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Elbows and Knees of Destruction @ Silat Tomoi
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.
Even since Prof. Jak demonstrated Silat Tomoi videos on harimauberantai.TV and teaches the art of elbows and knees destruction in his Art of War seminar, this unique ancient fighting art of the 1st century Kedah Empire has attract the attention of many around the globe.
So what is Silat Tomoi? Is it a marriage between Malay silat and the ancient Siamese art of Muay? Is it a style of Silat? On the other hand, is it a newly created hybrid super fighting system by the Prof himself? This is a norm for many top martial artists nowadays.
To answer all these questions, follow this exclusive interview with the man himself. I caught him on his USA spring tour, which has just kicked off in Fayetteville North Carolina.
Disclaimer: The author and publisher are not responsible on any injuries due to application of the knowledge and techniques highlighted in this article.
Even since Prof. Jak demonstrated Silat Tomoi videos on harimauberantai.TV and teaches the art of elbows and knees destruction in his Art of War seminar, this unique ancient fighting art of the 1st century Kedah Empire has attract the attention of many around the globe.
So what is Silat Tomoi? Is it a marriage between Malay silat and the ancient Siamese art of Muay? Is it a style of Silat? On the other hand, is it a newly created hybrid super fighting system by the Prof himself? This is a norm for many top martial artists nowadays.
To answer all these questions, follow this exclusive interview with the man himself. I caught him on his USA spring tour, which has just kicked off in Fayetteville North Carolina.
Guru Ilmi Khalid
Interview with Prof Jak Othman on Silat Tomoi
IK: Salam Hormat Prof. How are you?
JO: Wsalam. Thank you Guru. I am good. I finished my Manchester UK seminar and now landed in USA to start my USA tour. I will be doing compact apprentice course and Open seminar here. Those who are interested to be my reps, please contact my instructors to come and start your apprentice instructor course. I would like take this opportunity to invite all Americans martial artist to my ‘Art of War’ seminar. Come and train with the source. Contact my USA instructors now! (Please refer to posters below).
JO: Wsalam. Thank you Guru. I am good. I finished my Manchester UK seminar and now landed in USA to start my USA tour. I will be doing compact apprentice course and Open seminar here. Those who are interested to be my reps, please contact my instructors to come and start your apprentice instructor course. I would like take this opportunity to invite all Americans martial artist to my ‘Art of War’ seminar. Come and train with the source. Contact my USA instructors now! (Please refer to posters below).
IK : Silat Tomoi. Prof. Define Silat Tomoi.
JO: By definition, Silat is martial arts of Nusantara the Malay world that exist earlier then 1st century. Today, Nusantara consists of the West Malaysia (Malay Peninsula), Singapore, Borneo, Indonesian Islands, Southern Thailand, east Vietnam and southern Philippines. Tomoi is unique.
JO: By definition, Silat is martial arts of Nusantara the Malay world that exist earlier then 1st century. Today, Nusantara consists of the West Malaysia (Malay Peninsula), Singapore, Borneo, Indonesian Islands, Southern Thailand, east Vietnam and southern Philippines. Tomoi is unique.
IK: Tomoi is Muay Thai?
JO: Good question Guru. In Malaysia, Tomoi is Muay Thai. However, it is common in this country to refer martial arts Seni beladiri or Seni Silat. In modern Indonesia even Chinese Kung Fu are categories as Pencak Silat. Coming back to Seni beladiri or Seni Silat in Malaysia, we have Silat Kuntau representing majority hybrid Malay-Chinese arts; naturally, we refer Tomoi as Silat Tomoi meaning the martial arts of Tomoi.
JO: Good question Guru. In Malaysia, Tomoi is Muay Thai. However, it is common in this country to refer martial arts Seni beladiri or Seni Silat. In modern Indonesia even Chinese Kung Fu are categories as Pencak Silat. Coming back to Seni beladiri or Seni Silat in Malaysia, we have Silat Kuntau representing majority hybrid Malay-Chinese arts; naturally, we refer Tomoi as Silat Tomoi meaning the martial arts of Tomoi.
IK: So Silat Tomoi is Muay Thai?
JO: No. Silat Tomoi is not Muay Thai. Silat Tomoi is a silat style from 1st century Kedah Empire. This ancient Empire was at the border of Malaysia and Thailand today. The martial art influenced fighting arts at the southern region of ancient Siam.
Muay Thai historian stated there are three sources of modern Muay Thai. They are known as Muay Boran or ancient Muay. The first is from the northern Siam, the second is from the east of Siam and the last but not the least is from southern Siam, which is most definite Kedah Empire.
In the history of southeast Asia, the downfall of Kedah Empire gave Srivijaya of Sumatera to rise and gain control of the spice route and center of religion in the region. Srivijaya controlled the business route in beginning of 7th century. It has three capital cities, one in Palembang Sumatera, one Java and another in Chaiya city of the ancient Kedah Empire.
JO: No. Silat Tomoi is not Muay Thai. Silat Tomoi is a silat style from 1st century Kedah Empire. This ancient Empire was at the border of Malaysia and Thailand today. The martial art influenced fighting arts at the southern region of ancient Siam.
Muay Thai historian stated there are three sources of modern Muay Thai. They are known as Muay Boran or ancient Muay. The first is from the northern Siam, the second is from the east of Siam and the last but not the least is from southern Siam, which is most definite Kedah Empire.
In the history of southeast Asia, the downfall of Kedah Empire gave Srivijaya of Sumatera to rise and gain control of the spice route and center of religion in the region. Srivijaya controlled the business route in beginning of 7th century. It has three capital cities, one in Palembang Sumatera, one Java and another in Chaiya city of the ancient Kedah Empire.
I am sure by now Muay Thai enthusiasts must has heard of Muay Chaiya, a famous Muay Boran from Chaiya. Chiaya in Malay language is Cahaya means ‘light’. I am very familiar with this style of Muay. Their footwork resembles Malay silat. Their hand motion resembles bunga @kembangan ( flowery hand moves) of silat and even the costume that the modern Muay Chaiya and Muay Boran practitioners are wearing resemble traditional silat costume too.
IK: Wow, this is something else sir.
JO: Listen. If you look at all, books of Muay Thai written by the Thai themselves, every author will highlight the 18 secrets of ancient Muay, known as Mae Mai. These Mae mai consist of secret fighting techniques based on human, animals, plants, nature and demigods in action.
JO: Listen. If you look at all, books of Muay Thai written by the Thai themselves, every author will highlight the 18 secrets of ancient Muay, known as Mae Mai. These Mae mai consist of secret fighting techniques based on human, animals, plants, nature and demigods in action.
Mae Mai Muay Thai
Two of these 18 secrets clearly stated the techniques are from the Silat World. The first is ‘Java Sad Hok’ in Thai meaning a Javanese man launching his spear. A Javanese man is from Java, the Madjapahit Kingdom. The martial arts of ancient Java are Silat. The second is ‘Inao Thaing Kris’ meaning Inao stabbing with his Keris.
Inao is a prince from Sailendra, ancient Java kingdom during the reigning of Srivijaya across the Malay Archipelago. Keris is a silat weapon. Therefore, it is so obvious that two of the 18 secrets are silat techniques; the other 16 are animals, heroes and demigods actions, which are the base of all traditional martial arts of the Malay Archipelago. Therefore, the influence of Malay silat on the evolution of ancient Siamese Muay is inevitable.
Inao is a prince from Sailendra, ancient Java kingdom during the reigning of Srivijaya across the Malay Archipelago. Keris is a silat weapon. Therefore, it is so obvious that two of the 18 secrets are silat techniques; the other 16 are animals, heroes and demigods actions, which are the base of all traditional martial arts of the Malay Archipelago. Therefore, the influence of Malay silat on the evolution of ancient Siamese Muay is inevitable.
IK: How do this Silat style called Silat Tomoi?
JO: It is the Silat of Kedah Empire, sometimes also call Silat from Pattani. It is the name of the southern Thai region occupied by the Malays until today. The martial art influenced the southern ancient Muay arts or Muay Boran. In Thailand, it is categorised as Muay Boran and in Malaysia Silat Tomoi. It is without a doubt, one of the sources of modern Muay Thai is from the southern region. Silat Tomoi originated from Silat of Pattani region of southern Thailand.
JO: It is the Silat of Kedah Empire, sometimes also call Silat from Pattani. It is the name of the southern Thai region occupied by the Malays until today. The martial art influenced the southern ancient Muay arts or Muay Boran. In Thailand, it is categorised as Muay Boran and in Malaysia Silat Tomoi. It is without a doubt, one of the sources of modern Muay Thai is from the southern region. Silat Tomoi originated from Silat of Pattani region of southern Thailand.
IK : Is it possible it is older than the present Muay Boran systems from the south of Thailand?
JO: I do not think so. Martial arts existed all over the world when men had to fight to survive. Here is the scenario for our case. Since we mentioned the two Mae Mai originated from silat and Chaiya was one of the capital city of Srivijaya Empire (7th century Malay Empire), Silat Tomoi must have influenced the southern Muay Boran in many way. Boran later evolved to Muay Thai. But Muay Thai is not Muay Boran. It is modern combative sport with rules and Boran was for the battlefield art. If you ask it is Muay Boran some kind of Silat, to me the answer is YES. Boran footwork and hands in motion are very Silat to me. Silat is the oldest martial arts, which exists since ancient Sunda plate.
JO: I do not think so. Martial arts existed all over the world when men had to fight to survive. Here is the scenario for our case. Since we mentioned the two Mae Mai originated from silat and Chaiya was one of the capital city of Srivijaya Empire (7th century Malay Empire), Silat Tomoi must have influenced the southern Muay Boran in many way. Boran later evolved to Muay Thai. But Muay Thai is not Muay Boran. It is modern combative sport with rules and Boran was for the battlefield art. If you ask it is Muay Boran some kind of Silat, to me the answer is YES. Boran footwork and hands in motion are very Silat to me. Silat is the oldest martial arts, which exists since ancient Sunda plate.
Sunda Plate
About 15,000 years ago, most parts of southeast Asia was one piece of land the Sunda Plate. During these times, man and animals migrated on foot across the continent. You can walk from Bangkok to Jakarta and across to Brunei too. When the ice up north melted, the sea drowned the plate and became what it is today. However, the traditional influence of the ancient Malay world still does exist until today in modern countries that exist on the sunken plate. The base of the traditional costumes of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Indochina are still the same. Obviously ancient Silat has influenced Siamese Muay and Filipino martial arts too.
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IK: You have taught the Tomoi devastating elbows and knees of destruction in your seminars and video. Are these the main elements of Tomoi?
JO: Yes, I have chosen elbows and knees techniques because they are unique. You have seen some shown in Tony Jaa’s movies, but the way we shot his elbow is one at a time. However, the way we shoot our elbow techniques in combos. We shoot them our bullets of machine guns! This is uniquely Tomoi. Someone ask me in a seminar, why Tony Jaa did not show it like the way Tomoi do it. It is so cool and yet the famous Thai superstar did not show it in his movies. The answer is simple; he has not learned it yet! Do not get me wrong. Tony Jaa is an excellent martial artist. Let us get back to Tomoi, which is main subject of the matter. Silat Tomoi is a complete Silat system created for the battlefield. It is so reality base that all Tomoi techniques are to win fights and go home early. A Tomoi warrior uses the whole body as a weapon. We fight airborne, standing, on the knees and on the ground too. We strike and grapple in all fighting range. On top of all these, we have projectile, long range, mid and close range weapons too. |
image from Tony Jaa Official FB Page
@officialtonyjaa
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IK. Wow, it sound so Silat.
JO: It is Silat!
IK: How were the international martial artists’ responses when they see Tomoi in action?
JO: Jaws were dropping….. lol.
IK : Are you going to teach Tomoi in the coming July 2018 Summer camp?
JO: Yes, I will teach Tomoi empty hands techniques in the second part of the camp at my studio from 23 -27 April 2018. We will do attacking techniques! Not many teachers teach you how to attack. We Tomoi people just love to attack and conquer the opponent ASAP!
JO: It is Silat!
IK: How were the international martial artists’ responses when they see Tomoi in action?
JO: Jaws were dropping….. lol.
IK : Are you going to teach Tomoi in the coming July 2018 Summer camp?
JO: Yes, I will teach Tomoi empty hands techniques in the second part of the camp at my studio from 23 -27 April 2018. We will do attacking techniques! Not many teachers teach you how to attack. We Tomoi people just love to attack and conquer the opponent ASAP!
International Silat Summer Camp 2018. 16-27 July.
I would like to take the opportunity to invite all martial artists from around the world to this camp. You do not want to miss this because it is a history in the making. For the first time 6 world number 1 Silat Mahaguru from the SOURCE has agreed to teach in the camp. Nothing beats that! It will be 6 hours training a day of silat for 11 days solid. Go to harimauberantai.tv and book your place now. We have all the details for booking, accommodation and local travelling too. Come on people! Come to Malaysia (paradise), learn as much Silat as possible from the Mahaguru and enjoy. Malaysia is the safest country in Asia. Accommodation and food are all cheap and affordable. Imagine breakfast will just be approximately USD$2.50, Euro 2 and Pounds 1.50? Welcome and enjoy.
Go to the summer camp section and book now! Get some discount before 1 May 2018. See you in Malaysia soon.
Go to the summer camp section and book now! Get some discount before 1 May 2018. See you in Malaysia soon.
Six Mahaguru
IK : Anything for the Americans, sir?
JO : I am kicking off my USA seminar starting in Fayetteville North Carolina on the 31st March and 1 April 2018. Next in line will be in Bakersfield California, Houston Texas, San Antonio Texas, Dallas Texas, Tulsa Oklahoma, Florence Kentucky, Bowling Green Kentucky and Ewing New Jersey. Please refer to the poster. Come and get your dose of Belati knife, Kerambit, Sarong, Parang (machate), Tongkat (staff), empty hands Silat and Tomoi fighting too from me. See you there!
JO : I am kicking off my USA seminar starting in Fayetteville North Carolina on the 31st March and 1 April 2018. Next in line will be in Bakersfield California, Houston Texas, San Antonio Texas, Dallas Texas, Tulsa Oklahoma, Florence Kentucky, Bowling Green Kentucky and Ewing New Jersey. Please refer to the poster. Come and get your dose of Belati knife, Kerambit, Sarong, Parang (machate), Tongkat (staff), empty hands Silat and Tomoi fighting too from me. See you there!
