Each student's silat becomes an expression of that student. In other words, the teaching is a way of programming the student, not a way of fighting. Systems of Silat As with systems of kung-fu, numerous systems of silat have evolved over the years. Ter Linden feels that the four he chose to master represent the complete spectrum of pentjak silat. A good serah practitioner is totally familiar with principles of physics and anatomy, and can effortlessly defeat larger, heavier opponents.
Tjimande people flow with opponents, similar to Filipino martial artists.
In the beginning, students learn the hard kickboxing like moves, then, as training progresses, they are trained in soft, tai chi-like applications. Soetji hati is very refined in terms of timing and zoning principles. A good soetji hati practitioner resembles a mongoose fighting a snake. This system is the perfect bridge between serah and tjimande. It revolves around the knowledge of anatomy developed in ancient times which, in some cases, surpasses modern medicine.