Silat Bongsu

Seni Silat Bongsu

Seni Silat Bongsu is the fundamental key for each and every level in Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia style. It must be mastered and become ingrained into the subconscious, available to be utilized when needed. This is important in advancing to the next level which is expansive and requires deeper understanding. Seni Silat Bongsu will be the first style in the first level of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia style. It is the key in understanding all other levels in Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia. Seni Silat Bongsu is actually the last version of 'Rumpun Seni Silat Sheikh Ali'. The earlier style before Silat Bongsu will be more detailed and difficult. Seni Silat Bongsu or Bongsu style is more basic in term of techniques. In general it is soft, humble, and simple and the real technique application is hidden deep inside. Although it is of such simplicity, it can effectively train the inner strength each and every time practiced.

At this stage langkah (step) and buah (technique) are relatively obvious and straight forward, although the names of the langkah and buah differ from their actual applications. The usage of the left and right sides of the body is practiced from the very beginning encouraging the practitioner to become ambidextrous. There are mainly 2 methods in practicing at this level; the original 'bongsu' way; which is simple, and the ancient way; which is complex and difficult. The simple ‘bongsu’ way will be used at the beginning, followed by the ancient way. The ancient way, which are the way of the 'Pendekar' (wise warrior) and therapeutic way for internal and external health and vitality, involves deeper methods within practice like breathing, spiritual movements, concentration, and a few other esoteric methods.

The performance art or 'Silat Pengantin'; the so-called 'Bunga Bongsu' or Bongsu flowery movements - will train the basics of being creative whilst utilizing actual techniques. It will cultivate a silat exponent who will not freeze in the face of evolving and demanding situations. Its practice is the beginning steps towards developing the mind of a dignified warrior. The movements will always be guided, and their actions will always be accurate, their technique will always be varied and graceful when performed. The movements are diverse, evolving and fluid, with the beauty of a dance but with the latent potential of martial application. These are amongst the things that must be felt.

The final development in this style is the level named Silat Bongsu, which is the most simplified and versatile form. Silat Bongsu is the core of the total understanding of all Silat styles founded by Tuan Sheikh Ali. Because of this, Silat Bongsu is also known as the ‘Ibu Silat’ or ‘mother’ of our Silat styles.

After Tuan Sheikh Ali, several masters succeeded him. They are, in chronological order:

1. Guru Qodim

2. Katik Pasok

3. Muhammad Soleh

4. Malim Siroh

5. Pendekar Rohim of Pendekar Lima Selangor

6. Atuk Haji Husin

There are many more masters not listed here. Most of them have passed on, and a few others no longer teach.

Nowadays, pesilat learn and master only a glimpse of the Tuan Sheikh Ali Silat style due to the changes and demands of the modern lifestyle. To master all of the levels of this style, it takes at least 7 full years of consecutive daily studying. To be a good pesilat or gain the basic knowledge of a warrior, one must master at least the first 3 levels.

Long ago, this style of Silat spread far and wide, though always fragmented or under the influence of separate ‘perguruan’ (school), and never taught in its original complete format. Now, this priceless heritage has once again re-emerged in its original form and is being studied, strengthened and fused systematically within an organization.

Although each style or development within Silat Sheikh Ali comes from the same source, they are still unique and have their own identities. Each development contributed to the diversification of techniques, group identity, or even style identity, within our Silat School. Some styles previously had no name but were given them by the masters of each particular style. Among the unique names known are:

1. Silat Bongsu

2. Seni Silat Natar

3. Gayong Mendahiling

4. Silat Minang Sheikh Ali

5. Silek Tuo Sheikh Ali

Seni Silat Bongsu is the name of the final version or development of Sheikh Ali's Silat style and has now become the first level in our instruction. Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia now strives to find and systematically merge all Tuan Sheikh Ali Silat styles, whilst at the same time preserving the authenticity of each one.

In the quest to achieve the highest level of skill and understanding, a strict set of rules and regulations must be obeyed. All weaknesses and strengths must be accepted, utilized fully, and - if necessary - perfected in their own way. An open mind with a kind heart must be demonstrated at all times towards the whole of humanity. By accepting one's weakness, one has already achieved the basics in achieving greater perfection. That is the ultimate goal, unachievable as it may seem to some.

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