DVDs

KunTao Silat Thouars is the Dutch Indonesian art based on the combining of Silat, the fighting art of Indonesia, the Chinese fighting arts, and the arts of India and Arabia. These videos show the background, specialty skills, techniques, applications and practice methods of this exotic and unknown, very direct and brutal art.

Made over a period of twenty five years, the information in these tapes will never be available again. These are tapes made by martial artists, for martial artists. The production values may not be as good as some others, but the information is what you would hope to have in any martial arts tape.

Willem de Thouars is one of the worlds' finest fighting men. For over sixty years, he has studied with some of the foremost teachers of some eighty martial art styles; Pentjak Silat, the Chinese KunTao on Java, the Five Majors of Shaolin and the Three Crowns of Chinese art in China, Western Boxing, European weapons arts and so on. He has produced fine students for over forty years, teaching in the privacy of his own home to students accepted by invitation only. For the first time anywhere, Uncle Bill makes his art accessible to the public by way of these videotapes of his work. They give us an insight into the practice of a martial artist unparralled in his intention and dedication to honoring his teachers and their gifts.

Backyard Productions is Steve Gartin. He has been shooting video of the de Thouars Brothers teaching and performing KunTao & Pentjak Silat for many years in seminars, classes, demonstrations, and in backyards. He bought the gear, learned to edit and produce and has been making videos of KunTao Silat for use by inner circle students for many years. These are videos made by a martial artist for martial artists. He shows the good stuff and doesn't waste your time. The videos are made to be used and studied for years to come. They are produced on the highest quality tape with the idea that you will stop and start, repeat and pause.

Malabar KunTao Silat is the name given to our art by the de Thouars Family as an American Dutch-IndoChinese martial art. Guru Steve Gartin is a Cigar Dalem (Inner Circle) practitioner for over twenty-five years and lineage founder in the grace of Willem De Thouars, Paul De Thouars, Victor De Thouars and Maurice De Thouars.

Much of the material was videoed where and when it happened with available light and sound over a fifteen-year period. Special footage and commentary is done to expound and explain the archival footage.

Well, I'm experiencing the effects of middle-age after an evening out with an old buddy of mine. This gave me penty of time to view the new Kerambit video from THUNDER ROCK - Maha Guru Steve Gartin's production company.

First off, this is one the best produced tapes yet. In terms of giving readers step-by-step instruction, and clear direction, it easily stands out.

The Kerambit has been the 'it' thing the past few years, probably because, well, they look cool. Ironically, this is exactly WHY you shouldn't carry one most of the time. God forbid you need to defend yourself and use a sharp implement to do it, but you can expect to be looked at extra cross-eyed by the polizei if you are weilding a bloody klingon-esque weapon.

However, knowledge of the Kerambit is central to KTS training. Long before I had gotten into it officially, I viewed it as a core weapon in my KTS practice. Why? Well, it just fit in naturally to the training. Plus, because of it's easy deployment, a small Kerambit has been a frequent friend on some my, um, less friendly visits.

What a pleasant surprise that this new DVD clearly shows for the KTS player just how elegantly this signature weapon plugs into the skills they have been developing.

The application session is wonderfully assembled, rather than the completely free-form (yet informative) material you will find on previous DVD's, Maha Guru Gartin supplies a clear breakdown of basic buah, demonstrating KTS strategy with the use of the Kerambit.

This should be required viewing for KTS players, and if you don't play KTS, I think you will find a real wealth of information that is ready to use, right out of the box.

Perhaps the most mind-blowing aspect was the 'final' techniques as demonstrated by Guru Mudah Aric Fowler. I must admit that this use of the Kerambit was very enlightening indeed, and I intend to practice the heck out of it before the Silat-a-Palloza!

Introduction to HeartLess Monkey Knife

A basic investigation into the bladecraft of both Silat and KunTao. Steve Gartin explains how the legwork and handwork integrates with the bladecraft at the foundational level. A great companion DVD for HeartLess Monkey Knife #1, #2 and #3 since it establishes the basic concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Filmed at 11,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies (two-camera version)

Heartless Monkey Knife

Heartless Monkey Knife takes it’s name from Willem’s description of the Ape Form; he is ‘wide-open, heartless and inviting’.

You are shown various sorts of knives and their characteristics discussed; sheathes and carry systems, grip styles, blade presentations, and practice methods.

There is a long section on wounds, first aid and body trauma by an EMT persilat; Steve Rollert.

There are lots of applications, footwork, hand positioning, body angulation and torquing. There are discussions of the combat mind-set, tactical considerations, and mental preparation.

This is a great series that just keeps getting better. This material is all taken from advanced instruction classes and workshops, so it is far advanced from the common ideas of knife-fighting. You won't see any 'Hollywood' stuff here- it's gritty, brutal and efficient.

It's sometimes hard for me to remember just how weird this stuff is until you see Uncle Bill express a skill that you've never even thought of before.
HMKIII is full of that kind of stuff- small tricks and concepts that you wonder why you never thought of.

The footwork in knife skill is of primary importance. How you enter your opponent is tremendously important when any touch from him can wound or kill. After you enter him, you must neutralize his weapons and his defenses

In HMKIII, Uncle shows more sophisticated leg attacks that set up the neutralization of the weapon and the opponent's defenses against your weapon. He shows a scope of 'gripping' the knife and the particular applications that the grip allows.

Uncle shows fa-jing with the knife as well as the body colliding art and the development of 'energetics' as applied to a weapons' skill.

All in all, this is a good one. The new digital camera, sound, editing software and reproduction equipment has taken the production values to a new standard. The material has always been very strong, and now the technology is beginning to catch up and not be a distraction- Gartin's done another helluva job.
Chas 303-910-2685

This is a review of the DVD series produced by Steve Gartin and Chas Clements, et. al., practitioners of the Indonesian-based art of Kuntao-Silat entitled Heartless Monkey Knife, volume III.

ThunderRock Backyard Productions is an in-house video presentation put together by Steve.

This title opens with some spectacular scenes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and segues into some backyard training with Willem de Thouars and one of his senior students. For a technical explanation of the style, refer to an excellent article by Chas Clements made in 1983. http://www.nakededgecutlery.com/monkeyknife.htm

Next we see an impromptu free-form single knife pattern performed by the amazing 69 year old Willem de Thouars. This form, which some styles call 'Kembangan' (http://www.buktinegara.com/kembangan.html) or 'Kembaggan' as Steve calls it, which consists of flowing, flexible moves representing fighting actions against imaginary enemies.

"Kembangan - The Flower Dance - Historically the Kembangan was designed to display the mastery of the art of Silat. In some circles its performance is used as a ritual offering to gurus, spirits, deities and higher powers. The dancer with the most finesse and control over the motion and the mental attitudes was considered to be a great warrior. Some Silat masters say that the Kembangan itself teaches the warrior how to fight. Distinctive to this dance is the portrayal of archetypes such as various animals and deities. The warrior learns to emulate the various archetypes and in doing so adopts at an innate level the qualities and strengths of these archetypes. In some instances it has been used throughout history to camouflage the martial sciences from colonists. Kembangan teaches flow and self-expression. It helps students develop smoothness and subtlety in their Silat. In a Kembangan the student moves through fighting positions and applications in subtle manner much like tai chi. The Silat player uses, subtle energy (Prana), combative motions, timing, balance, fighting strategy, distinctive mental states and attitudes. It helps them harness emotional stability and mental focus, which in turn sharpens his awareness as a fighter. With practice the Kembangan enables the Silat player to hypnotize and mesmerize his adversary."

Following this we are taken to one of Willem's outdoor classes where he adeptly shows several methods of unbalancing the opponent using 'soft' energy, and positioning of the body against the typical knife thrust, using training knives. The participants seem to be having a great time with lots of laughter and enjoyment of the training. Again we see the incredible agility and simple movements that Willem has come to typify. He shows a number of clever knife disarms, and follow-ups, both in normal speed and in step motion. What's interesting to see is his occasional flurry of motion and explosiveness, very deceptive for a man near 70 years old. The students appear to appreciate his patience and good humor throughout the training.

From this he moves into some nice unbalancing and trips and leg sweeps, showing how little energy it takes once there is proper positioning against the opponent's base. In a humorous, but interesting section he shows how one can fight as he calls it, as a 'coward', using a deceptive method of attacking the base of the supporting leg. Finally he goes over some body colliding, 'soft' moves of unbalancing.

The next segment moves to a new locale and the students work with Willem with some knife disarms, Steve shows some counters against a thrust by the Kukri blade, and Willem takes over again and shows some stick disarms and takedowns.

This is a nice follow-up to the previous title in the series and shows the fluidity and grace of the style. It’s a worthy addition to collection of the Silat student.

Great, I appreciate it. I have watched the others and I have really enjoyed them. I love the "backyard" idea throughout the programs. It gives a more personal feel to what you are watching as opposed to very polished (BORING) productions. Plus, you and Chas (and others, you two just stand out more...maybe its the beard...lol) seem very humble, nice to see given the current arragant poses by many "star" martial artist that trademark every word they speak. Thanks for your knowledge.

Four DVD Set: Showcasing the first 6 forms and applications of American KunTao Silat

Uncle Bill and his Senior Disciples present both a broad view of the Willem de Thouars Branch of the Family Arts

and the specific Serak art as practiced and taught by Uncle Bill. A "must have" for any serious practitioner in the

LegWork - Lankas

Malabar's flavor is distinctively "Indonesian" but draws its tools, training methods and tactics from many sources. Monkey style KunTao is found in all levels and most applications of Malabar. Preying Mantis KunTao hitting tools provide the Malabar practitioner with unusual attacks from unusual angles.

Tiger style KunTao permeates the Entry and Controlling aspects with a startling ferocity that establishes immediate superiority and total control of an assailant.

The tornado-like circularity of the Ancient Chinese PaKua as practiced in Indonesia lends an overwhelming barrage of hitting, tearing, twisting and mangling techniques to Malabar defenses.

Internal principles of Chinese Tai Chi and I Hsing ie are focused on combat, rather than health, although the basic health principles are applied in Daily Training.

The footwork, triangulation, and unique close-quarter hitting tools and the devastating bladework of Poekulan Pentjak Petjut Kilat Silat have been integrated into virtually all of the Technical Applications we present to you in this video. Combined, these elements have evolved into a fighting system designed to protect its Practitioner from skilled fighters, with or without weapons.

Each of the Systems and Styles from which Malabar has derived technique, training method, principle, or tool is honored by the Forms (Choreographed movements designed to ingrain "muscle memory" and skeletal alignment into a Practitioner's consciousness), which retain the ancient teachings of the Bapak Willem de Thouars lineage of the Dutch Indo/Chinese Family System of KunTao Silat de Thouars

HandWork - Djurus

The hand stylings of Malabar KunTao Silat are generally taught separate to the legwork and to the footwork patterns. That allows the hand positioning to be keyed to any leg position and to any footwork pattern.

In olden days, the handwork patterns (called djurus) were taught while seated. That required the practitioner to find a belly support for any movement, and to compensate through the hips for movements of the arm.

This shows a number of forms and variations of practice, applications of the hand techniques and it’s translation to weapons usage.

Djuru Satu2000

Djurus Satu is the seminal form of KunTao Silat. It can be practiced as an entire martial art; percussion, grappling, grasping, throws, weapons. It is a wonderful base on which to learn and practice any skill or any application.

Djurus Satu is the form from which most demonstrations of application are made. Much of it is derived from PPS Serak®, some Arabian sources, India and Chinese. The flow of the form melds one with the other seamlessly, and virtually any application can find it’s practice mechanism in Djurus Satu.

This video stands completely alone from the #2 Uncle Bill’s Backyard (archive set), and they are complementary without unduly repeating the same information. There are additional corrections, methods and styles of doing the forma, including a weapon in practice and the two tapes represent a good overview of the Djurus Satu.

Heartless Monkey Knife

Heartless Monkey Knife takes it’s name from Willem’s description of the Ape Form; he is ‘wide-open, heartless and inviting’.

You are shown various sorts of knives and their characteristics discussed; sheathes and carry systems, grip styles, blade presentations, and practice methods.

There is a long section on wounds, first aid and body trauma by an EMT persilat; Steve Rollert.

There are lots of applications, footwork, hand positioning, body angulation and torquing. There are discussions of the combat mind-set, tactical considerations, and mental preparation.

Entrances

This is one of those experiences with Uncle Bill that will have you shaking your head wondering why you didn't see all this simple stuff before. The logical applications of kuntao and silat principles throughout the DVD will leave you inspired to investigate for yourself.

This seminar was held at a TKD school, so you'll notice the style-specific information and technical applications geared to the understanding of the students.

Knife Seminars

Two knife Seminars have been combined into this DVD. Uncle Bill demonstrates and teaches a broad range of knife related topics.

You will learn the practice methods and technical applications of the KunTao Silat style of knife work unique to Uncle Bill.

Principles and applications, forms, drills and exercises in paqua as practiced on Indonesia. This presentation of paqua is derived from 'the formless art' and shows both large and small circle, monkey influenced technique and many applications suitable for any forma.

IFootwork, kicks and leg applications, positioning and timing in kuntao silat legwork. This covers both offensive and defensive aspects of the leg; footwork and technical applications.

Pentjak Silat CiMande

Uncle Bill conducts a seminar on the forms, legwork, handwork and the use of the knife in this rare pukulan pentjak silat

system of CiMande. This is one of the more ancient arts of Indonesia and Uncle's style is as it was taught before WWII.

Unlike any cimande you may have seen before. The arts now practiced in Indonesia are markedly milder than they were

Offensive/Defensive Force Course

Deadly de Thouars Brothers

Special seminars by Pak Victor de Thouars, Maha Guru Maurice de Thouars, Pendekar Paul de Thouars and Bapak Willem de Thouars. All four de Thouars Brothers on one two hour DVD.

Uncle Bill's Greatest Hits

Special moments with Bapak Willem de Thouars. An unforgettable experience, getting to know one of the world's great martial treasures on one two hour DVD.

OUT OF STOCK

WuKung ~ the Chinese art of War

Bapak Willem de Thouars and his inner circle disciples provide an insightful and inspiring look into the little known Chinese fighting arts; not to be confused with Wu Shu, Kung Fu or Gung Fu. Lots of old style Shaolin and Taoist training methods and applications from an Indonesian perspective on one two hour DVD.

Pak Chas Clements reveals his personal martial system, comprised of Serak, kuntao, silat and several Japanese and Chinese martial arts.

This is the first of the Instructional Series and a must-have for all serious KunTao Silat practitioners. The breadth and depth of kuntao and silat lore that Pak Chas Clements relates is staggering. You will see the first 8 Serak Djurus performed, demonstrated and elaborated upon like you have never seen before. Two hours.

An in-depth analysis of the Kris, Karumpit and Kukuri. Additionally, you will learn the practice methods, training exercises, technical applications and knife lore surrounding the Indonesian martial arts. One hour & 50 minutes.

The Second Form is part of the DistanceLearning Program and provides the foundational form for the Fourth Level.

The Form of Evasion ~ open hand, with stick & knife: Featuring Willem de Thouars, Sigungs Marcello Rainero, Conrad Bui & Steve Gartin.

Introduction to HeartLess Monkey Knife

LegWork - Lankas

HandWork - Djurus

KunTao Silat: set of Four DVDs

Pentjak Silat CiMande

OUT OF STOCK