My Mute Monologue

It was nearly afternoon when I arrived at the Silat Carnival. I was not in rush as the venue was beside SK Sering, really close to my house. Unfortunately, the silat team from my previous secondary school had just finished performing their demonstration at the moment I arrived. I am not sure whether I was unfortunate or actually the other way around for not being able to watch their performances. huhuhu

The crowds were not that many as the target group was just the people from the nearby villages, to be specific, under the DUN (state legislative assembly) Panchor.   According to the organiser (under the Panchor assemblyman, Dato’ Mohd Amar Bin Nik Abdullah) , there were about 10 school of martial arts were invited to perform in the carnival.

Boxing’s langkah sembah (opening dance) before the real sparring

The sparring from the silat boxing

The movements with inner strength and breath from Silat Tapak Suci

There were a variety of Malay martial art schools performing in the carnival, such as Silat Jatuh, Silat Seni, Silat Tempur, Silat Batin and Tomoi. The traditional gendang silat from two groups were also being played alternately throughout the events.

Silat Tongat

3 versus 1, from Silat Sekebun Bunga

Pentas Keris from PSSPGM

The Gayong team from SMU Panchor did a good job in their pentas. A bit more sweat and blood in their practice would make better. The tomoi or boxing partners also taugh. Although it was just a light sparring, some of the movements were really solid.

The silat dance by a master before the sparring

The Silat Jatuh performances from various schools were also great. A lot of their flowery movements consist of hidden philosophy and meaning. However, a couple of pairs really spoiled my mode. Although their movements were unquestionably great, I think that the performances were too much of comedy acts.

Silat putut (sticky like the glutinous rice)

Silat jatuh (ground work@grapling)

Perhaps their real intention was to entertain others especially the women and children. However, I do not think that silat should be known as something funny as we are not in the colonial era anymore. Silat should be known as the protector and pride to its practitioner.

The last performance to close the carnival, by two grandmasters.

I believe that this kind of event should be made as example to the other places in Kelantan or Malaysia in general. This event will eventually bring up the name of the local martial arts especially the traditional and low profile ones. It can also motivate the young generation to participate and contribute in continuing the legacy of our ancestors.

more pictures (here)

P/s: The weather was perfect all day long. The sun was gloomy, hidden behind the thin clouds which gave enough shade to the participants and audiences of the carnival. Later that day, I was told that Tok Guru Hj Hussin Ibrahim Lubuk Tapak has gone meeting the God. No wonder the feel and mode was a bit melancholic. Al Fatihah.