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nese martial arts. The latter theory is supported by the waves of immigration
that are thought to have occurred in Filipino history, causing considerable
cross-cultural influence. From the seventh century on, for the next
700 years, the central region of the Philippine Archipelago was subjected
to the Hindu influence of the Sri Vishayan Empire. The Visayan Islands, in
fact, were named after this empire. Later, during the period of the Majapahit
Empire, 1292–1398, the southern region of the Philippine Archipelago
came under Muslim control.
Moreover, Chinese merchants were historically active in the Philippine
Archipelago. Many settled in the islands, where they remain a separate social
class today. Chinese immigrants seldom intermarry with native Filipinos
and continue to dominate in business. However, some proponents of
Filipino silat claim that there is no Chinese influence. They argue, instead,
that kuntao (often translated as “kung fu” or “fist way”) developed and
was preserved within the isolated Chinese communities.
Regarding kuntao in the Philippines, Ronald Harris notes that
kuntaw is the art of the Samal people from Jolo, Mindanao. They are rivals
of the Tausug tribe. Their primary weapons are fingernails tipped with
poison. Traditionally, they grew long fingernails, but now they wear fingernails
made of aluminum or other materials such as carabao (water buffalo)
horn. The forms of kuntaw contain strikes with hands, feet, knees,
and elbows. Harris further notes that in appearance, the forms resemble
taijiquan. There are also acrobatic applications—rolling falls and cartwheels.
Sparring is practiced after the mastery of forms. The highest kuntao
rank is the yellow belt. Kuntao has many up and down movements
(langkas) that require great leg strength. As has been noted elsewhere in
Southeast Asia, Filipino kuntao movements are lethal and do not adapt
well to the confines of competition.
Thomas A. Green
See also Philippines; Southeast Asia
References
Draeger, Donn F. 1972. The Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia.
Rutland, VT: Tuttle.
Draeger, Donn F., and Robert W. Smith. 1980. Comprehensive Asian
Fighting Arts. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Haines, Bruce A. 1995. Karate’s History and Traditions. Rutland, VT:
Tuttle.
Harris, Ronald. 2000. Personal communication.
Pauka, Kirstin. 1998. Theater and Martial Arts in West Sumatra: Randai
and Silek of the Minankabau. Athens: Ohio University.
Wilson, James. 1993. “Chasing the Magic: Mysticism and Martial Arts on
the Island of Java.” Journal of Asian Martial Arts 2, no. 2: 10–43.
Silat 531