An abundantly illustrated and well-researched work from renowned scholar and martial arts teacher Donn F. Draeger- this classic provides a comprehensive introduction to the sophisticated forms of empty-hand combat and myriad unique weapons which characterize Indonesian fighting styles. Draeger shows how the forms are related to their mainland cousins, provides historical context for their development, and describes the combat methods of Menangkabau warriors, Alefuru headhunters, and the Celates pirates. With over 400 illustrations, this book is an indispensable addition in any martial artist's library.

About the Author
Donn F. Draeger was one of the world's leading authorities on the weapons and fighting arts of Asia. Licensed and recognized in Japan as a teacher of multiple martial arts, he wrote profusely on the subject. He is the author of Shaolin Lohan Kung-fu, Judo: Formal Techniques, and the six-volume Practical Karate series (available from Tuttle).


Most Helpful Customer Reviews

This book was out of print for years and thankfully it has been reprinted. If you have any interest in SE Asian martial arts this book is essential reading. It is very wordy and does not, by its own admission, cover all of Indonesia, but it is very thorough and covers so much more than just the Tjimande and Harimau based styles that we see in the west. The chapters are by island and are broken up into sections on silat, kuntao and any other odds and ends. There are some wonderful black and white photos. The style is a little dated but there is no other book of its kind in existence.

This is the best book of it's type.this book is the most in-depth book on the Indonesian fighting arts I have seen.it's an excellent source for the armed/un-armed fighting arts of this region,as well as a resource for the history and culture/anthropology of Indonesia.some of the descriptions of the people in this book are rather outdated and ideo-syncratic. there are tons of photos and illustrations in this book.there are also great descriptions of how some of these things are made such as boobie traps,poisons,clubs with fish bone edges,etc. if you are an avid collector,beginning collector(especially),practicioner,or someone with an interest in the country and people of this region this is a must.

The Explosive Art of Pencak Silat Harimau Minangkabau

Named for the tiger that its movements so aptly mimic, harimau has previously been taught to only a handful of adepts. Now the secrets of this lithe, sinuous style's low-line kicking, devastating takedowns and savagely effective groundfighting can be yours. Guru Richard Crabbe de Bordes teaches you the basic postures (kudas) and footwork patterns (langkhas), then shows you how to combine them to take your opponent to the ground and keep him there. You'll also learn rarely seen defense tactics against multiple attackers and see the efficacy of harimau in a kidnapping scenario. This is a rare opportunity to learn the secrets of one of the most dramatic and unusual martial arts ever

Locks and catches become the hallmark of this genre.


Motion of the two men were really beautiful and charming. Jump and somersault, dropping to the floor with legs spinning, sometimes flying up the opponent's body and rolled together along the floor.

But, make no mistake, the couple was not on acrobatics, nor is it demonstrated nan lively dance. They are two people who were showing off Silat Harimau techniques, which were colored attractive moves, acrobatics, and charming. Although looks beautiful, at the end of each movement and lock it there is always a dangerous and deadly kick to the opponent.

Locks and catches has become the hallmark of Silat Harimau. Immobilize the opponent more often done by capturing and locking arms, legs, or neck of the opponent. Generally, locks done while bringing opponent to the ground. Locks that would be very painful to the opponent fall down and make it move. When the flow of other martial arts fight with a stand, Silat Harimau fighting techniques also have applications in the bottom, like a tiger's struggle with his opponent on the ground.

When the fight was standing, Silat Harimau have acrobatics and a variety of techniques, including attacking with the knee, walking up the body of the enemy, as well as other techniques are just often applied in a foreign martial arts techniques. Not surprisingly, the application moves Tiger Silat is not only effective and deadly, but also beautiful and nice views.

Other characters from Silat Harimau is nothing blows with fists, but with a punch paws with open palms. These claws are directed to the face, neck, and genitals opponent. Form of an open hand is also effective for the capture and lock the opponent's limbs.