Silat Simplified: The Chain of Six Attacks Demystified

Welcome to our series of instructional video, "Silat Simplified: The Chain of Six Attacks Demystified."

In this comprehensive tutorial, we will delve into the core concepts of Silat Cekak, a martial art deeply rooted in Bruneian Malay culture.

Our focus will be on the 'Chain of Six Attacks' (Rangkaian Enam),  which forms the foundation of Silat Cekak's offensive and defensive strategies.

The Rangkaian Enam is a fundamental component of Silat Cekak, representing a series of essential techniques that are crucial for practitioners to master. Translated from Malay, it means "sequence of six attacks," and it serves as the backbone of this dynamic martial art.

Note: For the purposes of this video - consistent with its use in the book 'Silat: A Perspective of a Malay Martial Art' - the 'Chain of Six Attacks' will be used instead of 'sequence of six attacks'.

During this instructional video, you will learn the intricacies of each individual technique within the 'Chain of Six Attacks' (Rangkaian Enam). The instructor will guide you step-by-step through these techniques, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of their execution and application.

The techniques will be executed on the 'neutral stance.'

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

The instructor will demonstrate how the 'Chain of Six Attacks' (Rangkaian Enam) comes to life in real combat scenarios. You will witness the fluid and seamless integration of these six attacks within a flowing sequence. This demonstration will showcase the practicality and effectiveness of the Rangkaian Enam in real-world self-defense situations.

Whether you're a novice looking to explore the world of Silat Cekak or an experienced practitioner seeking to refine your skills, this video is designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical knowledge.

Thank you for choosing my instructional video, and I look forward to helping you become a proficient practitioner of this form of Silat!

Laila Sembah... is a sequence of movements done at the opening and closing of a sequence of Silat or Kuntao movements. Traditionally it is performed in formal situations (ceremonies, weddings etc.) to show respect to either the attending general public, important personages or royal dignataries.

Each different form of Silat and Kuntao will have its own sequence of Laila Sembah.

What I present in the video are the component parts of the beginning and end of a Laila Sembah routine that is used in Silat Cekak and Kuntao as I was taught it.

Key points:

• Start from a standing position with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width.

• Maintain balance throughout the transitions from standing to seated, during hand movements, and from seated back to standing.

This video is on the ‘right vertical punch’ (tumbuk kanan); the first  within a series of techniques within the ‘Chain of Six Attacks’ (Rangkaian Enam).

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

This video is on the ‘left vertical punch’ (Malay: Tumbuk kiri); the second technique within the series known as the ‘Chain of Six Attacks’ (Rangkaian Enam).

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

This video is on the ‘overhead arcing strike’ (Malay: Tatak); the third technique within the series known as the ‘Chain of Six Attacks’ (Rangkaian Enam).

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

This video is on the ‘simultaneous upper & lower strike’ (Malay: Simbur); the fourth technique within the series known as the ‘Chain of Six Attacks’ (Rangkaian Enam).

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

This video is on the ‘horizontal palm strike’ (Malay: Paras); the fifth technique within the series known as the ‘Chain of Six Attacks’ (Rangkaian Enam).

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

This video is on the ‘lower vertical punch’ (Malay: Radak); the sixth technique within the series known as the ‘Chain of Six Attacks’ (Rangkaian Enam).

Implementing a sequence of six consecutive strikes. In this part of the tutorial, I will demonstrate the sequence of six strikes executed in a fluid motion.

From a neutral position, I will perform the following techniques: a right vertical punch, a left vertical punch, an overhead arcing strike, a simultaneous high and low strike, a horizontal palm strike, and finally, a low vertical punch with the left hand, specifically within the context of the sequence.

It's important to keep in mind several crucial points while executing these movements:

• retract your chin,

• draw your shoulders down and back,

• activate your core and glutes,

• tilt your pelvis forward to achieve a straight back, and '

• ensure you maintain these alignments throughout the entire sequence.

What is the 'neutral stance'?

Essentially it is where the practitioner stands in a non-aggressive posture: feet about shoulder width apart and hands held in a relaxed manner (either folded across the front, or  held along the side of the body).

• The video is an instructional guide on performing a chain of six attacks with a single stick from a neutral stance.

• The neutral stance involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart.

• The video is a supplement to the book "Silat, a perspective on Malay martial art," which provides detailed descriptions of the strike targets.

• The left hand, although not holding a weapon, is still active and can be used for strikes like a left vertical punch and a low vertical punch.

• The techniques retain their empty hand names to avoid confusion and to demonstrate the interchangeability between empty hand and weapon techniques.

• The instruction aims to show how one can seamlessly transition from empty hand to weapon use in combat.

• The technique being described is a right vertical punch or "tumbuk kanan."

• The demonstration includes two views: front and left.

• Starting position: Hands at chest level with the right hand holding the stick.

• Execution: Extend the stick in the right hand in a thrusting motion at chest level, with the tip leading.

• Return to the starting position: Bring hands back to chest level after the thrust.

• The motion is repeated in both described views.

• The focus is on the left hand vertical punch.

• No video instruction is provided.

• The left vertical punch is described as a mirror image of the right vertical punch.

• The technique described is the Overhead Arcing Strike, also known as Tatak.

• The starting position is with hands at chest level, the right hand holding a stick.

• The first movement involves drawing the stick over the right shoulder while the left palm projects forward.

• The right hand then arcs the stick overhead and forward while the left hand moves to the right shoulder.

• The hands return to chest level after the strike.

• The description is provided from two perspectives: front and left.

• Simultaneous high and low hand strikes are demonstrated, known as simbur.

• The starting position is with hands at chest level, the right hand holding a stick.

• The open left hand moves in front of the left shoulder while the right hand with the stick shifts across the body.

• The left hand strikes high at shoulder level while the right hand with the stick strikes low at knee level, both actions occurring simultaneously.

• After the strikes, hands return to chest level.

• This sequence is shown from both the front and left side views.

• The stance is with the hands at about chest level.

• The right hand is holding a stick.

• The left hand is open and projects forward.

• The right hand moves the stick to a position over the right shoulder.

• The left hand then moves to the right shoulder.

• The right hand arcs the stick horizontally around to the front.

• The hands return to the starting position at chest level.

• The sequence is described from two different viewpoints: the front and the left side.

• The technique described is a "Low vertical punch" or "Radak."

• The starting position is with hands at chest level, with the right hand holding a stick.

• The left vertical fist extends forward at waist level.

• After the punch, the hands return to the original position at chest level.

• The sequence is repeated: hands at chest level, punch with the left fist, and return to chest level.

• The segment is about the double stick application of the chain of six attacks.

• It is a variation of a previous single stick sequence.

• The sequence involves using both hands, each holding a stick.

• The sequence includes:

  • Thrusting the right-hand stick at chest level.

  • Thrusting the left-hand stick at chest level.

  • Right-hand stick arcing overhead and forward.

  • Left-hand stick striking high at shoulder level while the right-hand stick strikes low at knee level.

  • Right-hand stick arcing horizontally to the front.

  • Left vertical fist extending forward at waist level, followed by a repeat of the high shoulder-level strike and low knee-level strike with the right-hand stick.