Pencak Silat Training Exercise 1

This is an exercise in alertness, speed, balance, and agility. The Perisai Diri style of east Java uses it extensively to equip trainees with the ability to deal effectively with surprise attacks from behind or from the sides; it is ideal training also in learning how to handle more than one assailant. Perisai Diri exponents are particularly well known for their ability to change direction quickly and-through the use of such abrupt body changes-to move speedily and effectively into new lines of attack or defense.

Method A. Stand naturally with your arms at your sides; your straddle stance reflects the fact that you are not expecting an attack (#1). At a verbal signal (such as a shout) from a training partner, jump high into the air and, as you do, turn either to the right or to the left (a left turn is illustrated in (#2), so that you land on your feet in any fighting posture that seems most suitable to you (#3).

Methods B and C. You are already in a combative posture as though engaged with an enemy. On signal, jump and turn so as to land in either the same combative posture (shifting to right or left if you desire) or an entirely different one, such as would be necessary if you were being attacked by another assailant. (#4-#5 and#6-#8)

In this exercise, no matter which method you employ, your leap and turn while in the air must result in your facing a wholly new direction-that, in fact, of your new enemy (in this case, of course, your training partner). The trainee should practice turns of at least ninety degrees, and he will probably find it useful (as Indonesian do) to punctuate all jumps with a loud, intimidating shout.