Kerambit??

[KaliGman]

KaliGman, I appreciate your comments. However, from what I have seen of sangut techniques, the sangut is'nt used qute the same as the kerambit is used in Indonesian Silat. The sangut I've seen in the PI do not really resemble a kerambit. The sangut I have is more akin to a fixed blade hawkbill utility knife and is used both in a regular grip and reverse grip. In my silat experience, the kerambit is only used in reverse grip. I would also like to add, I have only seen the kerambit used in FMA systems in the US, not in the PI. It is also my opinion, and just that, that the use of the kerambit in the twirrily flashy what it is sometimes used here is a modern adaptation and the weapon in not used this way in actual Indonesian Silat.

Interesting opinions and some good information. I will say, however, that in about 30 years of training in various systems, to include FMA, other Southeast Asian arts, Japanese arts, etc., I have come to the conclusion that there are no absolutes and that "movement is movement." There are so many similarities between Japanese and some FMA traditions, and amongst other arts, that I look at it as "there are only so many ways to move a human body." There are many ways to use a sangut, karambit, bolo, or for that matter, a brick. Not all of them are used the same way by every "system" out there, but similarities are going to exist. There are so many silat and FMA styles out there, including small family or clan systems (like the Albo system until it was recently expanded), that I find it hard to predict what is going to be taught where. In fact, I really don't care that much. I look at what works. If it works under pressure and for real in combat, fine. If it doesn't, then it is merely pretty drills. I have had the luxury, in my years of law enforcement, to be able to "pressure test" a lot of what I teach when arresting and subduing violent subjects, which has been a good way to see what works. Good luck in your training (mine has been interesting since I tore some cartilage in my right hand--still training hard, but this is a nagging injury that annoys me from time to time).