Silat Kuntau Tekpi is an authentic Malay art of self-defense and is an effective form of defense for the individual and the society at large. It has existed in Kedah since the early 19th century. It was pioneered by a palace warrior, a panglima (governor-general) named Panglima Taib. This style was taught only amongst the governor-generals and palace guards and warriors to counter the incursions of the Thais and other enemies of the Kedah Empire.
Panglima Taib passed on Silat Kuntau Tekpi to his daughter, Siti Aminah, who was known in her days of glory as the ‘Srikandi Kedah’ (Warrior-Maiden of Kedah). This style was then inherited by her son, the late Tuan Haji Zainol Abidin bin Endut and in turn by his son, Haji A. Sani bin Zainol (known as “Cikgu Sani”).
The primary weapon of this style is named the Tekpi, a three pronged metal truncheon also known as the “King of Weapons” which has been proven to be able to counter all bladed weapons.
This silat style has very specific methods that is difficult to be modified aside from strikeforms and tight trapping forms. All movements and deflections are compatible to the natural movements of a human being, young or old, male or female.
This silat style emphasizes defense when attacked but allows for pre-emptive attacks when absolutely necessary. It comprises several deflections with 21 buah asas (basic strikeforms), 21 buah kemahiran (skill building strikeforms), 21 buah makanbalik (recounters), 7 pukulan tekpi 1 (single tekpi strikeforms) and 7 pukulan tekpi 2 (double tekpi strikeforms).
Definitions
SENI is a spiritual method taught at the intermediate level. Completion is only done at the Tapak Gelanggang Puncak Gunung Ledang (the training platform at the peak of Mt. Ophir in Malaysia).
SILAT is the physical movement that comprises deflections and attacks for self-defense.
KUNTAU is the hard movement applied after diplomacy fails with the enemy.
TEKPI is a weapon and is the symbol of this silat style.
System
The Silat Kuntau Tekpi system syllabus is divided into five levels, with the first two levels focusing on self-defense (“beladiri”) and establishing a strong foundation in ground fighting.
The third and fourth levels of the syllabus introduce the student to the “Tekpi” and its sophisticated application against single and multiple opponents who may be armed or unarmed. The fifth and final level of the system teaches the spiritual and internal aspects of the art.
Beginning students will be taught the 21 buah of Level One and the 21 buah of Level Two, and they will be introduced to six buah “pukulan” (“striking buah”) from Level Three. The core syllabus is rounded out with the teaching of the pelebat form and the Tekpi manipulation exercises.
This core syllabus can be completed in six months to one year of instruction, and it is intended to leave the student with a complete and comprehensive system of self-defense.
Levels Three, Four and Five are only available to students who elect to become instructors.
Pelebat
There is one training form in Level One and Level Two of the Silat Kuntau Tekpi syllabus. This form is known simply as the “Pelebat” (the Malaysian term for a “form”). There are many 'pelebat' in Silat Kuntau Tekpi. All of the key movement patterns found in the buah are contained within the Pelebat so the student has the opportunity to master the core movement patterns without a training partner. The Pelebat assists the student in the development of:
