Tapak Suci

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Tapak Suci (full name: Tapak Suci Putera Muhammadiyah) is a modern school of Pencak Silat founded in Kauman, Yogyakarta, on 1963. Tapak Suci is Indonesian for "sacred or clean or holy path". An effective method of self defence, Tapak Suci is deep rooted in the philosophies of Islam, but has its doors open for non muslims also. It is one of the biggest Pencak Silat schools in the world, with over thousands of pesilat.

The Tapak Suci emblem

1 Techniques and training
2 References

[edit] Techniques and training

Tapak Suci is a modern day Pencak Silat style and thus follows the 4 main aspects of Pencak Silat. These aspects are:(1) Inner power (mental spiritual), (2) Self defence (bela diri), (3) Art (seni) and (4) Competition (olah raga)

[edit] Technique

The Tapak Suci school has many influences of the traditional styles, such as banjaran, cimande and cikalong, but also has incorporated techniques from foreign martial arts such as Kung Fu and Karate. In the past it happened that foreign martial artist either challenged or trained with the old Tapak Suci masters, thus influencing the art of Tapak Suci. A peculiar example of this treat is the use of the Japanese katana (sword).
Technically Tapak Suci is a circular and non-static style. The practitioner uses clever footwork in combination with his hands to either approach or confuse his opponent. This requires that the practitioner has good stamina and flexibility.

[edit] Permainan jurus (style figures)

Tapak Suci has 8 standard jurus or forms in its system. Each form has their own characteristics, techniques, forms, approach and sometimes use of weapons. The 8 permainan jurus are:

katak (frog)
bunga mawar (rose)
naga (dragon)
ikan terbang (flying fish)
lembu jantan (bull)
merpati (dove)
rajawali (eagle)
harimau (tiger)

[edit] Weaponry

Advanced practitioners of Tapak Suci are trained in weaponry. The types of weaponry is divided in the more common weapons and style specific weapons. Some of the common weapons are toya (staff), tongkat (short stick), cabang (sai) and rante (chain). Style specific weaponry are the segu, tombak naga and golok mawar. Each of these weapons have their own basics and advanced techniques.