 |
Guru Besar Uyuh Suwanda
Uyuh Suwanda was the founder of the Mande Muda self defense system, which he began in 1951 in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Like all traditional pencak silat, this was not open to the general public. Pak Uyuh had studied 17 styles of pencak silat. He added Cimande, when he married his wife Mimi who was from Cimande village. The new art they created was called"Mande Muda"
The word "Mande" comes from "Cimande" which Pak Uyuh believed to be the original silat system of West Java. "Muda" means "young" or "new". This new system was taught as a way to best answer an opponents attacks, techniques were constantly researched for effectiveness. Useless techniques were thrown out, and learning always continued.
|
|
 |
Pendekar Guru Besar Herman Suwanda,
Pendekar Herman began to study pencak silat from Pak Uyuh in 1960. In 1965, he began to also study with pendekars from other traditional pencak silat schools, and he continued to study until his death. I met Pendekar Herman in 1993 and continued to study with him until his death. He was a great man, and very very talented. I will never forget him smiling, as he twisted people into a pretzel with little effort.
Pendekar was a great person, who truly wanted the rest of the world to learn about more than just his family art, he taught Indonesian culture as well. He took money made from seminars, and fed local children in his area of Indonesia, etc. He was a great man and helped alot of people.
|
 |
Guru Besar Rita Suwanda
Rita Suwanda is the new head of the family art. I have met her on her trip to NY,and was honored to meet her. I have not talked to her extensively,so cannot say much more than I am glad to have met here, and She is a great Silat player. I hope she continues to teach and spread her version of the family art.
|
 |
Ibu Mimi Rukimi Suwanda
Ibu Mimi is a master of Cimande Silat, she is from Cimande Village, and her father and uncles were freedom fighters during the occupation.
Pendekar Herman would always say that his mom was the backbone of the family, a very strong and humble spirit.I have never met her and hope to one day have this honor.
|
|
| |
