1. “Is Chakra V a real martial art or just a cultural group?”
Chakra V is a real martial system rooted in Silat from East Java and Madura. At the same time, it recognises that martial arts in Nusantara were never only about fighting. Traditionally, Silat trained the body, mind, ethics, and situational awareness together. We preserve that integrated approach. Those who only want sport or competition may find other pathways more suitable; those who want functional self-defence grounded in tradition usually understand our direction very quickly.
2. “Do you pressure-test your techniques or is it all cooperative?”
Pressure-testing exists in many forms. We do not believe that only full-contact sparring proves effectiveness, especially when weapons, multiple attackers, or legal consequences are involved. Our training will try to include things like progressive resistance, timing drills, unpredictability, stress inoculation, and scenario-based practice. We choose methods that reduce unnecessary injury while still developing realism but then again, all this is difficult to execute without safety equiptment like rubbermat, and sparring vests and goggles (for stabbing drill). We all know that Silat was never meant to be trained like a ring sport, and we respect that context.
3. “Why don’t you compete in tournaments?”
Few problems to adress here to answer this questions.
1. Competition is one expression of martial skill, not the only one. Chakra V focuses on self-defence, body mechanics, survival principles, and personal mastery. Sport Silat has its own rules, objectives, and training biases. We do not criticise competition — we simply do not design our curriculum around it. Our aim is applicability outside the rule set.
2. Manpower problems. Even if I were to adjust my training plan according to Federation standard to enable children to become fighters, I have parents who turn away when they discover the training costs more than normal Community Center pricing. On one hand you want quality training but you want it cheap. In the end because of this, we can't participate with no to low enrolment. Perguruan cannot survive If the teacher cannot sustain the perguruan. Its a matter of economy and sustainance. Theres a saying that silat shouldnt make money..hell, Im not even talking about making big bucks but just referring to making a decent sum to compensate for my time.
4. “Your system looks like a mix of many arts. Is it diluted?”
Silat itself is a synthesis. Historically, it absorbed influences from Kuntao, local weapons, and regional combat methods. Our integrations are not random; they are principle-based. Structure, balance, timing, intent, and awareness remain the core. Additional tools such as weapon work or kyusho concepts are layered only where they support Silat principles, not replace them. I am trained in a few martial arts related to Silat especially Kali and Kuntao. It complements each other. Permission has been sought before I have incorporate and streamline it into my own lesson. In the past a silat Guru is not considered a proper teacher if he did not pass through 7 types of silat. So i dont think this is a problem in itself. The problem is keypo puritan people and their perception of being "original".
5. “How do students know they are progressing without belts or ranks?”
Progression is measured by functional markers, not colours. Students advance through improved movement efficiency, situational response, control under pressure, and understanding of principles. Ranks exist where culturally appropriate, but we do not reduce growth to symbolic milestones. We have beltings but its not an emphasis. Students who stay long enough feel the difference in their bodies and decision-making ..that is the real metric.
6. “Is this suitable for beginners or only experienced martial artists?”
Chakra V is suitable for both. Beginners are taught foundations carefully and safely, while experienced practitioners often come to refine structure, sensitivity, and understanding. We do not train for ego or intimidation. The environment is disciplined, respectful, and inclusive, but not casual or sloppy.
7. “Why is there emphasis on ethics, restraint, and culture?”
Because skill without ethics is dangerous. Traditional Silat always emphasised responsibility. In modern society, misuse of force carries legal, moral, and psychological consequences. We train awareness first, technique second, and force last. This is not weakness; it is maturity.
8. “Is Chakra V a traditional school, commercial, seminar or a community center practice?”
Chakra V Singapore operates as a community-based martial group rather than a commercial gym. This allows flexibility, cultural exchange, and sincerity in transmission. We value quality of training and relationship over volume. Those seeking a franchise-style gym experience may not resonate with us — and that is fine. We used to be a seminar based silat group and now operating at RN/RC level.
9. “Why is there limited online marketing or reviews?”
We prioritise training over promotion. Much of our validation comes from long-term students, cross-training practitioners, and recognition within Silat networks. Online presence helps visibility, but it is not a substitute for embodied skill. We welcome sincere visitors to observe or train and judge for themselves. I, Dr Hadi can only take small commitments (in terms of silat projects in a year) as we are a small group silat enthusiast to start with. For sure, I have aspirations to expand on this school into a full pledge self defence training provider but I could not gather enough adults to form a proper section of team leaders for expansion purposes. As a teacher, for sure I need to see commitment before I commision you to be a teacher.
10. “What kind of person benefits most from Chakra V?”
Someone who wants self-defence grounded in tradition, understands that mastery takes time, values bodily intelligence, and respects discipline without theatrics. Chakra V is not for collectors of styles or shortcuts. It is for practitioners but we do acknowledge that we are more of ENTHUSIAST rather than a group of COMPETITORS.
11. I heard from some old timer teacher about your innovations/attitude towards how silat is taught even thought you werent that good in Silat back in your younger days?
Other peoples opinion when we were in our teens or 20s cannot hold the same weight especially after being away for a period of time. Training overseas intensively deepening applied silat and its philosophies has certainly proved to be an excellent catalyst. I had excellent teacher who made me into a silat teacher in the end.
Closing Statement
Chakra V whether in Indonesia or Singapore does not try to be everything for everyone. It exists to preserve, adapt, and transmit Silat in a way that remains functional, ethical, and relevant. Critics often come from different goals whether sport, spectacle, or commercial scale. We respect those paths, but we walk our own.
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