Silat Melayu Keris Lok Sembilan (9) is one of the traditional Keris arts found in Silat Melayu. It is an old system that traces its roots back to the famous Malacca Sultanate.After the fall of Malacca in 1511,the Sultanate split three ways and a part moved south to settle in Sarawak (Kuching), then finally to Kuantan in Pahang. It has been this branch of the Sultanate that has kept this closely guarded system through out the centuries.
The art is now taught and headed by Cikgu Azlan Ghanie, the editor of the Malaysian Silat publication "Seni Beladiri". Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 was taught to him from his father, and has been passed down through his family from his great-grandfather Haji Salleh.
On his mother's side Cikgu Azlan Ghanie is of Bugis origin, descended from the Pahang warrior Pendekar Endut (one of Mat Kilau and Tok Bahaman's gurus). Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 is one of the only silat systems remaining that teaches Keris first as a basic weapon of war to give understanding in both armed and unarmed combat. The art is very much seni based, in which one learns many intricate seni pieces (forms).
One is firstly taught the grueling set of traditional exercises called "Senaman Tua" which aid to strengthen and condition the body. upon completion of the Senaman Tua, one is taught the different forms known as "loks" (lok is a Malay term for a curve on the blade of a Keris).
The Loks are all mostly Keris forms, there are 5 Loks (numbered 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) to be learned to complete the basic syllabus. These Loks hold the keys and secrets to the system which teach one the principles of fighting in armed and empty hand combat. The Basic syllabus takes 2 years of regular training to complete.
Traditionally the keris is regarded as much more than just a weapon and the adab (manners/ rules of behaviour) surrounding this art are extremely important. The keris is a symbol of the ancient culture and traditions of the Malay race and must be kept with much respect, with owning a Keris one carries heavy responsability. As well as learning the deadly combat aspects, the customs and traditions behind the Keris are a necessary part of the syllabus.
In the past Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 has been a carefully guarded system open only to selected Pesilat of 10 or more years experience, however today the art is being taught and practised more openly. Cikgu Azlan teaches Silat Melayu Lok 9 In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and has large number of students in his gelanggang.
Source: Silat Association United Kingdom website at http://www.silat.f9.co.uk/
