Pak De also spent 14 years studying a southern Chinese martial art under Yap Kie San in Parakan. Perisai Diri was founded on July 2, 1955 in Surabaya by Pak De, with the assistance of Imam Ramelan. After Pak De's death in 1983, the Indonesian government granted him the title of Pendekar Purna Utama, the highest rank for a pendekar. Perisai Diri focuses on practical, straight movements that "respect the natural anatomy". Practitioners explain the different levels in the style this way: With the quick and elusive bird techniques and the vicious overwhelming power of the tiger and dragon technique. The martial arts of the Minangkabau region (known collectively as silek) in West Sumatra are among the oldest in Indonesia and are characterised by their focus on ground-fighting. According to Minang folklore, the Javanese were once intent on capturing West Sumatra. To decide the outcome without resorting to a full-scale war, the two sides agreed to hold a buffalo-fight. The Javanese produced a large, vicious and angry buffalo. The West Sumatrans simply supplied a young calf with razors upon its small horns. The large buffalo not seeing the threat allowed the young calf close as it came to suckle milk. Upon it trying to suckle it sliced the large buffalo's stomach, making the young buffalo the victor. The Minang technique is much like the point of this story; seemingly harmless yet brutal in its application.
Based on a very fast and agile bird that hops around catching fish and insects, this technique uses light and evasive movements with powerful but precise strikes, made with the finger tips together to form a beak shape.
Like the water fowl, the egret is a bird form that relies on speed and agility. This form uses the second knuckles of a half closed fist for direct jabbing attacks and jumping movements to keep the opponent at bay, while picking vulnerable targets to drive the spear-like "beak" into. It also uses a stomp/jab low kick aimed at the opponent's knees.
Based on Garuda, the king of eagles and destroyer of snakes in Hindu-Buddhist mythology. The great wings of this powerful bird are used to deflect attacks and to deliver powerful counter attacks. The forearms are adapted as the wings of Garuda and are used in long powerful chopping/cutting actions, the agility is maintained as Garuda fights in the air circling around the opponent delivering blows from behind.
By practicing the Garuda form, the exponent develops powerful forearms that are used like batons against the opponents neck, throat and collar bones.The elbows are also used in this close quarters technique, in all directions - inside, outside, up and down. A Garuda stylist is adept at attacking someone standing behind. Along with the outside forearm and elbow strikes, the Garuda form also uses a heel kick to the groin which hooks straight up to the groin from behind.
The tiger technique is ferocious and powerful. Utilizing the momentum behind full body movements, the practitioner uses palms and fingers to deliver knock out, bone crushing blows and gouge at eyes, throat and groin. This technique uses a claw-formed hand, which through training is developed into a vice-like grip. In the tiger form, pouncing and jumping moves are used to attack with surprising speed and power, overwhelming the assailant quickly and efficiently.
The naga uses serpentine twisting, diving, coiling and straightening movements to generate enormous power through its body. Also through this action it is able to escape from various locks, holds and grappling attacks. The naga form uses these same movements for countering, with lifts, throws, breaks and chokes. It also incorporates ground sweeps, large circular sweeps both inside and out side, used as a take down, by attacking the legs of an opponent. The main strikes are: - Downward striking elbows and forearms, aimed at the opponent’s neck, collar bones and spine. -Upward and forward strikes, with fingers thumbs and concave palms. The thumbs and fingers are used by spearing into an opponents, eyes or throat and the palms striking to the nose, chin and collar bones.
The final three forms are reserved for the higher levels as they require a higher understanding of the system. Rather than animals, they are based on the satria (warrior), pendeta (priest) and putri (princess).
