This short writing is an
additional information on my previous article about Malay Curve Knife,
Kerambit. In this issue we will disclose some of Kerambit correct method that
has been practiced since Firstly we are going to share the art of holding
correctly these ancient weapon. The design of a Kerambit is such, a holder with
a ring and a small curve blade. It was designed with a handle ring for the purpose
of having a strong hold to the palm when applying the strike. It is different
from other Malay weapons which have a different way of handling and a different
way of applications although the weapons looks similarity in design from the
naked eyes. Holding a Kerambit tight and accordingly within the palm is such ,due
to the weapon technical criteria. Taking an example of the tiger claws itself
,the curve, the sharpness and the venomous, the unseen. The strike of Kerambit
is fatal and it is not just a small cut but it is a massive cut to the correct
point of the body. To apply this method you need to have correct way of
handling to generate great force to the strike. For that purpose the correct
holding of the Kerambit plays an important role. It is not just a matter of
striking but is really a strike to the finish. Kerambit is not a tool of games
but it is a weapons of mass destruction. Many has made mistake in handling
Kerambit as a weapon. They intent to twist and turn the ring of the Kerambit
like in a western movies when handling a pistol. These manner is totally wrong
and for artistic sake it might be accepted. But in the view of silat it is far
from actual art of the weapon itself.
Thanks Google |
Holding correctly the Kerambit
will create to the way the hand moves for making a strike. The strike applies
with the elbow like a mechanical machine moving around as rounded millstone. To
the right and left moving to range from a position of equal. It ripping the
point of striking and it is not cutting as what it was often shown. Utilized
the back of the blade is not a correct way of striking method. It will cut
because the blade is sharp but it is not the art correct way. Same goes to the
slashing circling the blade to the joint or artery whether using the inside
blade or otherwise. In silat, weapons is not for making a wound but the used of
any weapons is to finish as rapid as it can with a cut . There are no second
chance whether it is "killed or to be killed". With known Malay word
" amok", and it means business, the act of the weapon is such a way,
brutal. As you can observe Malay is a great nation with a very high polite
mannered but in terms of defending their dignity ,honor and their great empire
their method of self defense is needed and very different from others. Once it
was the great Malay empire of Langkasuka, Merong Maha Wangsa, Srivijaya,Melaka
etc and no doubt that the self defense needed to preserved the empire. The
archipelago situation during that era make the Malay aware of a needed such a weapons that is destructive. Kerambit
is one of the many weapons of the Malay used mostly by the Malay woman to
protect themselves from hooligans, pirates etc. It was kept in a hair bun and
used when is necessary. If a woman is utilizing the Kerambit that means the handling
of the Kerambit is not complicated. It
must be easy and effective because woman used it for protection. The Kerambit
used by woman also must not be seen as hidden in the hair bun. All this
criteria explaining that it must not be seen and it will deliver a massive
ripping with an easy going techniques of applications. If it is only for
wounded it would not be a weapon to be feared.
In handling Kerambit we need to
understand the philosophy of silat depends on what style. In Silat Seni Gayong
the concept might be different and might be similar or the same with others.
The most significant in handling Kerambit striking,is the way we bring the
blade to the point of strike. The targeted area must be cleared and easy access
and vulnerable. There would not be enough time playing when countering with
hooligans especially by women. The main objective is to create feared in the
mind when Kerambit is used. It is like when we confront with a tiger ,it create
fear in our mind and sometimes the story of the beast is fair enough to make us
shivering and goose bump. The person who used Kerambit really understand this
position and is not simply been used as per liking. If without that
understanding it can hurts the user. The weapon will be used to countering
attack the user by a person who have the knowledge of the Kerambit. Last and
not least Kerambit is an art of the Malay Warrior and the entire Malay nation
and it is a kind of weapons feared among the communities and only an expert in
Malay silat has the knowledge of disarm those kind of weapon.
May this short write up will make
readers understanding more about the weapon of Kerambit and the heritage of it.
Kerambit is from the Malays and only they have the true knowledge of the
weapons.
Semoga kita diberkati.