‘Feet to Core to Four led by the Head travelling on the Breath.’ - Part 7

Continuing this introduction to the ‘big four’, let me say that it also helps, as I’ve already mentioned, knees and elbows are very powerful tools. When we go into the danger zone, moving against an attacker, whilst behind/using/prioritising the big four we can feel confident even if the other person is stronger than us.

One way we can think about the physical and emotional alignment we are seeking to create is through the metaphor of:

‘The 100 soldiers.’

Simply put, imagine your mind and body comprise 100 soldiers. They are all you have to take into battle. If you are perfectly aligned – physically and attitudinally – you will use all 100 soldiers. Any misalignment takes some soldiers out of the equation.

The combative aim in Silat Fitrah is to direct all of our 100 soldiers against a smaller number of the opponent’s. (Hence, the need for good footwork, moving to advantageous positions, identifying, and using the best exit routes etc.)

This point emphasises the importance of langkah. - The foot soldiers always lead the way. And if the knees are wrong, everything that happens above them is wrong to one degree or another. If the lower triangle works correctly, the upper triangle can then deliver the required strikes or defensive motions. However, both require the elbows to be positioned – and move – appropriately.

It is also important to note that we never have more than 100 soldiers. So, if a student is holding a weapon, or two, they still have only 100 soldiers. The weapon(s) are not additional soldiers; they are, rather, additional support to the existing 100.

We have to coordinate our knees and elbows if we want to activate all 100 of our soldiers. When we get this right, we not only become hard to hit, we also hit very hard!

Next time, I’ll introduce you to the little four and explain why size isn’t everything.