Silat Question?

[Darthmaul]

I was thinking about taking silat. From what I hear it's a lot of locks and low stances. Is that what the stlye is like? Is there also animal forms (I think I saw a clip of someone doing one, maybe it was tiger, I could be totaly wrong). Also, are the stances very low? I think I saw another clip of someone doing a form in silat. Reason why I am asking is that I had my knee scoped a few years ago, and my knee does not like it when I go too low. I am also in my 30's too. I am looking for a proven style of self defence. Thanks for any input.

[Tant01]

I was thinking about taking silat. From what I hear it's a lot of locks and low stances. Is that what the stlye is like? Is there also animal forms (I think I saw a clip of someone doing one, maybe it was tiger, I could be totaly wrong). Also, are the stances very low? I think I saw another clip of someone doing a form in silat. Reason why I am asking is that I had my knee scoped a few years ago, and my knee does not like it when I go too low. I am also in my 30's too. I am looking for a proven style of self defence. Thanks for any input.

There are many styles of pentjak silat. There are several animal forms and others named for all kinds of animals or things. Some are named after a location while others are named with meanings only known to those who practice. Many are blended with Kuntao and other arts (Judo)

Many are just fine for older men

[Gajah Silat]

Fine for older men Darth, take it from one! Also, both my teacher and myself have a collection of injuries between us and manage to work around them....this includes one very knackered knee.

Some styles such as Minagkabau Harimau from Sumatra are very low, even semi-recumbant. Some styles are completely stand up. Most are in between.

Most styles will have a combination of striking, locking, throws, limb destructions and low kicks. Oh and there's even, gouging, ball wrenching, headbuts and even biting in some styles

I certainly feel Silat is very 'street effective' and practical. Until Silat was formalised following WW2, it was mainly a combat art. Not for sport or entertainment but often for survival, hence we don't work within a 'rules' mindset and sometimes we can be percieved as aggresive & dirty fighters by others.

Another aspect of Silat is 'pecahan' which allows us to adapt and adjust within a system which cuts out the A is the answer to B stuff. There is always flexibility in response to attacks.

[Darthmaul]

Thanks for the post guys. I am definetly going to check out a class. I found a style called white crane silat in my area. I will check it out soon.