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Parang - Fighting machete of the Malay Archipelago
Opening note by Guru Ilmi
Disclaimer: The author and publisher are not responsible on any injuries due to application of the knowledge and techniques highlighted in this article.
It will not be long, the best international Silat summer camp up to date will happening here in Malaysia. On the 16th-27thJuly 2018 for the first time ever, six world’s number one Mahaguru of six different styles from the source of Malay Silat will be teaching in a camp. Four of the styles are from Kedah the 1st Malay empire (1st century), older then Srivijaya or Madjapahit. Come and experience old Silat which was battle tested and evolved to among the deadliest reality base arts on the planet. What are you waiting for? Go to HarimauBerantai.TV, find out more about the camp and make your booking right away!
Let us talk Parang for this article. Parang is an innocent farming tool, but in the hands of Silat expert, it becomes a deadly weapon. Majority Silat styles across the Malay Archipelago use Parang in their weapons training for hundreds of years.
We at Jak Othman Kickboxing & Martial arts studio get our Silat parang training from our teacher Prof Jak. He trains under 30 Silat Guru of different styles and he teaches each style separately. He does not mix them and call his own. As an academician of the martial arts science faculty at the Institute of Physical Science, Culture and Arts Malaysia, he believes in preserving them all.
Not all Silat styles use the parang. The commoner the middle class lower Malay communities use the Parang in their Silat training. The upper classes, the noblemen and royalties use Sundang and Pedang, the swords of the Malay world instead.
Let me pass the pen to the Prof so that he can write more about the parang. Take it away Prof.
Disclaimer: The author and publisher are not responsible on any injuries due to application of the knowledge and techniques highlighted in this article.
It will not be long, the best international Silat summer camp up to date will happening here in Malaysia. On the 16th-27thJuly 2018 for the first time ever, six world’s number one Mahaguru of six different styles from the source of Malay Silat will be teaching in a camp. Four of the styles are from Kedah the 1st Malay empire (1st century), older then Srivijaya or Madjapahit. Come and experience old Silat which was battle tested and evolved to among the deadliest reality base arts on the planet. What are you waiting for? Go to HarimauBerantai.TV, find out more about the camp and make your booking right away!
Let us talk Parang for this article. Parang is an innocent farming tool, but in the hands of Silat expert, it becomes a deadly weapon. Majority Silat styles across the Malay Archipelago use Parang in their weapons training for hundreds of years.
We at Jak Othman Kickboxing & Martial arts studio get our Silat parang training from our teacher Prof Jak. He trains under 30 Silat Guru of different styles and he teaches each style separately. He does not mix them and call his own. As an academician of the martial arts science faculty at the Institute of Physical Science, Culture and Arts Malaysia, he believes in preserving them all.
Not all Silat styles use the parang. The commoner the middle class lower Malay communities use the Parang in their Silat training. The upper classes, the noblemen and royalties use Sundang and Pedang, the swords of the Malay world instead.
Let me pass the pen to the Prof so that he can write more about the parang. Take it away Prof.
Guru Ilmi Khalid
The way of the Parang
“Defang the snake. Cut it into pieces! Cook it! Eat it! Make it disappear!”
By Prof Jak Othman.
Salam hormat visitors of HarimauBerantai.TV. Thank you Guru Ilmi for the cool intro to this Parang article. I love the Parang because it is so easy to excess; cheap, sold in any hardware shops and great to have one or a few when you are out there in the wilderness.
It is a popular farming tool used across Southeast Asia since time immemorial. In Malaysia, we call them by several names, the parang, Kelewang, Lading and Golok too.
It is a popular farming tool used across Southeast Asia since time immemorial. In Malaysia, we call them by several names, the parang, Kelewang, Lading and Golok too.
A bit of history…
The best way to know the Parang is to know the history of the Malay world, Nusantara. It was the center of religion and trade between the East and West since the beginning of the 1st century. The first Malay Empire was Kedah (1st century) situated in the Malay Peninsula today known as West Malaysia. The second Empire was Srivijaya (7th century) situated in Sumatera today is part of Indonesia. The third Empire was Madjapahit (12th century) situated in Java today, which is also Indonesia. The last main Empire was Melaka (15th century) situated in the Malay Peninsula West Malaysia. Other kingdoms in Temasik (Singapore), Borneo (including Brunei), southern Siam (Thai), Southern Philippines and East Vietnam; during those times they were all affiliated to these supreme powers. All authentic Silat are from these Empires and their affiliates. If not, they are not authentic.
There are three classes of people in a typical Malay Empires. The Sultan (King) and royal families will the top of the list. Under this will be King’s noble men. The third group will be the working class, the commoner.
Parang is very popular among the Silat practitioner of the third class the commoner. It is practice by majority Silat styles across the Malay Archipelago
The best way to know the Parang is to know the history of the Malay world, Nusantara. It was the center of religion and trade between the East and West since the beginning of the 1st century. The first Malay Empire was Kedah (1st century) situated in the Malay Peninsula today known as West Malaysia. The second Empire was Srivijaya (7th century) situated in Sumatera today is part of Indonesia. The third Empire was Madjapahit (12th century) situated in Java today, which is also Indonesia. The last main Empire was Melaka (15th century) situated in the Malay Peninsula West Malaysia. Other kingdoms in Temasik (Singapore), Borneo (including Brunei), southern Siam (Thai), Southern Philippines and East Vietnam; during those times they were all affiliated to these supreme powers. All authentic Silat are from these Empires and their affiliates. If not, they are not authentic.
There are three classes of people in a typical Malay Empires. The Sultan (King) and royal families will the top of the list. Under this will be King’s noble men. The third group will be the working class, the commoner.
Parang is very popular among the Silat practitioner of the third class the commoner. It is practice by majority Silat styles across the Malay Archipelago
Parang of Silat Gayong Harimau
For this article, I would like highlight the Parang fighting methods of Silat Gayong Harimau, which originated from the 1st century Kedah Empire. The Empire was a center of trade and the center of Hinduism and Buddhism of Southeast Asia of that era. These religions have influenced the culture and the way of life of the Malays of that era.
In the early 1970an’s, my teacher Haji Alias Jamil was given the role to lead and teach the art to the next generation from his teacher Mahaguru Nordin. Silat Harimau Seri Rama was the name of the style. Haji Alias changed the name of the art to Silat Gayong Harimau, maintaining the word Harimau (the tiger) dropping Seri Rama that reflects Hinduism. Rama was the demi god hero of the ancient Indian epic of Mahabbrata. He added Gayong, which is another name for fighting art commonly used during the Kedah Empire. Harimau Seri Rama means the Rama’s way of the tiger. The new name Gayong Harimau means the Tiger martial arts of Kedah Empire.
Parang is the second weapon taught to me by the Mahaguru. After completing my Tongkat training, I started my journey of mastering the Parang. While I was learning the Tongkat methods, I was amused and excited watching my elder Silat brothers wielding the weapons, clashing them and frantically swinging at each other during training. Sparks flew and they were fast, furious and obviously cool. I dreamed of learning it. Eventually after graded in the art of Tongkat, my chance to learn the parang eventually arrived.
For this article, I would like highlight the Parang fighting methods of Silat Gayong Harimau, which originated from the 1st century Kedah Empire. The Empire was a center of trade and the center of Hinduism and Buddhism of Southeast Asia of that era. These religions have influenced the culture and the way of life of the Malays of that era.
In the early 1970an’s, my teacher Haji Alias Jamil was given the role to lead and teach the art to the next generation from his teacher Mahaguru Nordin. Silat Harimau Seri Rama was the name of the style. Haji Alias changed the name of the art to Silat Gayong Harimau, maintaining the word Harimau (the tiger) dropping Seri Rama that reflects Hinduism. Rama was the demi god hero of the ancient Indian epic of Mahabbrata. He added Gayong, which is another name for fighting art commonly used during the Kedah Empire. Harimau Seri Rama means the Rama’s way of the tiger. The new name Gayong Harimau means the Tiger martial arts of Kedah Empire.
Parang is the second weapon taught to me by the Mahaguru. After completing my Tongkat training, I started my journey of mastering the Parang. While I was learning the Tongkat methods, I was amused and excited watching my elder Silat brothers wielding the weapons, clashing them and frantically swinging at each other during training. Sparks flew and they were fast, furious and obviously cool. I dreamed of learning it. Eventually after graded in the art of Tongkat, my chance to learn the parang eventually arrived.
Anatomy
First, it is best to get to know the Parang by studying the anatomy. The sizes of the parang vary from one to two feet in length, handle included. Several metals are selected to make it. The choices of metals for forging depend on where it came from and its main purpose. Today Parang is made of normally hard steel of different grades. Some come with a sheath made out of tropical hardwood of different species and grades, hard leather (cowhide or buffalo hide) or PU materials too. Most are sold unsheathed.
The blade has`4 parts. The handle is made of hardwood, nowadays, hard fiber or plastics. It's normally made for single hand. Traditionally, the blades were heavy for effective hacking and cutting. Today there are many designs, which are light compare to the traditional ones. The blade consists three parts which the tip, the top blunt and the bottom sharp parts.
First, it is best to get to know the Parang by studying the anatomy. The sizes of the parang vary from one to two feet in length, handle included. Several metals are selected to make it. The choices of metals for forging depend on where it came from and its main purpose. Today Parang is made of normally hard steel of different grades. Some come with a sheath made out of tropical hardwood of different species and grades, hard leather (cowhide or buffalo hide) or PU materials too. Most are sold unsheathed.
The blade has`4 parts. The handle is made of hardwood, nowadays, hard fiber or plastics. It's normally made for single hand. Traditionally, the blades were heavy for effective hacking and cutting. Today there are many designs, which are light compare to the traditional ones. The blade consists three parts which the tip, the top blunt and the bottom sharp parts.
In Silat, every part of the parang is a weapon includes the sheath. The handle is used to trap and strike likes a knuckle-duster in close range. The top blunt part of the blade is a perfect striking, trapping, blocking and deflecting tool against swinging and thrusting stick, sword and parang attacks. The tip of the blade is sharp and obviously used for stabbing for all ranges and piercing in mid and close combat ranges too. The bottom sharp part of the blade is a short sword for hacking; cutting and slashing if they are sharpen to the extreme.
Bearing in mind parang is a farming tool; the hardness and strength of the blade are also important because it is primarily use to cut bushes, woods, and fruits, skin of animals, cut the meat and cut through the joints of animals. It was not design to cross with fighting swords, but its ancient design could withstand some levels of assault by sword attacks. With all the abilities of the parang listed earlier, it is ideal to use it as a self-defense weapon when the time arises. The sheath is for more striking, shielding, blocking and trapping tool in combat.
Bearing in mind parang is a farming tool; the hardness and strength of the blade are also important because it is primarily use to cut bushes, woods, and fruits, skin of animals, cut the meat and cut through the joints of animals. It was not design to cross with fighting swords, but its ancient design could withstand some levels of assault by sword attacks. With all the abilities of the parang listed earlier, it is ideal to use it as a self-defense weapon when the time arises. The sheath is for more striking, shielding, blocking and trapping tool in combat.
Parang warriors carry more than one with them, minimum of three. It is a projectile weapon for ranges between 6 feet to 12 feet distance. If you think flying knife is scary, come and experience parang throwing. It is heavier and penetrate deeper into the flesh and bones (yeah it pierce bones too) when it pierce the target. In within seconds, a stab or hack will end the fight.
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The standard hold for Gayong Harimau stylists is a double hold. It is hold high at the side of the head, across the chest or pointing low to the ground. From this position, it can be thrown to the opponent, stab, slash, cut and hack from all imaginary angles of combat. It can also use for defense with footwork, deflections , blocks and shielding methods before countering with limitless techniques of destruction.
Single hand held parang is only used for long-range situation if necessary since the blade is naturally heaving, a good gripping is very important. The advantage is it has longer reach to hit the opponent. The disadvantage is it can be disarm easily. In Gayong Harimau, we use single hand techniques to catch an unaware opponent with a lightning fast stab or slash shot from the closest distant between the target and us. We also used to punish the opponent who is retreating from the engagement of combat. |
Combative principle
One of the many combative principles of Silat popular among Parang fighters is “Defang the snake. Cut it into pieces! Cook it! Eat it! Make it disappear!” Yes, this is an ancient fighting principles of Silat has influenced many fighting arts across the Archipelago and into ancient Siam, northern Philippines and Indochina. The Malay way of life and culture was practice across the Sunda plate, (15,000 years ago) which existed before the melting of ice in the North Pole, was inevitable. It influenced the cultures of South East Asia across time and some exist until today. If you look at the traditional costumes; ancient Siam (Thailand), Filipinos and Indo China are the same with Malay costumes. You can see the simillarity in the designs of Silat costumes and the attires of these other nations.
Getting back ‘Defang the snake’ principle, a Silat warrior will be looking for that chance to take the limbs and weapon off the body of his opponent. By doing that, the snake is no longer that dangerous. A cobra without the fang is like a big worm. Defanging a snake could also be taking the head off, stopping even an anaconda from being dangerous.
One of the many combative principles of Silat popular among Parang fighters is “Defang the snake. Cut it into pieces! Cook it! Eat it! Make it disappear!” Yes, this is an ancient fighting principles of Silat has influenced many fighting arts across the Archipelago and into ancient Siam, northern Philippines and Indochina. The Malay way of life and culture was practice across the Sunda plate, (15,000 years ago) which existed before the melting of ice in the North Pole, was inevitable. It influenced the cultures of South East Asia across time and some exist until today. If you look at the traditional costumes; ancient Siam (Thailand), Filipinos and Indo China are the same with Malay costumes. You can see the simillarity in the designs of Silat costumes and the attires of these other nations.
Getting back ‘Defang the snake’ principle, a Silat warrior will be looking for that chance to take the limbs and weapon off the body of his opponent. By doing that, the snake is no longer that dangerous. A cobra without the fang is like a big worm. Defanging a snake could also be taking the head off, stopping even an anaconda from being dangerous.
Next, destroy the opponent. Cut it into pieces. In ancient times, the Malays fought among them and there were warriors who continued to fight with blade stuck in their heads or parts of the body! Therefore, overkill was necessary! This may sound Barbaric, but it was necessary when half dead warrior still coming at you trying to strike you down. Yeah, it is something like you see in the Hollywood zombie movies.
The ancient Malay believes that when you kill a cobra make sure, you make it disappear or another will come looking for you. Another cobra will look at the images in the eyes of the dead and will come looking for you for revenge. Even though modern scientists dismissed it, the subject remains in the teaching in the ways of Silat warriors. Call it what you like, but this concept totally dismissed chances of revenge from the family and friends of the dead.
The ancient Malay believes that when you kill a cobra make sure, you make it disappear or another will come looking for you. Another cobra will look at the images in the eyes of the dead and will come looking for you for revenge. Even though modern scientists dismissed it, the subject remains in the teaching in the ways of Silat warriors. Call it what you like, but this concept totally dismissed chances of revenge from the family and friends of the dead.
‘Cook it! Eat it! Make it disappear!’ By doing this there will be no revenge by friends, relatives or clans of the deceased. I know this sound barbaric, but snakes are good meat for delicacies across Southeast Asia. The Thai, Borneo natives, Indo-chinese people eat them. However, those who embrace Islam do not eat snakes. Since Muslim teachers teach majority Silat from the source, the snake was no longer in the delicacies list in the Malay world.
The ‘Art of War’ seminar tour.
In my Art of War seminar tour across the globe, I will be teaching the Gayong Harimau Parang fighting science. I will be teaching Tomoi devastating elbows, empty hand Silat and Silat weapons. Come and learn Silat weapons methods from the source. Come and experience real Kerambit, Belati (knife), Kapak Kecil (small axe), Sarong, Tongkat (staff) and Parang fighting methods from me. I promise you, it is not what you have experience in the USA or Europe. I did not create them base on extension of the hand. My Silat weapons training are direct from my teachers the Mahaguru and heirs of their systems from the source of Silat. Every weapon is unique and has its own science. Each Silat weapon has its own ways. Do not miss my seminars.
In my Art of War seminar tour across the globe, I will be teaching the Gayong Harimau Parang fighting science. I will be teaching Tomoi devastating elbows, empty hand Silat and Silat weapons. Come and learn Silat weapons methods from the source. Come and experience real Kerambit, Belati (knife), Kapak Kecil (small axe), Sarong, Tongkat (staff) and Parang fighting methods from me. I promise you, it is not what you have experience in the USA or Europe. I did not create them base on extension of the hand. My Silat weapons training are direct from my teachers the Mahaguru and heirs of their systems from the source of Silat. Every weapon is unique and has its own science. Each Silat weapon has its own ways. Do not miss my seminars.
India will be up next!
I will tour again soon. Next in line is my first seminar in New Delhi India in June 2018. There are many Filipino Kali and FMA schools there, but Silat is very rare. Some FMA schools teach they own versions of Silat, normally made up by the Grandmasters. Some teach Kuntau, which is hybrid Chinese, and Silat style. Are these authentic Silat styles? I am afraid they are not! These are bastardizing Silat styles. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all Indian martial artists to experience real Silat at my seminar. Please contact my host book and a place now.
Master Sham Siddique.
Founder of Urban Tactical Combat
Phone +918527159786
Email: utcarmadoindia@gmail.com
I will tour again soon. Next in line is my first seminar in New Delhi India in June 2018. There are many Filipino Kali and FMA schools there, but Silat is very rare. Some FMA schools teach they own versions of Silat, normally made up by the Grandmasters. Some teach Kuntau, which is hybrid Chinese, and Silat style. Are these authentic Silat styles? I am afraid they are not! These are bastardizing Silat styles. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all Indian martial artists to experience real Silat at my seminar. Please contact my host book and a place now.
Master Sham Siddique.
Founder of Urban Tactical Combat
Phone +918527159786
Email: utcarmadoindia@gmail.com
Europe and USA
We are looking at Manheim Germany and Manchester UK end of September early October. Next in line will be in USA at Fayetteville North Carolina, Houston Texas, San Antonio Texas, Dallas Texas, Tulsa Oklahoma, Florence Kentucky, Bowling Green Kentucky and Ewing New Jersey. We are still planning for new locations in the USA, Philadelphia and California could be possible locations. Our Italian seminars will be in November .To all school owners; we would like to invite you to join our Silat family, which is the fastest growing Silat group in the world at this moment. Do be certified and be our reps in your area and beyond.
We are looking at Manheim Germany and Manchester UK end of September early October. Next in line will be in USA at Fayetteville North Carolina, Houston Texas, San Antonio Texas, Dallas Texas, Tulsa Oklahoma, Florence Kentucky, Bowling Green Kentucky and Ewing New Jersey. We are still planning for new locations in the USA, Philadelphia and California could be possible locations. Our Italian seminars will be in November .To all school owners; we would like to invite you to join our Silat family, which is the fastest growing Silat group in the world at this moment. Do be certified and be our reps in your area and beyond.
South Korea
We are now talking to South Korea for a possibility of seminars and compact apprentice Instructors courses to kick off happen in November 2018. We will highlight the location and dates as soon as we confirmed them. Meanwhile those interested in Silat may contact our training group
Instructor Sung In Kim
Keysi Korea
Phone: +820188960458
Email: sungin77777@gmail.com
We are now talking to South Korea for a possibility of seminars and compact apprentice Instructors courses to kick off happen in November 2018. We will highlight the location and dates as soon as we confirmed them. Meanwhile those interested in Silat may contact our training group
Instructor Sung In Kim
Keysi Korea
Phone: +820188960458
Email: sungin77777@gmail.com
We are still looking for the right people to be our reps in France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South America too. If you interested to join the family contact Harimauberantai.TV
1st International Malaysia Silat Summer Camp.
We are very excited here in Malaysia, as we get closer to the first Malaysia International Summer camp 2018, which will be held in two locations this July 2018.The first will be Pangkor Island Perak from 16 until 22 July 2018. The second location will be at Jak Othman Kickboxing & Martial Arts studio (JOKMAS) in Subang Jaya Selangor; from 23 until 27 July 2018. 6 world no.1 Mahaguru (Supreme Grandmasters) of Silat will be teaching the Tekpi (sai) of Silat Kuntau Tekpi , flexible Sarong of Silat seni Gayong ADMAA , the legendary Keris of Silat Gayong Harimau, world renowned Kerambit of Silat Harimau Berantai, Tongkat (staff) of Silat Tua and Kuncian (Grappling) of Silat Kalam Utama on Pangkor island. Then at JOKMAS we will do Harimau Berantai syllabus (weapons & empty hand) as well as introducing Gayong Harimau weapons (Parang-machete & Tongkat-staff) and Tomoi (attacking methods). The good news is we allow the participants do some recording. Not while the Mahaguru and Guru teaching, but among yourself after the Guru showed you the techniques.
We are very excited here in Malaysia, as we get closer to the first Malaysia International Summer camp 2018, which will be held in two locations this July 2018.The first will be Pangkor Island Perak from 16 until 22 July 2018. The second location will be at Jak Othman Kickboxing & Martial Arts studio (JOKMAS) in Subang Jaya Selangor; from 23 until 27 July 2018. 6 world no.1 Mahaguru (Supreme Grandmasters) of Silat will be teaching the Tekpi (sai) of Silat Kuntau Tekpi , flexible Sarong of Silat seni Gayong ADMAA , the legendary Keris of Silat Gayong Harimau, world renowned Kerambit of Silat Harimau Berantai, Tongkat (staff) of Silat Tua and Kuncian (Grappling) of Silat Kalam Utama on Pangkor island. Then at JOKMAS we will do Harimau Berantai syllabus (weapons & empty hand) as well as introducing Gayong Harimau weapons (Parang-machete & Tongkat-staff) and Tomoi (attacking methods). The good news is we allow the participants do some recording. Not while the Mahaguru and Guru teaching, but among yourself after the Guru showed you the techniques.
International Silat Summer Camp 2018. 16-27 July.
Go to harimauberantai.tv check out the details of the summer camp and book now! No camp can beat this one! This history in the making; be the first batch to experience this event. Six-world number one will be teaching you for 7 hours a day on a coral island. It is the ‘best of the best’ for Silat. What are you waiting for? Go for it!
Six Mahaguru
Malaysia is the safest place to be in Asia. Food, accommodation and transport are so cheap and easy. Everybody speaks English. Imagine breakfast is just USD$1.50. Meanwhile, enjoy life. Visit harimauberantai.tv as often as you can to read articles and watch videos. Salam hormat.
Prof Jak Othman
Prof Jak Othman
