.: Pentjak Silat
Pentjak Silat is a very powerful self–defense art and combat system from Indonesia.
The techniques and attributes of Pentjak Silat are designed to immediately disable and dominate any physical confrontation, whether the threat comes from a single or multiple attackers .
Pentjak Silat deals with any attack severely and decisively, especially when the attackers are armed with either impact or edged weapons.
Pentjak Silat is a complete and highly effective martial art using variety of techniques: nerve-striking, sweeping, kicking, trapping, punching, manipulating pressure points, constricting, pinning and locking-joints, ground-fighting, grappling, and throwing. Weapons training include stick, club, cane, knife, machete, sword, sarong, rope, scarves, tie, belt, key chains etc. The drills sharpen human sensitivities, reflexes, and survival instincts, and are highly practiced to prepare for a real weapon attack.
Grand Master Soengkono teaches a reality-based system and puts a strong emphasis on combat’s functionality and success. The system he teaches is solely for survival and not for "sport or competition.” He will reveal the secrets of this powerful system just as he did when he taught the Special Airborne Brigades of the Indonesian Air Force and Army Commando Elite Units that were deployed throughout East Timor in 1976. Grand Master Soengkono was also assigned as one of the defensive-tactical instructors for the Indonesian SWAT and Riot Police Force.
The nature and applications of Pentjak Silat may cause serious harm or death if used wrongly or irresponsibly. For these reasons, Grand Master Soengkono promotes healthy and safe training environment and discourages anyone with anti-social behaviors, negative intentions or an over-focus on "winning". As moral duty and responsibility, the school conducts itself in a highly ethical and moral manner, and has implemented a screening system that will refuse entry of potentially dangerous individuals or groups.
.: Grand Master Song
A Grand Master, Mr. Soengkono (Song, Yung Ren), received his 9th Dan Black Belt in 2010. He is among the few individuals to have received this distinction and is qualified as an International Master Instructor in the art and science of Tae Kwon Do. This certification is officially approved by the governing body of Tae Kwon Do Organization and Certification in Korea.
The Canada Tae Kwon Do Association selected him as coach/trainer for the Canada National Team to the SNK Cup Japan Tae Kwon Do Championships held in Osaka, Japan in 1995. Furthermore, Grand Master Soengkono is also a 6th Dan Black Belt in Aikido and Jujitsu from Japan, a master in painting and drawing, an engineer, and a graduate in Business Administration who is presently finishing his Business Administration doctoral program.
Grandmaster Soengkono is also the former Canadian and Indonesian Champion and was special instructor to the Indonesian Army and Riot Police Force. He has 44 years teaching experience and is the president of the Northwestern Ontario Tae Kwon Do Association, an organization he founded in 1987.
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"I have been a student of Grand Master Song and his school for over fifteen years and his guidance and instruction have given me the confidence, skills, and abilities to complete my duties as a police officer efficiently and effectively given any situation. Grand Master Song teaches teachers. His careful attention to detail and hands on instruction with his students ensures that the essence and spirit of Aikido is transmitted directly from master to student. I am honoured to recommend Grand Master Song and his school for you or your child."
Terry Pentney (RCMP Officer)
“Teacher to the Teacher”
I have had the devastating misfortune, the esteemed honor, and the haunting tragedy, of meeting many people who walk the path of life and death in this conflict ridden world of ours. However, upon the fated occasion of meeting others amid the scenario of training I became remarkably aware of a person who by his gentle gaze and humble benevolence, exuded strength beyond that which I have ever experienced in any of my international moments. By chance our meeting had happened, or was it by fate, I was to embrace a learning experience beyond my prior remembrances? While in the presence of this venerated colleague I became clearly and respectfully aware that I had the honor of meeting in my life, one of the worlds, greatest disciples of combative technique understanding.
My skills and techniques that I displayed in the presence of this unassuming and gentle man were absorbed, my words and thoughts were considered, and amid his vast background of experience based knowledge, he shared moments with me that I shall never forget… His words impacted my thoughts while the silence between us was deafening with long-ago reflections.
After having written five books about the experiences of my life, and obtained two doctorate degrees, survived the worlds war zones, taught the officers of over sixty nations, I had suddenly and respectfully become the student of the humble, kind, and combatively insightful,
Grand Master Song.
May his life be long, because he has so very much to contribute to so many…
Dr. Robert R. Rail
Surviving the International War Zone
About Dr. Robert Rail:
Dr. Robert Rail was an International Police Officer for the United Nations Police Task Force in Bosnia and Kosovo. As a war zone officer, Bob performed a wide variety of enforcement assignments including patrol, general peace-keeping activities and riot response. He was also responsible for designing curriculums and instructing the elite police officers from over 60 nations who have been deployed in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. He has been a physical confrontation advisor and resource training provider to personnel for NATO and OSCE.
Dr. Rail has been a resident instructor at the Specialized Advanced Training Unit of the High Institute of the BaghdadPoliceCollege and was awarded a second doctorate degree for his exceptional abilities as an international police instructor. He has received numerous other awards for his work in the international community. He is an internationally respected and acclaimed master instructor in Karate. He is a frequent contributor to publications, television, and radio programs and conducts both training and consulting services for universities and corporations worldwide. He is the author of five books including: the Unspoken Dialogue; Defense Without Damage; Custodial Cuffing and Restraint; Reactive Handcuffing Tactics; and Surviving the International War Zone all available from Varro Press.
"When I first started training with Grand Master Song he told me that he teaches teachers. It took me some time to understand what he meant by that. It means, among other things, that teaching people only how to fight is insufficient, and that teaching people why fighting is sometimes necessary leads to greater skill, understanding and character development. From this perspective, the martial art becomes a form of conflict resolution, and each art he teaches – aikido, tae kwon do, pentjak silat, tai chi – is a different facet of that central idea. Grand Master Song also teaches that while martial arts training will certainly make students better at self-defence, the deeper and more important purpose of the training is to come to know oneself and experience personal growth. To do this, he teaches balance. If you are quick to judge, he will teach you to first observe without judgment; if you are shy, he will lead you towards self-confidence; if you are arrogant or vain, he will emphasize humility and respect for others. In mastering ourselves, he teaches, we come to feel compassion for others. I have certainly found training with Master Song to be a worthwhile experience, and would not hesitate to recommend his school to anyone."
Lee Sieswerda, B.Ed., M.Sc.
(Epidemiologist and Professor at Lakehead University)
Testimonial for Grand Master Song:
"I have studied martial arts all my life. Styles that I have learned include Tae Kwon
Do starting from when I was six years old, Kickboxing throughout my teenage
years, and Brazilian Jujitsu during the two years I spent in Victoria as a regular
force naval officer in the Canadian Forces. I hold a Master’s degree in physics
and a Bachelor of Education. I am currently a teacher of academic upgrading
mathematics at Confederation College.
Grand Master Soengkono is a different kind of martial arts instructor. He is a true
mixed martial artist. He comes with real world experience and training in the art of
self-defense. He offers motivation and professional guidance for those wanting to
learn the basics of self-defense, but he also goes the extra mile for the select few
who dedicate themselves to study the martial arts in more detail and are willing to
push themselves towards excellence.
Grand Master Soengkono has committed his life to the martial arts and he is
passionate about teaching what he has learned. I am fortunate that I have the
privilege to study Pentjak Silat with Grand Master Soengkono and it is my
pleasure to recommend Grand Master Soengkono and his school for any new or
experienced martial artist."
Bijan Khanjari
"Let me introduce myself: My name is Nick Kushnir, I am 20 years of age at this time, with no prior martial-arts experience. I found myself experiencing a great amount of dissonance - both mentally and physically. Monotonous job, living alone, in a serious - yet strained relationship - Lacking focus and motivation, I was ultimately a very un-happy individual. Over the past 8 months or so, I had been playing with the idea of joining a martial-arts class, never actually making the effort to do so. Then one day, I walked into the dojo. At the end of the session I had observed, Grand Master Song acknowledged and embraced me with a hand shake and a warm smile, then invited me to take part in my first Pentjak Silat class.
Over the span of about 4 months, I have made new friends - I have a newfound passion for the martial arts - I have a deep reverence and respect for my Grand Master - And I have only begun learning the secrets of my own body and character. I have Grand Master Song, as well as my peers to thank for it! Throughout the duration of my part in this class, I have only begun conditioning my form, shaping my mind, and tuning into my nature! With eagerness I look forward to what is yet in store for me! I am the type of person who believes that we will learn everything we need to know about our-selves and our nature eventually - However I strongly believe that taking part in this class has helped me take the significant first few steps on this important pathway, as I continue my journey through life"
"In life, we try our very best to become who we want to be - by pushing farther away from who we do not want to be. The destination is simply a motivator for us to begin this essential progression."
Terima kasih, Maha Guru!
Nick Kushnir