There is a moral code of conduct and ethics that go along with any martial arts tradition. In Pencak Silat they are normally referred to as adat and hormat meaning: respecting customs and traditions of a people or society that have existed for centuries. There is a chain of command, just as in the military or a police force. Anyone of higher rank than you should be respected. Anyone that has been training longer than you is your senior and should be respected. Anyone that is older than you should also be respected. A student should never question their senior or their teacher, but they may ask questions! Remember, to be a good student you must:
Have total faith in your teacher.
Have total faith in your art.
All of the secrets to life and the universe can be found through this art if you just put in the time and stay on the path. If you keep straying from the path or pausing to look at other things it will only take you longer to arrive. Hopefully if you are reading this you are already on the path and we will see you in class or at the next seminar.
Selamat,
Guru Besar Jerry Jacobs
Be Calm But Be Deadly
