Pencak Silat : Book Review

"Pencak Silat" by Herman Suwanda offers readers a deep and comprehensive look into the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. Suwanda, a highly experienced practitioner and teacher of the art, unveils the techniques, principles, and philosophy that underlie this ancient fighting style.

The book starts by providing a rich historical background of Pencak Silat, tracing its origins in the Indonesian archipelago. Suwanda beautifully portrays the cultural significance of the art, highlighting its close ties with tradition, spirituality, and personal expression.

One of the book's core features is Suwanda's thorough and detailed explanations of various Pencak Silat techniques. He covers a wide range of strikes, kicks, locks, and throws, providing step-by-step instructions accompanied by helpful illustrations. What sets this book apart is Suwanda's emphasis on the mental and spiritual aspects of the art, urging readers to cultivate a balanced and focused mindset.

Suwanda goes beyond physical techniques, offering valuable insights into the principles and philosophy of Pencak Silat. He explores the concept of "inner power," known as "tenaga dalam," stressing the importance of harnessing one's energy and aligning the mind, body, and spirit. Suwanda's wisdom breathes life into the art, motivating practitioners to approach Pencak Silat with not only physical prowess but also a deep understanding of its essence.

Overall, "Pencak Silat" is a remarkable guidebook suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners of the martial art. Herman Suwanda's expertise and passion for Pencak Silat shine through on every page. Whether one seeks to learn the techniques or delve into the philosophy behind this ancient art, this book proves to be an invaluable resource.

What are readers saying?

The book "Pencak Silat" by Herman Suwanda has received a variety of feedback from readers. Some readers praised the book for its informative content and detailed explanations of the martial art, while others found certain aspects lacking.

Those who appreciated the book praised Suwanda's extensive knowledge and expertise on the subject. They found the explanations of the techniques to be clear and easily understandable, enabling them to grasp the fundamentals of Pencak Silat. Additionally, readers commended Suwanda for providing historical and cultural context, which enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the martial art.

On the other hand, some reviewers felt that the book fell short in a few areas. They mentioned that the writing style was dry and technical, making it challenging to read for those unfamiliar with Pencak Silat. Additionally, some readers pointed out the absence of visual aids, such as diagrams or photographs, which could have aided in comprehending the techniques more effectively.

Furthermore, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the book's organization and structure. They felt that the content was scattered and lacked cohesion, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, a few readers mentioned that the book lacked depth in certain areas, leaving them wanting more detailed explanations and practical applications of the techniques.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, "Pencak Silat" by Herman Suwanda remains a valuable resource for individuals interested in learning about this martial art. While some readers found the book to be informative and well-written, others had reservations about its readability and organization. Ultimately, readers who are already familiar with Pencak Silat may find more value in this book than those approaching the martial art for the first time.

PencakSilat MartialArts IndonesianCulture