The Tenets of Silat Lincah

Silat is the extremely beautiful and effective Malay art of self defence. This secretive, holistic and diverse art is designed to be quick to learn by people of good character in a safe and friendly atmosphere.
Silat Lincah is one of the main styles of Silat in Malaysia. It was founded by the Maha Guru Tan Sri Datuk Wira Haji Omardin Bin Maiju. His representative (Wakil Maha Guru) is Paduka Glenn Lobo who is based in Luton.
The Tenets of Silat Lincah were drawn up by Chikgu Johari Jantan who genuinely deserves to be one of the most highly respected Silat Lincah trainers in Malaysia. The 7 tenets are a body of principles or virtues that are considered worthy of being strived towards. As with all doctrines, it is often both amusing and sad to see the hypocrisy of many who preach virtues but don’t practice them. “When all is said and done, more is said than done”. The tenets are: Humility, Honour, Respect, Dignity, Loyalty, Brotherhood and Friendship.
HUMILITY: This is to be modest and unpretentious and to genuinely work on your own failings. As Martial Arts teachers, our lessons are the product that we are promoting. It takes maturity to understand the difference between marketing your school and self publicity. Narcissists are usually the last ones to realise how foolish they look.
HONOUR: This is esteem that is honestly and fairly deserved. It is interesting in Martial Arts how many of us seek to gain and publicise our honours in order to be respected. It doesn’t work, does it? You are honoured because you are respected, you are not respected because you are honoured.
RESPECT: This is having consideration for others. Surely then, true leadership is about having respect for your followers, not about them having respect for you. Just saying!
DIGNITY: This is having the serenity to be worthy of rank. This implies that self control is a necessary attribute of a leader. Nowadays, it is common for people who consider themselves to be leaders to have a rant on Facebook. Have times changed that much or are they deluding themselves.
LOYALTY: This is being faithful to a person, your friends or a cause. This term has been hi jacked by modern businesses who issue loyalty cards to their loyal customers. I think that when it becomes about money, it ceases to be loyalty. Loyalty is definitely one of those two way things. You first have to ask yourself if you have been loyal, before you expect loyalty.
BROTHERHOOD: This is fellowship associated by a common interest. This definitely implies putting the interest of the group ahead of your own self interest. This is a rare virtue. As JFK said; “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country”.
FRIENDSHIP: This is being kind to the people that you know. Those brought up on social media may not understand this. It is easier to give a “thumbs up” to somebody you never met than it is to help the person beside you.
If you understand and agree with what I have written, then I apologise for wasting your time. If this article made you feel uncomfortable, then please feel free to read it again.
“Your actions scream so loudly, that I cannot hear your words.”
For people who have a genuine desire and commitment to learn and teach Silat, please contact Glenn Lobo on 07930 388773.