Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals: The Brutal Arts of the Archipelago Paperback – January 1, 1996

A truly great book. The authors explanation of principles is so clear and concise it was a pleasure to read. Everything explained cleanly and with out fluff or gradurism.I recommend it for any one looking to better understand, better explan, or have a better vocabulary to express principles used in martial arts.

I bought this book hoping I would pick up on some new techniques, principles or concepts I could integrate into my style. Which is based on Karate, Jeet kune do, akido, and kung fu. I did pick up on some things I could combine with my system. However, I don't think the book or the system is worth all the hype that has been given to it. I guess its just because the system is so limited from my point of view. The system in the book does not show any counters or defense of kicks or of fast Punch's that you would encounter in a real street fight. The strikes and concepts that the book has are really good but, what the style offers is very limited. I didn't buy the book to learn how to fight or do martial arts because I am very proficient at that already. But I was looking for other ways of dealing with problems or situations you may encounter. The system does show you how to prevent kicks from being launched in the first place from the attackers lead leg but the defense leaves you open to a knee to the groin from the rear leg. The hand techniques are good as long as the guy isn't a boxer who falls back into position after every punch or strike because, the style uses alot of arm levers and traps at "close range". If the attacker has fast hands your going to get ate. Some of the reviews compared the book to Bruce Lees "Tao of Jeet Kune Do". I feel that it falls way short of that. Bruce offered counters and attack to every possible attack that could be thrown by the human body. This book only addresses the stand up toe to toe use of hands only type of solution. I did like the fact that the book offered more explanation rather than the same old Kata type of books that everyone already knows or has seen. But I don't feel I got my moneys worth. I expected more whole body concepts, and principles of attack and defense. What got me interested in the book to Begin with was a TV program showing Indonesian fighting arts. It looked pretty impressive and "whole". Use of legs, Hands, arms, chokes, stomps, flow, etc. This book only shows the hand techniques. Some may say this is a grown up book for black belts. That may be. I'm a black belt and I don't think anyone without experience in the martial arts would get any in depth all around self defense skills from this book.Sure I picked up a few new concepts and principles that I may be able to apply to my style but I don't think those few concepts were worth the money I paid for the book. If it covered all possible types of attacks from other styles, and combined leg tactics the book would be worth the money but, I feel the "style" falls short of "Real" combat situations you may find yourself in.

I've been taking a Silat course and wanted some more information on the subject. It's not easy to find Silat books at your local bookstore. This book was informative but in order to understand the concepts you really need to see them at full speed. Sifu Richard Clear has some really good Silat dvd's that show all the techniques at full speed.

I have to agree with the review of Joseph Burton above.This is an OUTSTANDING book on some of the principles used in Kuntao and Silat.Very well written, clear and understandable.This book immediately took a place on the "top shelf" of my martial arts library.There is a companion DVD to this book that meshes very well with it and gives a visual demonstration of the principles. It's called "Fighting Arts of Indonesia - Combat Secrets of Silat and Kuntao" and you can find it on amazon.

This book is really a good book. It analyzes in details the intricacies/'secrets' of silat concepts/techniques.UNFORTUNATELY, the book's analysis is mainly RESTRICTED to Sera Style only. It does NOT analyzes the concepts/techniques of other silat styles such as Cimande, Cikalong, Harimau, etc.I'm somehow disappointed on that part.Overall, it's a very good book though considering how RARE silat books are !!!

This book contains principles and concepts that set silat apart. Mr.Orlando did a fantastic job in presenting the ideas. A must read for the student of Indonesian arts

Informative. Not quint a how too book. But a good refresher.

Easy to read and understand, yet has technical information. Will add to anyone's knowledge of martial arts !

Great book handy if you practice silat or eskrima