Techniques of Perisai Diri Perisai Diri was created with many different styles in mind. Pak Dirdjo studied several Pencak Silat styles before spendin

Techniques of Perisai Diri

Perisai Diri was created with many different styles in mind. Pak Dirdjo studied several Pencak Silat styles before spending fourteen years studying a Chinese martial art with a Chinese Sifu called Yap Kie San, in Parakan, Banyumas Regency. Probably he studied a wushu style from South China, and this could explain some of the characteristics of Perisai Diri such as the avoidance of high kicks, straight-line moves (unlike other silat styles), the emphasis on "movements that respect the natural anatomy", the absence of flying useless show-off techniques, thrust-kicking with the heel, use of the chien. The late Donn F. Draeger also mentioned the Chinese technical influence in PD in his book The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia (p.69-70). The 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. Also incorporated into Perisai Diri is the human techniques such as the warrior, monk and princess. The Princess and monk form are reserved for the higher levels as the require a higher understanding of the technique, however this does not mean lower levels cannot learn or use them.