Silat vs. FMA

[Quixote]

Let me re-phrase that.

I was curious as to how many of you have training in both arts; and which of the two do you like best?

Please note I didn't say which of the two IS best

 

[Ern-Dog]

To some.....there is no difference.

Guro Inosanto has said that they are one and the same. It's just a matter of geography.

If a "pure" silat man and a "pure" FMA man heard that statement they might cringe, or get downright defensive. But I've seen too much overlap (in concepts and techniques) between the two, not take Guro Dan's opinion into consideration.

 

[RDT]

I've found the SIlat styles give more emphasis to empty hands. Sure they have excellent knife, sword, pole, stick, sarong styles but the difference being that you are more often taught empty hand jurus, etc first. Where as a lot of Kali teachers will go with sticks first and move to other weapons and empty hands later. Or, will do a little of all of them. Knife Stick, empty hand at the same time. Other than that, the conecpts really are similar that it is merely a matter of personal preference. There are however, thousands of Silat styles in comparisson to I believe hundreds of Kali styles. The theory being that Kali is dervied from certain Silat styles. Hence Silat usually containing many animal forms which leads certain historians to believe it is connected to or derived form Chinese styles as well as Indian. You might want to search for an instructor in each of the arts. Then take a few classes of both and compare for yourself. See which you prefer. After that you can use your judgement as to which has the "economy of motion" and practicality or art and discipline that you would like in your life. Good luck!

 

[guromkb]

To me they are same/same. They work well in unison limited only to the lack of imagination by the person or persons training them.
Mike

 

[tellner]

Mike is right. For me there's one added proviso. I've been around the block a few times with FMA, but I have never had an FMA teacher who was as good at teaching weapons as my Silat teacher. That says much more about the particular instructor than it does about the systems.