From Fitness to Combat: The Four Phases of Berantai Combat Penang’s Training System 

9 March 2025 |  Iylia Haris

At Berantai Combat Penang, our teachings align with Prof. Jak’s philosophy, ensuring that students not only develop formidable striking skills but also understand the deep historical and cultural roots of the art they practice. Silat Tomoi’s emphasis on explosive power, rapid counters, and relentless pressure makes it one of the most effective fighting systems today.

Mastering the jab and cross is just the beginning—through structured training, dedicated practice, and a deep appreciation of martial arts heritage, our students evolve into well-rounded fighters equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in any combat scenario.
the training system is structured into four distinct phases, guiding students from foundational fitness boxing to the full-fledged art of Silat Tomoi.

Phase 1: Fitness Boxing

The first phase focuses on developing basic striking skills, stamina, and coordination. Students learn the three primary punching techniques (jab, cross, and hook) along with three essential kicks. Defensive techniques, such as blocking, parrying, and footwork, are also introduced. This phase is designed to build a solid foundation while providing a high-intensity workout for overall fitness.

Phase 2: Expanding the Basics

Once students have mastered the fundamentals, Phase 2 introduces additional hand and kicking techniques, including hammer fist, back fist, side kicks and back kicks. In this Phase 2 training we include the 8 drills that the students need to master which is the combination of ancient drills of attacking and defending. The training intensifies with bag work, and  light partner drills to develop real-world application and adaptability in combat situations.

Phase 3: Combat Application

This phase focuses on applying learned techniques in two combat styles:

• Sport: Training follows competition rules, emphasizing technique refinement, stamina, and controlled sparring.

• Street-Oriented Techniques: Techniques are adapted for self-defense, with an emphasis on rapid counters, situational awareness, and efficient takedowns. Students learn how to use their environment to their advantage in real-life altercations.

Also in Phase 3 additional techniques of thai pads, elbows and students are introduced to advanced striking techniques, clinch fighting, and counter-grappling moves. In Phase 3 training we include 10 attacking drills that the students need to master which is the combination of ancient drills of attacking.

Phase 4: The Art of Silat Tomoi

The final phase brings students into the realm of Silat Tomoi—a tomoi that is used in war, historically used in battlefield combat. Here, students are introduced to the many weapons of Silat Tomoi. In the techniques part they also learn how to generate maximum power using minimal effort, a key component of traditional Silat combat philosophy. Some of the advanced techniques and weapons that will learn in silat tomoi phase 4

1) Tomoi

2) Siku2

3) Perisai

4) Tekpi