Secured pages & Library
This page is for Ahli Ikhtiar only.
Please scroll all the way down and find articles and a library of books and files.
This page is for Ahli Ikhtiar only.
Please scroll all the way down and find articles and a library of books and files.
Ikhtiar Library
Click on the documents with the text-document-icons and the ebook will open in your browser.
Some books are written in the Netherland's language as most books and research on South East Asia is done by people from the Netherlands.
PDF ebook file. Left click will open in your browser. Right click to safe to your computer.
Will lead to another internet page displaying the book or story.
Click on the documents with the text-document-icons and the ebook will open in your browser.
Some books are written in the Netherland's language as most books and research on South East Asia is done by people from the Netherlands.
PDF ebook file. Left click will open in your browser. Right click to safe to your computer.
Will lead to another internet page displaying the book or story.
Renaissance Amsterdam Fighting Arts:
Petter Worstel-konst
In 1674 publisher Johannes Janssonius van Waesberge in Amsterdam published a book written by Nicolaes Petter. It featured 71 engraving made by the well known artist Romeyn de Hooge. Since the publication, a small group of people have been training the described techniques. It's an unarmed fighting method. The name of the book is 'Klare onderrichtinge der Voortreffelijcke Worstel-konst' (Clear instruction on the excellent art of wrestling). Don't misunderstand the word Wrestling. It has nothing to do with the popular sport Wrestling or Judo. In the language of the Netherlands 'worstelen' can mean 'struggle' or 'grapple'. It has been and still is of great importance and a big influence on many realistic fighting arts. It has been reprinted several times, including one complete plagiarism. Petter's descriptions are plain and simple and contain no fighting jargon. The engravings are very clear and easy to understand. It represents an effective unarmed combat system in a learnable format. The techniques incorporate limb and joint manipulation, but also sweeping kicks and punches. Some aspects seem very like Silat. Ikhtiar Bela Diri is also inspired by many of Nicolaes Petter's ideas.
"Seer nut en voordeeligh tegens alle slaensiecke twisters, ofte die met een mes yemandt dreygen of trachten te beledigen. Uytgevonden door den wijtberoemden en vermaerden worstelaer Nicolaes Petter."
Petter Worstel-konst
In 1674 publisher Johannes Janssonius van Waesberge in Amsterdam published a book written by Nicolaes Petter. It featured 71 engraving made by the well known artist Romeyn de Hooge. Since the publication, a small group of people have been training the described techniques. It's an unarmed fighting method. The name of the book is 'Klare onderrichtinge der Voortreffelijcke Worstel-konst' (Clear instruction on the excellent art of wrestling). Don't misunderstand the word Wrestling. It has nothing to do with the popular sport Wrestling or Judo. In the language of the Netherlands 'worstelen' can mean 'struggle' or 'grapple'. It has been and still is of great importance and a big influence on many realistic fighting arts. It has been reprinted several times, including one complete plagiarism. Petter's descriptions are plain and simple and contain no fighting jargon. The engravings are very clear and easy to understand. It represents an effective unarmed combat system in a learnable format. The techniques incorporate limb and joint manipulation, but also sweeping kicks and punches. Some aspects seem very like Silat. Ikhtiar Bela Diri is also inspired by many of Nicolaes Petter's ideas.
"Seer nut en voordeeligh tegens alle slaensiecke twisters, ofte die met een mes yemandt dreygen of trachten te beledigen. Uytgevonden door den wijtberoemden en vermaerden worstelaer Nicolaes Petter."
About Silat
Penchak Silat or Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art with its roots in the Malay World. It is widely known in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Singapore but can also be found in varying degrees among the Malay communities in Thailand, Cambodia and the Netherlands. The art has reached Europe and many other parts of the world. The Netherlands being the 3rd homeland of Silat with over a thousand styles, some of them seen as specifically Dutch. Eventhough Silat often goes hand in hand with religious beliefs, magic and dance, many styles have been used and tested in real situations. Therefore there is a high level of usefullnes and realism to be found, especially when there is mention of Bela Diri. Many styles of Silat have influenced realistic fighting arts and military combat systems all over the world.
Penchak Silat or Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art with its roots in the Malay World. It is widely known in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Singapore but can also be found in varying degrees among the Malay communities in Thailand, Cambodia and the Netherlands. The art has reached Europe and many other parts of the world. The Netherlands being the 3rd homeland of Silat with over a thousand styles, some of them seen as specifically Dutch. Eventhough Silat often goes hand in hand with religious beliefs, magic and dance, many styles have been used and tested in real situations. Therefore there is a high level of usefullnes and realism to be found, especially when there is mention of Bela Diri. Many styles of Silat have influenced realistic fighting arts and military combat systems all over the world.
Malay History
Indonesia, Malaysia, South East Asia, has a rich and beautiful culture and a long history. I would advice anybody to read up on it. The Malays, Malay crafts, batik and clothing, martial arts, pre and post islam architecture, the influences of many other cultures; there is so much to be learned. Most books to be found on the Malay world are however in Dutch as they have done the most research in cooperation with the Indonesians. In Malaysia it's still quite difficult to find much, although there have been some keen British and Malay historians. The ultimate basis for your research should be a book that has been translated to English twice. It is very difficult to find. However, you can download the e-book version right here on this site from the library section.
The book in question is the Sejarah Melayu or The Malay Annals. It is a historical literary work that chronicles the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate and spans over 600 years of the Malay Peninsula's history. Compiled and edited by Tun Sri Lanang, the bendahara (equivalent to the grand vizier of a sultanate) of the Royal Court of Sultanate of Johor in 1612, having been commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Riaayat Shah while he was held captive in Aceh. The subjects covered in the work included the founding of Malacca and its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms. It also describes the history of Silat grand masters and generals Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. This book is the basis for the Malay history and a must for people who love or want to know about them, aswel as practitioners of the Indonesian and Malaysian martial arts. Scroll down to the download section to download it.
Indonesia, Malaysia, South East Asia, has a rich and beautiful culture and a long history. I would advice anybody to read up on it. The Malays, Malay crafts, batik and clothing, martial arts, pre and post islam architecture, the influences of many other cultures; there is so much to be learned. Most books to be found on the Malay world are however in Dutch as they have done the most research in cooperation with the Indonesians. In Malaysia it's still quite difficult to find much, although there have been some keen British and Malay historians. The ultimate basis for your research should be a book that has been translated to English twice. It is very difficult to find. However, you can download the e-book version right here on this site from the library section.
The book in question is the Sejarah Melayu or The Malay Annals. It is a historical literary work that chronicles the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate and spans over 600 years of the Malay Peninsula's history. Compiled and edited by Tun Sri Lanang, the bendahara (equivalent to the grand vizier of a sultanate) of the Royal Court of Sultanate of Johor in 1612, having been commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Riaayat Shah while he was held captive in Aceh. The subjects covered in the work included the founding of Malacca and its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms. It also describes the history of Silat grand masters and generals Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. This book is the basis for the Malay history and a must for people who love or want to know about them, aswel as practitioners of the Indonesian and Malaysian martial arts. Scroll down to the download section to download it.
The sillyness of the
Western Ninja
It's a myth that people Asia are spiritual, full of respect and in balance and not looking for richness. That's just a handfull of people, it's always just been a handfull of people. The same handfull of people in the Western world.In the real Asia people are exactly the same and extremely shallow, with the addition that racism and religious separatism is constitutional. I advise everybody out there in the West to come and life and travel here in the East for a longer period than 2 weeks and without staying in 5 star hotels. It will be an eye opener. About respect: people are taught to respect their elders, parents, teachers. But any other person that happens to walk by they really dont care about. They will just walk or drive into you because you don't mean anything to them. Nobody's a gentleman.In most cases people are rude and ill mannered, except to their teacher and mother... Asian cultures are not better or worse, just slightly different in appearance.
Also you have to understand that due to constitutional racist ideas, you and me as a 'white' outsider will never be fully accepted or be seen as an equal. They might never tell you this, but it is just a fact. You might be colour blind, out here in Asia people are certainly not. Sure, our Eurasian and USAsians are colour blind because they also have to abide the law and because they grew up that way. But that doesn't mean they represent how things are in Asia....
About Asian religions, just like in the West people are part of some religion and just mess around with it. They don't live to the letter and according to all the rules of it. Only a few do that. Again a big myth. And it's always been like that...
I hate to be the bringer of bad news but sometimes I really worry about the Ninjas all over the world who pull a straight face and think they understand the mystical Asian ways. Really sad and like I said before 'often to the point of looking silly'. I would even dare to say like a bad carricature... The straight face has nothing to do with being a Samurai or great martial arts master, it has to do with the fact that body language and facial expressions in Asia are next to non existent compared to the Western world. In the Western world every slight movement in the face or way of walking or standing has a certain cultural meaning. In Asia a straight face or a smile doesn't necessarily mean 'cool' or 'great wise master'. Often it just means 'Right now I have nothing to say'. My facial expressions are not noticed or understood in Malaysia and South East Asia. They can't tell if I'm happy, sad or angree. Same the other way around if you just arrived here. But quickly you find out that almost none of the body movements and facial movements have a meaning. I have been discussing this with several people who actually live and train martial arts in countries in Asia. And they all have similar stories. You can see this as bad or dissapointing, but really it isn't. It's just different.
Don't idealize one thing. Instead learn from multiple cultures. The best things in this world are the things that have mixed and influenced each other. From a martial arts perspective a good example is the Roman army. Look at their tactics, clothing and weaponry, borrowed from many cultures (North, South, West, East) and incredibly successfull....
Western Ninja
It's a myth that people Asia are spiritual, full of respect and in balance and not looking for richness. That's just a handfull of people, it's always just been a handfull of people. The same handfull of people in the Western world.In the real Asia people are exactly the same and extremely shallow, with the addition that racism and religious separatism is constitutional. I advise everybody out there in the West to come and life and travel here in the East for a longer period than 2 weeks and without staying in 5 star hotels. It will be an eye opener. About respect: people are taught to respect their elders, parents, teachers. But any other person that happens to walk by they really dont care about. They will just walk or drive into you because you don't mean anything to them. Nobody's a gentleman.In most cases people are rude and ill mannered, except to their teacher and mother... Asian cultures are not better or worse, just slightly different in appearance.
Also you have to understand that due to constitutional racist ideas, you and me as a 'white' outsider will never be fully accepted or be seen as an equal. They might never tell you this, but it is just a fact. You might be colour blind, out here in Asia people are certainly not. Sure, our Eurasian and USAsians are colour blind because they also have to abide the law and because they grew up that way. But that doesn't mean they represent how things are in Asia....
About Asian religions, just like in the West people are part of some religion and just mess around with it. They don't live to the letter and according to all the rules of it. Only a few do that. Again a big myth. And it's always been like that...
I hate to be the bringer of bad news but sometimes I really worry about the Ninjas all over the world who pull a straight face and think they understand the mystical Asian ways. Really sad and like I said before 'often to the point of looking silly'. I would even dare to say like a bad carricature... The straight face has nothing to do with being a Samurai or great martial arts master, it has to do with the fact that body language and facial expressions in Asia are next to non existent compared to the Western world. In the Western world every slight movement in the face or way of walking or standing has a certain cultural meaning. In Asia a straight face or a smile doesn't necessarily mean 'cool' or 'great wise master'. Often it just means 'Right now I have nothing to say'. My facial expressions are not noticed or understood in Malaysia and South East Asia. They can't tell if I'm happy, sad or angree. Same the other way around if you just arrived here. But quickly you find out that almost none of the body movements and facial movements have a meaning. I have been discussing this with several people who actually live and train martial arts in countries in Asia. And they all have similar stories. You can see this as bad or dissapointing, but really it isn't. It's just different.
Don't idealize one thing. Instead learn from multiple cultures. The best things in this world are the things that have mixed and influenced each other. From a martial arts perspective a good example is the Roman army. Look at their tactics, clothing and weaponry, borrowed from many cultures (North, South, West, East) and incredibly successfull....
Teaching Silat in Indonesia or Malaysia
Some of the Silat schools in Malaysia do not teach to non-Malays or non-Muslims. They have their reasons for this. Some of the techniques can mimic in some ways prayer movement or are related to other Islamic philosophies. Schools like these normally don't venture outside of Malaysia. But there are schools that do teach to everyone, no matter what race or religion, such as Silat Gayong, Silat Gayong Fatani, and many more.
It is totally different in Indonesia. Over the centuries Silat has been taught to and by Indonesians, Dutch as well as Indos. Not all the Dutch or Indos were 'cruel colonials' and not all Indonesians felt they were adversaries to the Dutch or Indos. People (of all sorts) obviously had problems with the Dutch government. Hardly a surprise.
So teaching Silat in Indonesia was and is based on personal relationships between individuals and not on religion or race. It's the same in The Netherlands, the 3rd country of Silat with over a 1000 styles of its own. The reason for The Netherlands to be a Silat country is obvious. Almost everybody has family in the other country, whether it's Indonesia or The Netherlands.
The Malaysians didn't mix with the English so they have no family ties with them. Therefore they can be either totally open, or totally closed and fearing outsiders. Nevertheless, their Silat can be magnificent. Some Silat styles have been heavily influenced by the spreading of the Japanese martial arts during the 50s, 60s and 70s, incorporating karate punches, breaking bricks and boards and such techniques. Silat styles that are less influenced by this are mostly found in Indonesia and The Netherlands.
Another interesting topic is the usage of magic in Silat. In Indonesia it is present with most Silat styles. Magic is a part of life and a part of Silat. There was magic in pre-Islamic times and in post-Islamic times spells and chants became mostly prayer and Koranic verses. Many rituals and believe in spirits stayed.
On mainland Malaysia a big change was implemented mid 1800s. The traditional baju Melayu was introduced which was basically clothing inspired by the wardrobe of Malay royalty. The idea was to wear an outfit reflecting Islamic way of life. Slowly but steadily it changed the general look of the Malays and nowadays traditional batik like what can be seen in Indonesia, is hardly found in Malaysia. At the same time magic was seen as bad and has slowly disappeared. Only in some remote places it can still be a part of life and Silat.
Some of the Silat schools in Malaysia do not teach to non-Malays or non-Muslims. They have their reasons for this. Some of the techniques can mimic in some ways prayer movement or are related to other Islamic philosophies. Schools like these normally don't venture outside of Malaysia. But there are schools that do teach to everyone, no matter what race or religion, such as Silat Gayong, Silat Gayong Fatani, and many more.
It is totally different in Indonesia. Over the centuries Silat has been taught to and by Indonesians, Dutch as well as Indos. Not all the Dutch or Indos were 'cruel colonials' and not all Indonesians felt they were adversaries to the Dutch or Indos. People (of all sorts) obviously had problems with the Dutch government. Hardly a surprise.
So teaching Silat in Indonesia was and is based on personal relationships between individuals and not on religion or race. It's the same in The Netherlands, the 3rd country of Silat with over a 1000 styles of its own. The reason for The Netherlands to be a Silat country is obvious. Almost everybody has family in the other country, whether it's Indonesia or The Netherlands.
The Malaysians didn't mix with the English so they have no family ties with them. Therefore they can be either totally open, or totally closed and fearing outsiders. Nevertheless, their Silat can be magnificent. Some Silat styles have been heavily influenced by the spreading of the Japanese martial arts during the 50s, 60s and 70s, incorporating karate punches, breaking bricks and boards and such techniques. Silat styles that are less influenced by this are mostly found in Indonesia and The Netherlands.
Another interesting topic is the usage of magic in Silat. In Indonesia it is present with most Silat styles. Magic is a part of life and a part of Silat. There was magic in pre-Islamic times and in post-Islamic times spells and chants became mostly prayer and Koranic verses. Many rituals and believe in spirits stayed.
On mainland Malaysia a big change was implemented mid 1800s. The traditional baju Melayu was introduced which was basically clothing inspired by the wardrobe of Malay royalty. The idea was to wear an outfit reflecting Islamic way of life. Slowly but steadily it changed the general look of the Malays and nowadays traditional batik like what can be seen in Indonesia, is hardly found in Malaysia. At the same time magic was seen as bad and has slowly disappeared. Only in some remote places it can still be a part of life and Silat.
Malay Annals - Sejarah Melayu
Sejarah Melayu or The Malay Annals is a historical literary work that chronicles the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate and spans over 600 years of the Malay Peninsula's history. Compiled and edited by Tun Sri Lanang, the bendahara (equivalent to the grand vizier of a sultanate) of the Royal Court of Sultanate of Johor in 1612, having been commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Riaayat Shah while he was held captive in Aceh. The subjects covered in the work included the founding of Malacca and its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms. It also describes the history of Silat grand masters and generals Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. This book is the basis for the Malay history and a must for people who love or want to know about them, aswel as practitioners of the Indonesian and Malaysian martial arts.
Malay Poisonous Plants
The big book of Malay Poisonous Plants full of pictures, descriptions and their funtionality. The plants that the old Malay warriors used to make poison with for arrows, darts or on the blade of an edged weapon.
Malay Medicinal Plants
The big book of Malay Medicinal Plants full of pictures, descriptions and their functionality. Many cures are still used in modern South East Asia and many where an inspiration to modern medicine.
Book of 5 Rings - Go Rin No Sho
Written so long ago and still the ultimate book on sword fighting strategy and strategy in general. Shinmen Musashi No Kami Fujiwara No Genshin, or as he is commonly known Miyamoto Musashi, was born in the village called Miyamoto in the province Mimasaka in 1584. Musashi is known to the Japanese as "Kinsei", that is, "Sword Saint". At first Miyamoto used his sword in combat. Later in life he only carried a wooden practice sword but was unbeatable. Go Rin No Sho is unique amongst books of martial art in that it deals with both the strategy of warfare and the methods of single combat in exactly the same way. A must for every martial artist.
Sejarah Melayu or The Malay Annals is a historical literary work that chronicles the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate and spans over 600 years of the Malay Peninsula's history. Compiled and edited by Tun Sri Lanang, the bendahara (equivalent to the grand vizier of a sultanate) of the Royal Court of Sultanate of Johor in 1612, having been commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Riaayat Shah while he was held captive in Aceh. The subjects covered in the work included the founding of Malacca and its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms. It also describes the history of Silat grand masters and generals Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. This book is the basis for the Malay history and a must for people who love or want to know about them, aswel as practitioners of the Indonesian and Malaysian martial arts.
Malay Poisonous Plants
The big book of Malay Poisonous Plants full of pictures, descriptions and their funtionality. The plants that the old Malay warriors used to make poison with for arrows, darts or on the blade of an edged weapon.
Malay Medicinal Plants
The big book of Malay Medicinal Plants full of pictures, descriptions and their functionality. Many cures are still used in modern South East Asia and many where an inspiration to modern medicine.
Book of 5 Rings - Go Rin No Sho
Written so long ago and still the ultimate book on sword fighting strategy and strategy in general. Shinmen Musashi No Kami Fujiwara No Genshin, or as he is commonly known Miyamoto Musashi, was born in the village called Miyamoto in the province Mimasaka in 1584. Musashi is known to the Japanese as "Kinsei", that is, "Sword Saint". At first Miyamoto used his sword in combat. Later in life he only carried a wooden practice sword but was unbeatable. Go Rin No Sho is unique amongst books of martial art in that it deals with both the strategy of warfare and the methods of single combat in exactly the same way. A must for every martial artist.
The real Hang Tuah - Compiled by Abang Jerome
Colonial History Indonesia 1830 -1910
Datuk Keramat
Datuk Gong
Keris Cleaning during Muharram
Traditional Malay Poisons
Zheng He
Edwardian fighting
Archery
The History of Sumatra
Silat Paintings by artist Amron Omar
Silat statues by
Mat Ali Mat Som
Colonial History Indonesia 1830 -1910
Datuk Keramat
Datuk Gong
Keris Cleaning during Muharram
Traditional Malay Poisons
Zheng He
Edwardian fighting
Archery
The History of Sumatra
Silat Paintings by artist Amron Omar
Silat statues by
Mat Ali Mat Som
.