Pencak Silat Training Exercise 6

Among the leg tactics that the Perisai Diri style has borrowed from Sumatra is the reverse leg sickle action executed from the ground. The basic mechanics of this interesting and powerful skill may be learned from this exercise.

METHOD. Facing your training partner from a left combative posture, step forward onto your left foot, deeply to his left and behind him (# 1). Now quickly turn your body a bit to your left and drop onto your right knee, supporting yourself with both hands on the ground (# 2). Swing your extended left leg in an arc behind you, using a sickle motion against the back of your partner's leg just above the ankle and below the calf (# 3). Continue the sickle action until you topple your partner to the ground; if the action has been correctly executed, he will fall backward (# 4). Sometimes he will contrive to keep his balance but at the same time will be so unstable as to allow you to stand quickly behind him and knee or kick him with your right leg in either the groin or the base of the spine (# 5). The entire action must be completed quickly. At first, the training partner submits to the action; later, he will try to remain on his feet. The initial position (# 1) may be voluntary or it may be the result of a slip; it is best taken when the enemy is in a left stance.