Spring Camp 2009

Spring Camp 25th - 26th April 2009

The camp this year took place in Kilrea a small picturesque town in N.Ireland. Kilrea was the birthplace of Silat in Ireland back in the 1980's. Over 45 students from both North and South attended the camp. After a brief Introduction Guru Besar Liam began the basic Speed drills and applications before moving on to various entries using Kelid and Selup from the Cimande Tari Kolot and how to apply locks, throws and takedowns to them. After the break, students were taught for the very first time in Ireland the Orangutan Ape subsystem of Pukulan Cimande Combat. This unique subsystem, helps blends combat aspects of the Monkey and Tiger together. Its a low crouching powerful smashing style, using hammer fists, elbows and Knees to the fore. For many of the student experiencing it for the first time, it help them connect these two animals for blending.

After the first day training students had opportunity to try out Go - Kart racing at the largest outdoor track in the UK. These karts had top speed of 120kph. It turn out to be a fantastic afternoon craic will some hair raising performances, which resulted in some dubious racing from some students?? After a quick wash and change all the students met up again at the evening banquet in the Manor Lodge which give students an opportunity to chat and meet up with old friends, this continued on to the early hours of the morning where the famous "craic" kept many a student awake with stories, songs wash down with the odd drink.

Next morning was early call for training beside the river. Guru Besar covered Jurus and showing how to add in breathing and meditation. This was a beautiful training session in early morning sunshine, surrounded by water and trees with just the sound of birds to break the silence.

After a hearty Ulster breakfast it was off to complete the final day training session and today students worked on the Crane Mannerism, and covered various kicks like Clip kick and Lead leg Joint Kick to movements of the Mad Rooster, Crane Footwork and conditional drills of Tenggel. Students finished the day off with some Knife Combat training based on Knife retractions and footwork.

Special Note should be given to Guru Jonathan O'Neill and Guru Baharau Alan Walsh and Guru Baharau Dave Murphy for earning their Guru Grades and they well deserved it, as they were put through a very tough Guru test, which left down the marker for all to follow.

I like to thank all the students who attended and made this weekend a great success. Its really good to see the art making great progress now, and everyone working together to promote Cimande. I look forward to the next camp and meeting you all again soon.