silat ESHA

Silat ESHA is an abbreviation of "Setia Hati" meaning "Faithful Heart". One unique feature of ESHA Silat is that the Silat performance is always backed up by the rhythm of "Kompang" (a kind of Malay drum). This gives the silat exponent a kind of concentration and impetus in its agility of movement.

Historically, the system of ESHA is based essentially on leg tactics. A large dependence upon leg actions makes up this fighting art. Approximately 75 percent of all tactics involve the leg in ways other than for displacement. Yet the system gives the appearance of being well balanced in that is considers all form of attack, as well as how to cope with them. Its combative postures are designed to make the enemy expect retaliation by hands and arms and be unaware of the imminence of a powerful kick. The Setia Hati or ESHA exponent will pretend to slip quietly away from his assailant and to be willing to accept defeat; then suddenly he will surprise his overconfident enemy with well-directed and powerful kicking actions. From any position, either upright or on the ground, the Setia Hati fighter is a dangerous enemy.

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