become the martial art weapon of the millennium is my absolute excitement. It is without a doubt a Silat weapon; a Malay weapon. Some consider it Indonesian, which is not wrong but not accurate. Since ancient time Nusantara the Malay world consists of what today known Indonesia, Brunei, Southern Thailand, and southern Philippines, southeast of Indochina and Malaysia. So please stop saying it is Filipino, Malaysian or Indonesian. It is a Malay Silat weapon.
Kerambit is possibly one of the oldest weapons of the Nusantara. It is believe to be as old as stone knife and axe. The prototype Kerambit is the tiger claw. Men saw how lethal the claws of the beast and adopted it as close range weapon. Another theory would be the petals of a flower. Old Kerambit which look like a petal of an open flower was used as an ornament of beauty by Malay ladies of ancient times. It is a concealed weapon. The ladies hid their Kerambit in the sash, pocket or hair bun; making it easily accessible when the need arises.
Knowing the Kerambit has become the martial art weapon of the millennium is my absolute excitement. It is without a doubt a Silat weapon; a Malay weapon. Some consider it Indonesian, which is not wrong but not accurate. Since ancient time Nusantara the Malay world consists of what today known Indonesia, Brunei, Southern Thailand, and southern Philippines, southeast of Indochina and Malaysia. So please stop saying it is Filipino, Malaysian or Indonesian. It is a Malay Silat weapon.
Kerambit is possibly one of the oldest weapons of the Nusantara. It is believe to be as old as stone knife and axe. The prototype Kerambit is the tiger claw. Men saw how lethal the claws of the beast and adopted it as close range weapon. Another theory would be the petals of a flower. Old Kerambit which look like a petal of an open flower was used as an ornament of beauty by Malay ladies of ancient times. It is a concealed weapon. The ladies hid their Kerambit in the sash, pocket or hair bun; making it easily accessible when the need arises.
How a lady conceals her Kerambit in her hair. A scene from the film Hang Tuah (1956) directed by Phani Majumdar
When it was introduced to the western world, it has evolved to become the martial arts weapon. It is one of the most effective weapons for mid and close-range combat situations. So it is not surprising to see it instantly become everyone’s favourite. Not because it’s fancy flipping techniques like the Nunchakus and Balisong knives, but it’s easy application and effective destructive nature which attract everyone. I am very proud to see one of my ancestors’ weapons becoming world famous. Thank you to all that make it happen..
My Fascination
Exploring the Kerambit fighting strategies and methods from the Mahaguru and Pewaris (Heirs) of various Silat systems here at home is my passion. However, I am fascinated to discover there are many new and hybrid Kerambit systems that are created by martial arts experts who are not Silat people and possibly have minimum exposure to the original Kerambit systems from the source. Not many real Kerambit experts from Silat open their doors to the world, teaching the art of Kerambit; and not all Silat experts are Kerambit experts.
Judging from the combative strategies and techniques of these newly created Kerambit systems, they are adopted versions of the way of the knives. Since the Kerambit is naturally practical for combat, it fits nicely into any fighting system, traditional or modern. I’ve discovered Kenpo Kerambit which is a product of the late Pendekar Herman Suwanda Kerambit methods hybrid with the late Grandmaster Ed Parker’s Kenpo. They look pretty dangerous with the Kerambit. Let’s face it, anyone could be dangerous with the Kerambit, it could even be deadly in the hand of a child!
The Filipino martial arts community has claim that the Kerambit is a Filipino weapon. It is not wrong, but it is definitely not accurate. The fact that it is Malay origin is undisputable. Ancient Filipino martial arts were influenced by ancient Malay Silat is beyond doubt too. Malays from the empires of Srivijaya, Madjapahit and Melaka era has migrated from Sumatera, Java and Malay Peninsula to the southern Philippines several times during those periods. I believe the Filipino martial arts practitioners adopted it less than 30 years ago. This blade was not mention in any international or local Filipino martial arts publications before the Kerambit methods were introduced to the western world by us Malay Silat Gurus approximately 30+ years ago. I introduced it in the UK in the 80’s and the late Pendekar Herman Suwanda introduced it in the USA possibly the same time or earlier. I am sure there are a few more that has done it before us. The late Shihan Donn F. Draeger wrote about Kerambit in his book entitled Asian Fighting Arts in 1969; meaning the world was informed about Kerambit more than 47 years ago.
My Fascination
Exploring the Kerambit fighting strategies and methods from the Mahaguru and Pewaris (Heirs) of various Silat systems here at home is my passion. However, I am fascinated to discover there are many new and hybrid Kerambit systems that are created by martial arts experts who are not Silat people and possibly have minimum exposure to the original Kerambit systems from the source. Not many real Kerambit experts from Silat open their doors to the world, teaching the art of Kerambit; and not all Silat experts are Kerambit experts.
Judging from the combative strategies and techniques of these newly created Kerambit systems, they are adopted versions of the way of the knives. Since the Kerambit is naturally practical for combat, it fits nicely into any fighting system, traditional or modern. I’ve discovered Kenpo Kerambit which is a product of the late Pendekar Herman Suwanda Kerambit methods hybrid with the late Grandmaster Ed Parker’s Kenpo. They look pretty dangerous with the Kerambit. Let’s face it, anyone could be dangerous with the Kerambit, it could even be deadly in the hand of a child!
The Filipino martial arts community has claim that the Kerambit is a Filipino weapon. It is not wrong, but it is definitely not accurate. The fact that it is Malay origin is undisputable. Ancient Filipino martial arts were influenced by ancient Malay Silat is beyond doubt too. Malays from the empires of Srivijaya, Madjapahit and Melaka era has migrated from Sumatera, Java and Malay Peninsula to the southern Philippines several times during those periods. I believe the Filipino martial arts practitioners adopted it less than 30 years ago. This blade was not mention in any international or local Filipino martial arts publications before the Kerambit methods were introduced to the western world by us Malay Silat Gurus approximately 30+ years ago. I introduced it in the UK in the 80’s and the late Pendekar Herman Suwanda introduced it in the USA possibly the same time or earlier. I am sure there are a few more that has done it before us. The late Shihan Donn F. Draeger wrote about Kerambit in his book entitled Asian Fighting Arts in 1969; meaning the world was informed about Kerambit more than 47 years ago.
How can you identify Malay original Kerambit systems and the newly created or evolved hybrid systems? That’s easy. One fact which is undeniable is the original Kerambit systems are from authentic Silat styles of ancient Kedah, Sumatera, Java and the Malay Peninsula (West Malaysia). If it exists in hybrid Malay-Chinese styles known as kuntau or kuntao Silat or Filipino styles, it must be adopted into the system. First trace the origin of the school of Kerambit that you are learning. If it is Silat from the 4 ancient Malay empires then it is most probably original, if not it must be adopted into the martial arts system that you training right now. Whatever it is, the Kerambit used in authentic Silat systems, Filipino martial arts and modern hybrid systems are all combat effective. Do not under estimate the effectiveness of the ancient silat methods that is the original and battle-tested throughout the centuries!
In Silat, practitioners practice the ‘Buah’; it is a series of attack and counterattack combination of techniques, which are applied in countless battle. These buah are applied in many life and death situations, which some stay original and others modified to meet different combat situations during the era of application. In the Harimau Berantai Silat system, we have Buah Kerambit reported to be more than 300 years old.
I am very fascinated watching various modern models that pop up in the internet every now and then. The international knife makers have done a great job creating new models. Some still have the characteristics of traditional weapon and there are models which are called Kerambit but not Kerambit at all. However, they are all still lethal weapons.
In the Harimau berantai Silat clan, we have the Rafil Rezki which is Standard Kerambit; we have Lawi Ayam which is smaller, Lawi Itik, a U shaped Kerambit with no loop in the handle, Tanduk Kerbau which is a double blade Kerambit with no loop in the handle; the Rafil Kembang, Rafil Melur and Rafil Cempaka which are named after flower petals. Each model is unique; created as a tool of destruction to the maximum for various combat scenarios. I must say if you only knew the standard Kerambit, you are only watching the tip of the iceberg of the art of the Kerambit.
In Silat, practitioners practice the ‘Buah’; it is a series of attack and counterattack combination of techniques, which are applied in countless battle. These buah are applied in many life and death situations, which some stay original and others modified to meet different combat situations during the era of application. In the Harimau Berantai Silat system, we have Buah Kerambit reported to be more than 300 years old.
I am very fascinated watching various modern models that pop up in the internet every now and then. The international knife makers have done a great job creating new models. Some still have the characteristics of traditional weapon and there are models which are called Kerambit but not Kerambit at all. However, they are all still lethal weapons.
In the Harimau berantai Silat clan, we have the Rafil Rezki which is Standard Kerambit; we have Lawi Ayam which is smaller, Lawi Itik, a U shaped Kerambit with no loop in the handle, Tanduk Kerbau which is a double blade Kerambit with no loop in the handle; the Rafil Kembang, Rafil Melur and Rafil Cempaka which are named after flower petals. Each model is unique; created as a tool of destruction to the maximum for various combat scenarios. I must say if you only knew the standard Kerambit, you are only watching the tip of the iceberg of the art of the Kerambit.
3 Kerambit made by Pendekar Wan Yusmar of Silat Harimau Berantai
My Disappointment
Besides being excited and fascinated over the present Kerambit systems practised across the globe, I am also disappointed with some issues. First, I would like to discuss about the flipping techniques of the Kerambit. The modern Kerambit stylists who claim to be experts today seem to flip the weapon so often like it is the way to fight. Some even flips the Kerambit with the new methods they discovered and created by themselves. That is great, but will these fancy flipping methods help you win a fight? Someone did address this issue in one of my seminars. Well, showing off the fancy manipulation of the nunchaku or Balisongs may intimidate an opponent. But the Kerambit manipulation is too small to see and may go unnoticed by your opponent. Unfortunately, by showing off your Kerambit manipulation skills will expose you to several consequences.
When you start flipping the Kerambit unnecessarily your opponent now know that you are armed with a Kerambit. It may work against an untrained opponent, but if he is trained, this will give him clues of how to fight you. So please stop flipping the Kerambit like a Bali song or Nunchaku. Remember the Kerambit is a small weapon and work best as an element of surprise. You only want your opponent to know you are using the Kerambit is when you has ripped open his cheek, throat or intestine out before finish him off.
Besides being excited and fascinated over the present Kerambit systems practised across the globe, I am also disappointed with some issues. First, I would like to discuss about the flipping techniques of the Kerambit. The modern Kerambit stylists who claim to be experts today seem to flip the weapon so often like it is the way to fight. Some even flips the Kerambit with the new methods they discovered and created by themselves. That is great, but will these fancy flipping methods help you win a fight? Someone did address this issue in one of my seminars. Well, showing off the fancy manipulation of the nunchaku or Balisongs may intimidate an opponent. But the Kerambit manipulation is too small to see and may go unnoticed by your opponent. Unfortunately, by showing off your Kerambit manipulation skills will expose you to several consequences.
When you start flipping the Kerambit unnecessarily your opponent now know that you are armed with a Kerambit. It may work against an untrained opponent, but if he is trained, this will give him clues of how to fight you. So please stop flipping the Kerambit like a Bali song or Nunchaku. Remember the Kerambit is a small weapon and work best as an element of surprise. You only want your opponent to know you are using the Kerambit is when you has ripped open his cheek, throat or intestine out before finish him off.
The main reason of flipping the Kerambit is for it to cause maximum damage in a particular combat situation to achieve victory. It has nothing to do with intimidating your opponent. Do you know you are most venerable when you are flipping your Kerambit? Every time you flip, that is the time your opponent can attack or counter attack. If you are unlucky; you will not only lose the blade, but also some fingers too! I mean it because I witnessed how a training model made of heavy plastic broke a finger and injured a few more when one of my Gurus, Srikandi (lady warrior) Hajah Ramintan struck her student with a sarong whilst the student was playing and flipping the weapon. The old Guru made his point. Yes, I am a believer. Stop flipping those Kerambit unnecessarily!
In the real Silat way, the weapon will be concealed before combat begins. The first cut will be vital, following through with a few more cuts or slashes which will end the fight period. Got the message? Instead of flipping it around, learn to hide your weapon.
In the real Silat way, the weapon will be concealed before combat begins. The first cut will be vital, following through with a few more cuts or slashes which will end the fight period. Got the message? Instead of flipping it around, learn to hide your weapon.
The Way of the Silat Kerambit
Getting to know the weapon is the first lesson I always taught my students. In this article let just concentrate on the standard model, a handle with a loop and a curve double blade version and the standard blade down holding method. Place your index finger in the loop and hold the handle in a firm but relax manner.
The handle itself is a perfect striking weapon in close range combat situations. The top part of the loop is perfect for straight line, uppercuts and hooking striking methods. It can be applied like the good old boxing jabs & crosses; upper cuts and hooks; and follow through with the stabbing and slashing techniques with the blade if necessary. There are several striking methods using others parts of the handle and it also used to trap the neck and limbs; plus break small joints and bones too.
Next is the blade of the Kerambit. The traditional model is always double sided and the tip is very sharp too; perfect for stabbing and piercing flesh. The blades are also sharp and it is perfect for slashing, cutting and ripping out targets. Among the basic stabbing techniques are applied like the 3 boxing techniques that I mention earlier and it is normally followed through with ripping techniques.
Getting to know the weapon is the first lesson I always taught my students. In this article let just concentrate on the standard model, a handle with a loop and a curve double blade version and the standard blade down holding method. Place your index finger in the loop and hold the handle in a firm but relax manner.
The handle itself is a perfect striking weapon in close range combat situations. The top part of the loop is perfect for straight line, uppercuts and hooking striking methods. It can be applied like the good old boxing jabs & crosses; upper cuts and hooks; and follow through with the stabbing and slashing techniques with the blade if necessary. There are several striking methods using others parts of the handle and it also used to trap the neck and limbs; plus break small joints and bones too.
Next is the blade of the Kerambit. The traditional model is always double sided and the tip is very sharp too; perfect for stabbing and piercing flesh. The blades are also sharp and it is perfect for slashing, cutting and ripping out targets. Among the basic stabbing techniques are applied like the 3 boxing techniques that I mention earlier and it is normally followed through with ripping techniques.
This holding method is perfect for mid and close range fighting. For long and mid range fighting the blade is flipped up and out in an anti clockwise motion (right handed); extending the reach more than the previous holding method. The blade could be retrieved easily by reversing the flipping method. In Harimau Berantai Silat there are 5 basic holds of the Kerambit; standard blade down, blade out, blade up, tiger claw in and standard tiger claw.
As mention earlier, the standard blade down and flipped out hold will cover long, mid and close range righting. The blade up hold is perfect for long and mid range fighting. For close range it will be flip to the tiger claw in. For grappling applications, the standard tiger claw is used.
The Kerambit can also be used as a projectile weapon at targets between 6 to 12 feet distance. It can also be tied to a sarong and used for wielding, striking, slashing and stabbing at long range. This deadly combination of sarong and Kerambit is perfect for trapping and terminating in mid close and grappling ranges too. There are other weapon combos where the Kerambit becomes the second weapon in close range usage. The ekor pari (stingray tail) fighter will normally have a Kerambit or belati (dagger) as his second weapon. The Sundang (sword), Keris and Parang (machete) fighters also prefer the Kerambit to be in their other hands too. Some lembing (spear) specialists also used to have Kerambit fixed to the other end of the spear to enhance its destructive features especially when they are up against the odds of surviving.
If you are a kicking fan, you must learn that in ancient time’s Kerambit are also secured on the toe of the feet and applied in circular kicking techniques like the roundhouse, axe, inside and outside crescent kicks. This is also part of the Harimau berantai syllabus. On the other hand watch out those Harimau Minangkabau practitioners, they don’t just kick you, but also stab and cut you with their claws (Kerambit).
You have seen a lot of the modern Filipino and hybrid versions of the Kerambit. Now I would like to invite you to explore the original science of the Kerambit; the Kerambit methods of authentic Silat styles. Come earn and explore the battle tested combat philosophies, strategies and techniques as taught by Silat Mahagurus from the land of its origin. I am teaching seminars across the globe and I would like to invite all Hariamu Berantai Tv subscribers and visitors to the seminars. Do checkout my seminar dates in the seminar segment of this website.
To learn more do write to me at : jak_othman@ymail.com.
As mention earlier, the standard blade down and flipped out hold will cover long, mid and close range righting. The blade up hold is perfect for long and mid range fighting. For close range it will be flip to the tiger claw in. For grappling applications, the standard tiger claw is used.
The Kerambit can also be used as a projectile weapon at targets between 6 to 12 feet distance. It can also be tied to a sarong and used for wielding, striking, slashing and stabbing at long range. This deadly combination of sarong and Kerambit is perfect for trapping and terminating in mid close and grappling ranges too. There are other weapon combos where the Kerambit becomes the second weapon in close range usage. The ekor pari (stingray tail) fighter will normally have a Kerambit or belati (dagger) as his second weapon. The Sundang (sword), Keris and Parang (machete) fighters also prefer the Kerambit to be in their other hands too. Some lembing (spear) specialists also used to have Kerambit fixed to the other end of the spear to enhance its destructive features especially when they are up against the odds of surviving.
If you are a kicking fan, you must learn that in ancient time’s Kerambit are also secured on the toe of the feet and applied in circular kicking techniques like the roundhouse, axe, inside and outside crescent kicks. This is also part of the Harimau berantai syllabus. On the other hand watch out those Harimau Minangkabau practitioners, they don’t just kick you, but also stab and cut you with their claws (Kerambit).
You have seen a lot of the modern Filipino and hybrid versions of the Kerambit. Now I would like to invite you to explore the original science of the Kerambit; the Kerambit methods of authentic Silat styles. Come earn and explore the battle tested combat philosophies, strategies and techniques as taught by Silat Mahagurus from the land of its origin. I am teaching seminars across the globe and I would like to invite all Hariamu Berantai Tv subscribers and visitors to the seminars. Do checkout my seminar dates in the seminar segment of this website.
To learn more do write to me at : jak_othman@ymail.com.
Next Article: Kapak kecil
Next article I will be writing about the Kapak Kecil; a Javanese origin weapon made famous by the Pattani Malays at the border region of southern Thai and Kelantan; the northeast state of Peninsula Malaysia. The weapon was brought to Pattani during 15th century by a family of Pandai Besi (blacksmith) from Java. They came to make blade weapons for the kingdom since Pattani was constantly under threat by the Siamese Empire of Ayutthaya. Sundang (swords), Keris, Kapak (axe) and Lembing (spear) were manufactured for the Pattani army. One of the pandai besi was a lady by the name of Pandai Milah; she introduced the Kerambit and Cucuk Sanggul (hair pin) and Badik (mini dagger) to the ladies of Pattani. The reputation of Kerambit grew to what it is today; Southeast Asia’s most feared close-quarter weapon. The Cucuk Sanggul and Badik became the ladies' last resort weapon. Another lethal weapon was introduced by her brother Pandai Jenal; the Kapak Kecil. It has evolved and became the weapon of the Malay assassins of Pattani & Kelantan. For the first time the story of this unknown weapon will be in Harimau Berantai TV website for everyone to read.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Click on the image above to read Prof Jak Othman's article on the Kapak Kecil, the weapon of Malay Assassins
