an American Martial ArtWelcome to the International KunTao Silat Association. Our goal is to provide access and training to practical, effective and efficient martial arts training. KunTao Silat was once only available to a chosen few, now the knowledge of generations of warriors is available to you. This web site is dedicated to sharing the value of this rare and wonderful art. KunTao Silat offers a unique opportunity to train both your mind and body. There are many activities that can make you stronger, more flexible, improve your cardiovascular system – all things you can achieve through KTS training. KunTao Silat as an exercise integrates both the mind and body into the training. Yes, you become stronger, more flexible, healthier – but you also learn to integrate your mind/body connection leading to a stronger mind and healthier body. KunTao Silat is much more than just exercise – it gives you the knowledge and ability to truly understand self defense. The confidence that comes from knowing that you can protect yourself improves your entire life – your work, your relationships with others. Everyone has their own reason for training – for health, for self defense, for fun. KunTao Silat training is unique in that it can offer all of those things. No matter your age or interest, KunTao Silat supplies a unique training experience that will transform your outlook.  What is KunTao Silat?
KunTao Silat is a term first coined in America by the first generation of students from the practitioners of Dutch-Indonesian descent. The term honors both the Chinese and Indonesian teachers that influenced this art. There are a plethora of styles either KunTao or Silat that come from the spice islands. Many of these systems are ‘mixed’ systems, yet due to cultural prejudice are often referred to as “KunTao” (Chinese) or “Silat” (Indonesian). KunTao Silat is the product of Dutch-Indonesian teachers, who because of their unique position in society were able to “cross over” and learn from both the Chinese and Indonesian teachers. The American KunTao Silat Association teaches a martial art that has it’s origins in West Javanese martial arts. American KunTao Silat has seven levels of progress to GuruMuda.Level One: LegWork & HandWork - First we train the stances, so they can be incorporated into the daily life and movements of the student. Basic HandWork is then added to the stances and incorporated into movement drills. The First Five Djurus
are learned at this level. DVDs are available as training aids. Weapons Traditionally, the blade and the stick are the weapons of choice. Level Two: Djurus Satu - First Form Having practiced the stances and hand movements from Level One, the student now begins to study traditional choreographed form which carries the combat knowledge from the Indonesian lineage and provides a means of personal practice any where and any time. Djurus Satu is very direct, explosive and offensive. The best defense being a strong offense, Djurus Satu
teaches effective self defense understanding and training. A DVD
is available for this level. Level Three: Lanka Dua - The Flower Non-confrontation is always the most effective way to deal with aggression. It takes longer to develop and even longer to refine, so the student receives the initial training early in their KunTao Silat development.
A DVD is available. Level Four: Lanka Monjet - The Monkey With hands and legs now integrated, the student now develops leg strength and mobility of uncommon proportions. The Monkey provides enlightenment in movement unlike any other animal.
A DVD is available. Level Five: Pai Yun - The Tiger With the leg strength now developed, the Tiger provides hitting, grappling, tearing, ripping and smashing techniques and training methods and another style of applying the legwork. DVD available in January 2005. Level Six: Ling Sing Toy - Preying Mantis Precision hitting and furious speed are now added to the student's arsenal of martial skills. Timing, precision and control are honed in this level, in preparation for Level Seven. DVD available in February 2005. - At this point, the student has reached Practitioner Level and can continue practice for a life time without ever needing further instruction, although seminars and workshops will always be available. When the Student becomes a Practitioner a world of options opens. The parent arts of KunTao Silat and over a hundred classical forms are available for deeper study and the Practitioner is urged to experiment in the areas of their interest and ability.
Level Seven: GuruMuda {Young Teacher} This training prepares a Practitioner to teach. We find many who currently teach come to us with the desire to teach the Family System from the beginning of their training. In such a case, the elements of teaching are built into that Student's training from the start. The group of aspiring gurus seen in the GuruClass Series are experienced martial artists, learning to teach KunTao Silat from the beginning, to Practitioner level.
There are only 12 Sigung Instructors of the Willem de Thouars Branch of the Family Arts in the world. Most practitioners will not have personal access to the top level teachers of KunTao Silat. However, there are many PracticeLeaders around the world who are working toward Guru Certification and conduct training sessions in their neighborhood. You are all welcome to join the fun. It costs a hundred bucks to join
and includes a set of Four Training DVDs that provide the Basic Training,
Forms, Solo-exercises and Partner Training. Whenever you feel ready for the next level, you simply video your performance of the current level and mail it to
me for critique along with a hundred bucks. When I'm satisfied with your videoed performance of the level's material, even if it takes several exchanges,
you will recieve certification. Once a year, the Distance Student should either host or attend one of
our Family Gatherings and Workshops if possible. There is no
substitute for 'hands-on' training.
Student Membership Martial art practitioners of all skill levels are welcome to join the KTSI. Membership gives you access to the practice leaders of the art, discounts on video’s and other merchandise, access to the Member’s only areas of the Web Page including the ever growing information archive, and 4 issues of “State of The Art” the American Kun Tao Silat newsletter. In addition to these benefits, your training and progress is logged with the KTSI, ensuring the quality of your training and proper recognition for your efforts. Long-Distance Student Membership Long distance training is available to interested students. Entering the long distance training program requires making a very special commitment to training. There is a saying in the martial arts world: “Many are called, few are chosen.” Throughout history, the only way to learn was from your village guru, family or friends who had a contact with a legitimate guru (teacher). Today the world has changed. With modern transportation, the internet and video, it is now possible to gain training even if you are not located near an authorized school. To take part in this opportunity, all you have to do is download the application form, fill it out and send it to KTSI headquarters. You must be a full member of KTSI in order to part of this program. From there you are put on a video correspondence course. You will receive: ¨ 1 instructional video a month. You will practice the material on the tape, and the tape yourself practicing. ¨ After you send this tape in to the KTSI headquarters, it is reviewed and you will receive corrections. ¨ In addition to this, you will have access to KTSI gurus via members only chatrooms on the world wide web. ¨ To achieve certification, you will be required to attend a minimum amount of personal training and / or seminars. This program is systematic and designed to teach you American KunTao Silat,
and to incorporate AKTS into your daily lifestyle. | 
