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Figure 4. A Double sword attack in a forward (split) position, demonstrated by the author
It was the fashion for early Muslim warriors to carry their swords from a shoulder belt, as opposed to the Ayyubid and Mamluk period when scabbards girded at the waist were preferred. Similarly the Japanese Samurai also revered their swords, before an edict was issued in 1868, during the Meiji restoration banning all Samurais from carrying swords in public. Early sword blades from China, India and Malaysia were prized for their high quality, and regarded as the height of functional technology.
The influence of martial arts did not stop at the borders of China. They emerged in America brought by Chinese immigrants during the gold rush of 1848. Karate was introduced post-World War II, through interaction between American servicemen and Japanese experts in occupied Okinawa. Post-war Europe was, however, rebuilding its shattered economy and sport was less popular.
Though rudimentary Judo, then described as "Jujutsu" or Japanese wrestling was introduced to several European countries during the first decades of the 20th century, it was not until the early 1950's that magazine articles arrived from the Far East and the U.S. presenting the general idea of Karate. However Jim Alscheik (al-Sheikh in Arabic), a Frenchman of Turkish descent was one of the two Judo exponents who were responsible for introducing Karate to France. Al-Sheikh originally studied Judo, Karate, Aikido and Kendo under Master Minoru Mochizuki, head of Yoseikan School of Martial Arts in Japan. Al-Sheikh taught Karate in France and in several North African countries before he died in Algeria, during the uprising of 1961.16
During the early seventies, martial arts spread with a "bang", reaching global popularity and gaining a toehold in many countries though the spread of the Japanese Karate way of empty hand and Korean Tae Kwon Do's fast high spinning kicks. Chinese Kung fu movies were also introduced through the early film classics like "History of White Crane Heroes", by the world most famous Crane Master Kwan Tak Hing and later "Enter the Dragon", by "Lee Jun Fan" (famous under the name Bruce Lee) (1940-1973), who was already a legend amongst martial artists prior to his movie career, which ultimately earned him world recognition for promoting the Oriental holistic principles, previously ignored by the analytical thinking of the West.
At thirteen, Bruce Lee began to practice Wing Chun (meaning "beautiful springtime"), founded by a woman called Yim Wing Chun, over four hundred years ago. Bruce Lee, however, mastered the art in Hong Kong under the famed Grandmaster Yip Man (1884-1972), the father of modern version of Wing Chun, and the leader of the Athletic Association in Hong Kong. Bruce later developed "feet Kune De meaning "Way of the Intercepting Fist", which he composed by incorporating several martial arts: grappling, boxing methods, low and high kicks as well as disarmament and counterattacking techniques of Islamic arts such as "Kali' (Arnis, Eskrima). According to Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do is just a name and he denies inventing anything new, but hoped to free his comrades from bondage to styles, patterns and doctrines!'
In retrospect, the Oriental arts of combat experienced a major change under Bruce Lee's revival of many different martial arts. In reaching such equilibrium in martial arts, Bruce Lee had designed special training equipment and borrowed training techniques from many countries including India, where he borrowed a "Cat Stretch" to strengthen his wrestling techniques, from "Gama", a famous Indian wrestler, whom he read about.
Figure 5. A jumping side-kick by the author, used for reaching high targets and one of the most powerful and favorite Strikes of the "Hard" Kung fu and Korean Tae Kwon Do.
Lee's philosophical side led to his interrogation and examination of the philosophical tenets of martial arts and the concept of ying yang, in connection with physical combat. Lee reached a position in the martial arts that awe-struck people in many parts of the world, particularly the Western world with its view of reasoning (logic). In some respects, this could be compared to that of Ibn Rushd (1126-1198 CE), the philosophical genius better known in the West as the "Commentator", whose philosophical works, incontrovertible facts, theories, and conclusions on several philosophical issues had a far-reaching effect on the thought of many philosophers of both the East and West in several spheres of knowledge. Although his thought was rejected in both the Islamic and Christian worlds, neither was able to refute his philosophical conclusions especially in the curricula of European universities.
A close friend and student of Bruce Lee was the seven feet three inches tall, super athlete Kareem AbdulJabbar, who starred with him in the uncompleted film "Game of Death". Kareem used to spend hours in discussion with Bruce, who while he jettisoned all restrictions in achieving the tone acquired for his style of Jeet Kune Do, also enjoyed discussing philosophy, and particularly admired Jalal ad-Din ar-ROrni (12071273 CE), the Sufi spiritual alchemist, who was one of the greatest and most powerful mystics of Islam.18
The World's greatest Heavy Weight Boxing Champion, Muhammad Ali (b.17-01-1942) was also one of Lees's admirers. Ali was immensely fond of Oriental martial arts, and was awarded an honorary Black Belt Dan Certificate at the Kukkiwon, located in Seoul, South Korea, on June 28, 1976, by Dr. Un Yong Kim, President of The World Tae Kwon Do Federation.19 Ali was also warmly welcomed by the White Crane Grand Master Luk Chi Fu in Hong Kong, when he visited Hong Kong in 1979.20
Ali's boxing spirit encouraged Bruce, who would lock himself in a room and minutely watch his boxing matches, to perfect his sparring techniques. Boxing dance movements similar to that of Ali can clearly be seen demonstrated in the film of "Way of the Dragon" during the final fight, against Chuck Norris. Bruce also learnt various empty-hand methods and stick fighting techniques of Kali (Eskrima), from Danny Inosanto, (from the Philippines) an influential proponent who was a close friend and student.
Kali is an ancient warrior art that emerged from the Philippines, a group of islands in the South China Sea. These islands are on a prosperous trade route that exposed its inhabitants to other nations for centuries; and so they absorbed different influences, which were transmitted to their own fighting techniques. This effective form of martial art was developed in the Southern Philippines where a large community of Filipino Muslims live known as the Moro. However, unlike other Asian martial arts which teach unarmed methods first, Kali applies the reverse and teaches weapons first and hand-to-hand techniques last.
About 100 different styles in the Philippines that are grouped under the umbrella term of Kali, and are classified as the following: Northern style, Eastern Central styles, Western styles and Southern styles. Kali was widely practiced throughout the Philippines archipelago as a means of self-defence, using simply a single stick, or two sticks, a combination of a long and short stick or a dagger; and was strongly inspired by Indonesian Islamic cultural influence, well before foreign intervention. During the festive seasons and coronation ceremonies in the reign of Sultan Abu Bakr, of the Sulu archipelago in 1450 CE, Muslim soldiers often performed sword dances known as "dabus".21
However, Filipino martial arts first came to popular attention in 15210E, when the Spanish fleet led by the Portuguese adventurer Ferdinand Magellan invaded the Samar Island of Mactan. Magellan endeavoured to convert the Muslim tribes of Mactan to Christianity. He and his men engaged in a ferocious battle upon arrival, and were repelled by the islander's indigenous fighting art. Despite being heavily armoured with swords and muskets, it proved less effective than the natives who fought using fire-hardened sticks. Rajah "Lapu-Lapu" defeated Magellan and became the first Filipino national hero, and a reputation as one of the foremost masters of the ancient art.
During the middle of the 16th century, Thailand experienced the first major separation of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) from the Siamese revered art of "Krabi-Krabong" (a stick and sword fighting). This occurred under the Black-Prince Naresuan in order to reduce the training casualties caused by the Krabi (a Thai version of sabre).22 This was the period of zenith for the Filipino Muslims of Sulu and Mindanao which reflected in their ability during the following centuries.
Magellan's last discovery prompted further attempts by the Spanish conquistadors, who later defeated the inhabitants with their superior firepower. The defeat had inevitable consequences for the Muslim sultanates of the island of Luzon in the north, since it was followed by conversion to Roman Catholicism with the exception of the islands of the Sulu archipelago and Mindanao, where the Spaniards met great resistance from the Moros.
Long before Spanish colonial rule which left an indelible imprint on the Philippines and its culture, Filipinos had developed their own system of medicine, astronomy, engineering and a written language. Legend has it that in the 12th century, a "bothoan" was established by ten Datus (chieftains) from Borneo who arrived and settled in Panay. The "bothoan" was a central communal school where the Datus taught tribal leaders the art of Kali, together with other academic subjects and agriculture.23
Most writings were later destroyed by the Spanish conquerors who enforced their influence on the natives. This prompted the adoption of new methods and terminology in the concept of Kali by using the following terms: Arnis de mano, means "harness of the hand" and the Spanish "espada y daga" (rapier and dagger) which influenced the development of Eskrima derived from the Spanish Esgrima meaning "fencing".
During three centuries of occupation, the Spaniards imposed a ban on the practice of Kali and the carrying of blades. In response to this prohibition, "baston" (rattan) or "bahr (hardwood) sticks were substituted and the clandestinely practiced Kali changed radically over the 18th and 19th centuries, as old training methods were replaced with new concepts and fighting techniques. Arnis De Mano was incorporated into folk dance and "Moro-Mord' plays to entertain the Spanish, who never decoded the intricate hand and foot dance moves which were like traditional "kata" (forms) movements containing sequential hidden fighting strikes.
Okinawa too, experienced a similar situation in the early 17th century when Japanese forces invaded the island. All weapons were confiscated and martial arts banned, triggering the development of makeshift weapons based on early Chinese models with the later addition of several weapons of Southeast Asian origin such as the "kama" a sickle and the "nanchakd' composed of two wooden batons linked together with a rope or chain, originally used as a rice flail, and much popularized in several of Bruce Lee's movies.
Another surviving Filipino fighting system of empty-hand techniques used by Muslims of the Sulu and Mindanao Island during the Spanish occupation is "Kun-tact, which was developed by the Tausug tribe of Mindanao, from animal movements and uses both the soft and the hard form of combat. Tremendous efforts were made by the Spanish to capture and subjugate the south-western parts of Muslim Philippines for its rich resources and gold, but such endeavours always ended in defeat by the Moro "Kalistas"(Kali warriors), who zealously clung to their Muslim faith and responded with "juramentados" (holy war).
Moro mastery of Kali reached distinctive level attributable to diligent training that enabled them to strike accurately at precise nerve points of the body with lightning speed. Moros honed and preserved the art for centuries, by utilizing various methods in their continued efforts demonstrating a coherent strategy in their fighting spirit; as referred to by one of the leading contemporary Gurus of America, Danny Inosanto who the Black-Prince Naresuan in order to reduce the training casualties caused by the Krabi (a Thai version of sabre).22 This was the period of zenith for the Filipino Muslims of Sulu and Mindanao which reflected in their ability during the following centuries.
Magellan's last discovery prompted further attempts by the Spanish conquistadors, who later defeated the inhabitants with their superior firepower. The defeat had inevitable consequences for the Muslim sultanates of the island of Luzon in the north, since it was followed by conversion to Roman Catholicism with the exception of the islands of the Sulu archipelago and Mindanao, where the Spaniards met great resistance from the Moros.
Long before Spanish colonial rule which left an indelible imprint on the Philippines and its culture, Filipinos had developed their own system of medicine, astronomy, engineering and a written language. Legend has it that in the 12th century, a "bothoan" was established by ten Datus (chieftains) from Borneo who arrived and settled in Panay. The "bothoan" was a central communal school where the Datus taught tribal leaders the art of Kali, together with other academic subjects and agriculture.23
Most writings were later destroyed by the Spanish conquerors who enforced their influence on the natives. This prompted the adoption of new methods and terminology in the concept of Kali by using the following terms: Arnis de mano, means "harness of the hand" and the Spanish "espada y daga" (rapier and dagger) which influenced the development of Eskrima derived from the Spanish Esgrima meaning "fencing".
During three centuries of occupation, the Spaniards imposed a ban on the practice of Kali and the carrying of blades. In response to this prohibition, "baston" (rattan) or "bahr (hardwood) sticks were substituted and the clandestinely practiced Kali changed radically over the 18th and 19th centuries, as old training methods were replaced with new concepts and fighting techniques. Arnis De Mano was incorporated into folk dance and "Moro-Mord' plays to entertain the Spanish, who never decoded the intricate hand and foot dance moves which were like traditional "kata" (forms) movements containing sequential hidden fighting strikes.
Okinawa too, experienced a similar situation in the early 17th century when Japanese forces invaded the island. All weapons were confiscated and martial arts banned, triggering the development of makeshift weapons based on early Chinese models with the later addition of several weapons of Southeast Asian origin such as the "kama" a sickle and the "nanchakd' composed of two wooden batons linked together with a rope or chain, originally used as a rice flail, and much popularized in several of Bruce Lee's movies.
Another surviving Filipino fighting system of empty-hand techniques used by Muslims of the Sulu and Mindanao Island during the Spanish occupation is "Kun-tact, which was developed by the Tausug tribe of Mindanao, from animal movements and uses both the soft and the hard form of combat. Tremendous efforts were made by the Spanish to capture and subjugate the south-western parts of Muslim Philippines for its rich resources and gold, but such endeavours always ended in defeat by the Moro "Kalistas"(Kali warriors), who zealously clung to their Muslim faith and responded with "juramentados" (holy war).
Moro mastery of Kali reached distinctive level attributable to diligent training that enabled them to strike accurately at precise nerve points of the body with lightning speed. Moros honed and preserved the art for centuries, by utilizing various methods in their continued efforts demonstrating a coherent strategy in their fighting spirit; as referred to by one of the leading contemporary Gurus of America, Danny Inosanto who exclaims: "Muslim warriors opposed the Spanish conquests with their religion, their courage, and their unparalleled fighting ability'.24
Figure 5. A security guard in Manila, standing ready to attack, using two baston (rattan) sticks.
Muslim Moro strongholds earned respect and remained independent by their knowledge and exceptional bravery in Kali martial skill, which helped them remain undefeated. Kali is a complete self-defence system and embraces over a score of different types of bladed weapons, and sticks differing in shapes, sizes throughout the area of the Southeast Pacific islands. It includes popular weapons such as the "Kalls", better known as a "Kris", or "barong", an 18-inch long sword with a single edge, both popularly used by the Moros and Indonesian traders who originally introduced it to the Philippines. One of the favourite blades used by Kallstas is called the "Balisong" or "Butterfly Knife' and dates back more than 1000 years. Many "panday' (Moro sword-smiths) and artisans continue to produce various authentic blades, some of which are replicas of ones that are on display at the Aga Khan Museum in Mindanao Island.25
After the end of the Spanish rule of the Philippines in 1898 CE, as a result of the Spanish-American war, Moro sultanates the South who had previously sworn their allegiance to the Ottoman Khilafah of Istanbul and continued to resist. The American's38 gun had little effect on Moro wielding Kris, and they had therefore to step up to a 45 calibre revolver. A similar defeat was also experienced by the Japanese who clashed in battle with Moro warriors wearing a red head-band, as epitomized by Abu Dujana, the "Red-Banded Warrior (Companion), and congruently fought to the finish (death).26
Red-bands are worn together with traditional costumes by Eskrimadors, as worn by Bruce Lee's chief Jeet Kune Do protégé, Dan Inosanto in the film of Game of Death. In Thailand, where Thai fighters are distinguished as "spiritual fighters", to elevate their status from that of a modern day gladiator. The Thai boxer therefore begins by having a "monkhon", an elaborate stiff headband (crown), a sacred object which has been blessed by seven Buddhist monasteries, placed on his head prior to entering the ring, followed by a pre-fight ritual dance known as "Ram Muay'. Many Thai boxing contenders and champions like former Thai lightweight champion Abdul Sri Sothorn, were of Muslim origin and displayed a tremendous ability in the art.
Unlike other Asian martial arts, Moro Kalistas excelled by their discipline and ideological coherence during half a millennium of struggle in defence of their integrity and independence; where supreme ability and accuracy had to be achieved, both in hand-to-hand combat and using weapons that are still seen in use today. All of this arose from the particular environmental conditions of the Philippines.
Some of the best Kali Masters of the last century who were the first to introduce and contribute their knowledge of Kali to America were inspired by Muslim gurus. Such were Master John (known also as Jaunito) LaCoste (bt. 1887/9-1978 CE), one of Master Danny Inosanto's teachers. Master Danny believes Master John trained in many parts of the Philippines including with the Moro Kali Masters of the South, where Master Juan/to adopted Islam and a Muslim name in order to gain acceptance by Muslim martial arts instructors of the bladed weapons in the Philippines.22
Another well known Ka//exponent is grandmaster Floro Villabrille (1912-1992), born in Cebu in the Visayas, who learnt Kali from his uncle and grandfather as a child and later ventured to a tribal village where he mastered his greatest Ka//skills under the guidance of a blind Muslim princess.28
Modern Arnis is based more on the use of stick and hand movement techniques, rather than the traditional complexity of ancestral forms previously used in Kali; where masters secretly trained selected loyal students in remote places. Today Arnis is currently taught as a formal course in the Physical Education Department of Manila University, and its growing popularity has aroused the interest of many martial arts enthusiasts from all over Europe, Australia and America, who travel to the Philippines in their quest to learn the spectacular Filipino art from both native Muslim and Christian masters, to help bridge their knowledge gap and extend their knowledge of this ancient art, undisputedly long considered to be the backbone of Filipino society.
The spiritual framework contained within the boundary of Islam was successfully exploited by Chinese Muslims, whose achievements were at a peak for many centuries. They left behind a perfect example of their mastery and scholarly achievements in the martial arts by creating historical linage and opening the door of inquiry for many Muslims and non-Muslims to follow and learn the real rudiments of Kung fu. A fascinating story of a Sufi master, which shares its wisdom with that of a Japanese Zen master, is about Imam Abu-l-Hassan Ali ibn Abd Allah ash-Shadhili (1196-1258 CE), who desired to find the "Qutb" (spiritual axis), of his age. He was advised by Abu-l-Fath to travel to Morocco, where he was to find his definitive teacher, Sheikh Abd as-Salarn ibn Mashish of Fez, who lived in retreat in the Riff on the Jabal (mount) A/am. When ash-Shadhili first met Master Ibn Mashish, he told him to perform "ghusr, or greater ablution, and when he did so, Master Ibn Mashish told him to perform "ghusr again. It was not until the third time that ash-Shadhili finally understood, and said: "I wash myself of all previous knowledge and learning". Imam ash-Shadhili had to empty his mind from the obstacle of previous knowledge prior to accepting the spiritual illumination of the saint.
Such "Nkmah"(wisdom) was exemplified by a learned man who wished to be instructed by a Zen master. When the teacher began to talk, he was constantly interrupted by the learned man, who went on saying: "Oh, yes, I know that already'. The master listened patiently before finally suggested they have some tea.
The master then poured the tea into his visitor's cup and continued pouring until it overflowed. "Enough! Stop!', exclaimed the learned man, "my cup is already full'. "Indeed', said the master, "like this cup, your mind is full of your own opinions and speculations. So if you do not empty your cup first, how can you expect to taste my cup of tea?'. To help the body respond instantly to situations, the Japanese apply the principle of "Md' (Zen, emptiness or nothingness) to help the martial art practitioner clear his mind of all thought.
Such wisdom is deeply rooted in Muslim thought, throughout the long history of Sufi orders and brotherhoods, which existed in China. Thus, Sufism has played a major role in sustaining Islam during the centuries of repression, and there are several major Sufi "Tarigaff' (paths) that the Hui people revere which had great influence on the philosophical aspect of their martial arts.
The essential doctrines of esoteric Islam have been taught in combination with martial arts by great masters, who passed on their wisdom on to succeeding generations. Disciples have journeyed across the world in search of prominent masters whose reputation spoke of their martial skill and were revealed in their mastery of internal power. Prominent Hui Sufi Sheikhs frequently beat Buddhist monks in various contests determining whose magical power is more superior. Sufic inspirations have even shed light on a Muslim Kung fu style called "Qa shr meaning Seven Warriors. Qa Shi was originally named in commemoration of seven "Muslim Sufi Saints", before the name was changed to "Seven Forms". It is a very popular style amongst Muslims, living in Henan Province and was later spread to Shaanxi Province.
Another popular is the internal Kung fu style of Hsing-I Chuan, which was handed down by Master Ma Hsieh Li and practiced amongst Chinese Muslims of Henan. Hsing-I Chuan has lost some of its links with Taoist cosmology, as further development took place under Muslim dominance; many prominent masters infused the art with Islamic influence and popularized it as Henan style.29
Through in depth study of the true meaning of "internal Jihad' (internal struggle), Muslim Kung fu masters were able to tame the enemy within and harmonise their intrinsic energy, which later resulted in the contribution of the development of "Ch7 Kung" meaning internal energy (or "life force") in Chinese, a universal force which is harnessed through the practice of a series of special breathing exercises that cultivates and strengthens the inner body. Such development was exercised by many Muslim Kung fu masters who are to this day spoken of in reverential tones whenever Kung fu is mentioned.
Ch7 Kung or Qigong has been practiced for centuries by many Kung fu masters, who would spend a lifetime to accomplish and perfect their internal energy, which translates as "Kr in Japanese. Unlike the Chinese form of internal energy, the Islamic art of Pentjak-silat of Malaysia and Indonesia is mostly comprised of both the "hard' and "soft", and are influenced by the Qur'an. Silat (Malay word for martial arts) exponents strive in their martial arts training to seek "Ilham" or spiritual inspiration. However, the secret of intrinsic internal energy power is not confined only to one particular race, despite the endeavour by many contemporary Kung fu masters who demonstrate their amazing ability to prove its existence within their boundaries.
The indigenous art of Silat, is one of the most complete and sophisticated systems the world has ever known, backed by centuries of ethnic diversity and spiritual dominance stretching through thousands of islands in the Indo-Malaysian archipelago. Before European colonisation of the islands, much of the flourishing Malay culture was influenced by Arabia, China, India, Thailand and Indochina.
Pencak-silat (meaning "training for combat") sprung into existence around the 4th century CE. Legends say the art owes its origin to a Sumatran peasant woman who went to fetch water from a stream and witnessed a duel between a tiger and a large bird. Her husband berated her and tried to hit her for being late, but she easily evaded him using the methods she learnt from watching the two animals. Her astonished husband was subsequently taught the art by his wife. This story is still traceable in the affirmation by Sumatrans that some women are still amongst experts in the art.3° There are incalculable numbers of different distinctive styles of Pentjak-silat indigenous to the region.
An excellent example was witnessed for the first time at a gathering of Silat Masters in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra on Sunday 14th December 2003, when 79 "pendeka" (masters) of "Silek Tud' (Old Silat), all over the age of seventy, demonstrated the ancient art of Penyak-silat, showing graceful but effective techniques full of youth and dexterity. The oldest bersilaturahmi performer was Master Ibu Inyiak Upiak Palatiang, a 104 year old female SilatMaster.31
One of the most distinctive and curious styles in PenUak-silat in Sumatra, originated by the Minangkabau people, is called "Harimad' Tiger style because it resembles the antics of a tiger. Due to the damp and muddy conditions, a ground-hugging position like a crouching tiger was favoured to the normal and upright stance and movement. A universal fighting system that could be used in any given condition, whether on wet slippery ground, soft ground, rocky ground or even in the ocean. Harimau fighters are skilful with their feet as they are able to effectively strike an opponent by kicking and sweeping by launching their body forward from their crouching position until the fighter is within striking range.
The student who desires to learn PenUak-silat must undergo a negotiation procedure with the teacher before carrying out the required offerings. There are five offerings: 1) a chicken is slaughtered and its blood spread on the training ground, as a symbolic substitute for blood that might come from the student; 2) a piece of white cloth, large enough to wrap the corpse if the student dies in training; 3) a knife, which symbolizes the sharpness expected of the student; 4) tobacco for the guru to smoke during his rest periods; 5) some money to provide the guru with new clothes if they get ripped in practice. This unworldly request is followed by an oath, sworn by the Qu'ran which makes all trainees blood brothers.32
Pencak-silat was forbidden under Dutch rule, but was secretly practiced until its encouragement as an effective defence system prevailed during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War. It later replaced the callisthenics previously taught by the Dutch as a compulsory one year of study for both Muslim boys and girls, offered by the I.P.S.I (Ikatan PenUak-silat Indonesia) established in 1947.
In Malaysia, "Bersliat", (meaning "to do by fighting") is practised. It embraces both bare-hand and weapon techniques and is attributed to a woman by that name who acquired knowledge of the art in her dreams. Bersilat derived chiefly from Indonesian PenUak-silat which it resembles and divides into various forms.33 However it is technically different and divides into two styles, known as the "Buab" (meaning "fruit"), an effective combat form of Bersilat never seen in public as only a few selective students sworn to secrecy are exposed to its innermost mystical knowledge. It uses effective leg techniques and looks acrobatic in nature. The other style is the "Pulut" (meaning 'glutinous rice') which has lost much of its fighting realism and its aesthetic movements are these days performed as a dance, displayed at wedding ceremonies and public holidays.
The "71abang' is an iron truncheon used in pairs resembling the Okinawan "Sa". Perhaps its forerunner originated within the Hindu culture, which penetrated into Indonesia around the 4th to 5th century.34 The Tjabang is used in Indonesia and Malaysia by Silat masters, who could effectively defend themselves against a sword and other weapons. The "Sadie, a straight blade Malayan dagger shaped like a butterfly, became a symbol of resistance, after Raja Haji of Malacca, a famous warrior who courageously fought the Dutch at the highest point of their supremacy.
One of the most revered and mysterious bladed weapon of all is the Kris. The legendary warrior Huang Tuah is ascribed as the bearer of the first Kris, which is believed by some Malayan Muslims to be a Kris from the royal regalia of the Sultan of Perak, that was forged from the remains of the "bolt of the holy Kabah in Mecca".35 The Kris has served its people in their way of life for centuries and possesses supernatural powers that can be either beneficial or noxious. There are some forty different types of Kris, and it is said that when danger is near the owner is warned by the rattles from the Kris in its sheath. According to Western experts, "though Westerners scoff at these alleged superstitions, however such beliefs remain as strong as ever.
Of all foreign interventions, the peaceful arrival of Islam through Arab traders left the most indelible imprint on the life of the inhabitants of the archipelago. According to official Chinese annals under the date 674 CE, there are records of an Arab chief, who headed an Arab settlement on the west coast of Sumatra.36 Unlike the 16th century Spanish, Arabs did not conquer or use the sword nor claimed superiority to dominate the inhabitants; instead they offered peace and shared their culture and civilization with the people of a country feared as one of the most savage on earth. Marco Polo (1254-1324 CE) who spent several months on the north coast of Sumatra in 1292 CE described all the inhabitants as being adulterers and cannibals as opposed to the kingdom of Parlak on the north-east corner of the island where Muslims resided.37
Such profound inner energy, which dates back over fourteen centuries, has left a lasting imprint on the Islamic world. In-depth study of the knowledge revealed in the Qur'an provided Sufi masters with the essentials to metaphysical understanding of the "ma'rifah" (gnosis) or "ilnf (knowledge) of "al-Bätin" (the inner) and "al-Zähie (the outward), which spiritually cultivates the "Nafs" (soul) which exists along side the "al-Ruff' (spirit), known as "al-Aql al-Awwar, meaning "first intellect".
Since the power of Sufism combines both Bhakti Yoga and Jinani Yoga, "Tafakkue or meditation is perceived by many masters through "Dhike (remembrance of God), truly strengthening their "exoteric" and "esoteric" ability by reaching the oneness of God. In one Prophetic tradition (hadiih) it is clearly stated: "An hour of meditation is better than sixty years of acts of worship". When in the Maldive Islands, Ibn Battuta recounts a legend of a spiritual feat in 1163 CE by Abu al-Barakat, a pious Berber from al-Maghrib (Morocco), who became a hero by ridding the islands of a terrible demon by reciting the Qur'an, whilst taking the place of the virgin girl offered as a sacrifice to the demon by the islanders. He subsequently converted the islanders to Islam from Buddhism.
Another form of inner energy was displayed in Jakarta by a Silat master in 1964. During a big martial arts demonstration, which included the late Master Nakayama, a leading figure of Japan Karate Association and other Japanese Karate men displayed their wood breaking power. After the applause faded, there appeared a frail Indonesian man carrying a large rock, which was fully inspected by Master Nakayama and his Karate team who declared no bare hands could break the rock. When every one was satisfied, the frail Silat man concentrated intensively for five minutes, poured a cup of water on his fingers, uttered a Du'a (prayer) and a loud shout was heard; crumbling the boulder without the Si/at man even raising his hand.38 A Silat master can apply a similar principle if he wishes to deliver a punch, by uttering a Du'a and simply blowing over his arm before punching his opponent, who would feel full the effect of the punch. This can even harm an attacker from a distance.
An Islamisation process took place in the conduct of the martial arts within the Muslim countries of Southeast Asia, which shaped the traditional practices. In China Kung fu amongst Muslims took place at the local "Qing Zhen S1', meaning Temple of Purity and Truth (Mosque), instead of the Buddhist Temple and the Arabic religious language was used. For example "Bismillah" (in the name of God) would be used to begin an action, instead of bowing or yelling "K/-a1', as the Japanese do to cause "spirit meeting".
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