Tae Kwon Do forms are a prescribed pattern of movements that duplicate the logical actions of a TKD student when in a self defense, combative situation. The forms include blocking techniques, kicking, hand striking, grabbing, knee strikes, elbow strikes, as well as various other offensive skills. Every form moves the student in all four directions to emulate the attack of multiple assailants. Tae Kwon Do forms are also called Poomsaes, or Hyungs.

Performing the forms (patterns) involves:

Direction – Every martial artist must learn to transition seamlessly and quickly from one direction to another. This aspect of the form duplicates the real life situation of fighting one opponent in front and having another opponent come from the rear or side.

Stance – Footwork is another vital element taught within the form. Balance and a strong foundation are developed by practicing the martial stances incorporated into the form. Proper stance gives the strong foundation for kicks, punches, and all the powerful techniques to disable the enemy.

Pattern – The forms are patterns of logical movements and reflexes. They must be practiced until they become fluid and ingrained into our memory. Properly performed by a skilled TKD student, they are as beautiful as ballet.

Technique – These elements of Tae Kwon Do forms are symbiotic. They all work together. Technique is the precise application of the skills that are developed by the repetitive practicing and perfecting of the forms. A beginner can kick but his technique will be that of a novice. A Black Belt will kick with intention, speed, power, and accuracy.

There are several different sets of forms used by various Tae Kwon Do associations.

The WTF (World TKD Federation) uses the Taeguk forms.

The ITF (International TKD Federation) uses the Chang Hon (Chon-ji) forms.

Jhoon Rhee, the father of American Tae Kwon Do created a unique set of forms for his school.

There are also forms for Pyung Ahn, and Song Am TKD.

TKD forms are a tool to develop skills within a TKD student. Diligently practiced with an attitude of achieving perfection, they will be a strong aid in combat readiness and self defense.

Silat is a traditional Malaysian art form which is based and developed on the observations of animals like tiger, eagle and monkey. Years ago, this was practiced among many tribes in the Malay islands and they used this skill during the wars among the different tribes. During the colonial rule of British, Dutch and Portuguese, the practice of Silat was banned. Therefore it was practiced in privacy by the locales. Post the World War II, the Malay people started their struggle for freedom and finally got independence. The ban from Silat was lifted and this marked the rebirth of this martial art form.

This form of art has many styles and each has some specialty associated with it. Silat schools come under the gamut of a national organization specially framed for this purpose.

There are various forms and styles of Silat but the most practiced one includes- joint manipulation, animal-based techniques, bladed weapons, and combination of others. The Malaysian region boasts of having more than one hundred styles of Silat. It is also said that approximately 20 percent of the Malaysian schools trains in various forms of Silat. This martial art form is considered to be an act of self defense, a way to achieve healthy and fit body. The interest in the martial art has been increasing among people as it not only teaches you discipline but also equip you with techniques to defend yourself.

It might be not be easy to trace the origin of Silat due lack of historical evidence. However, one can dig out the past with the help of oral historical records. It is said that this martial art form originated in the 7th Century in Sumatra Island. If fables are to be believed then it is understood that this technique was formulated by a women who once saw a fight between a bird and a tiger. After observing the combat she taught the techniques to her spouse and this is how it started spreading its root. This story has variations depending on the region where it’s narrated.

The traditional clothing of the Silat comprises of a top and pair of loose pant along with a sash. This martial art form in practiced in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and some parts of Thailand and Philippines.