Autobiography Part 15: Following Draeger Sensei to the Silat Teacher

Q: Welcome to episode 15 of Sensei Measara's autobiography. Where will we continue today, Sensei?

A: We will continue with the story of the silat teacher. This is where we last left off: talking about the flower petals falling down, illustrating how Japanese martial arts holds its power steadfast, even while appearing still. We were visiting a silat guru (teacher). Draeger Sensei was always a humble and polite man.

The Silat Encounter

Draeger Sensei had asked the silat teacher for an interview. The silat teacher practiced Harimau (tiger) silat, which involves crawling on the floor and other unique movements. The silat teacher asked Draeger Sensei to try something out, but Draeger Sensei declined, stating he was there as a friend and only wanted to conduct an interview. Draeger Sensei always brought a gift when visiting a teacher, and this time was no exception.

The silat teacher insisted that Draeger Sensei try something, to assess his skill. Draeger Sensei still refused. Suddenly, the silat teacher jumped and grabbed Draeger Sensei, like a tiger. Draeger Sensei simply moved his body, and a small crack was heard in the teacher’s arm.

The silat teacher was injured and in pain. His family and villagers who were watching intervened, becoming a crowd. They were angry that their teacher had been injured. Draeger Sensei explained he did not want any conflict. The silat teacher stopped the others from attacking, saying it was his own fault for initiating the attack. He likely dislocated his elbow or something similar.

Draeger Sensei then tried to help, somehow managing to correct the injury. To be safe, they took the teacher to the hospital. It may have been a small fracture or dislocation. Draeger Sensei ensured that they could leave the village without being attacked. They returned home where Tambi Sensei greeted them.

Tambi Sensei's Reaction

Tambi Sensei rarely went out, perhaps only once a year for dinner or to see a doctor (although he was never sick). When they returned to the dojo, Tambi Sensei asked about the interview. Draeger Sensei told him the whole story. Tambi Sensei laughed, commenting that these people knew nothing about Japanese martial arts. Tambi Sensei spoke very little, but he always remembered the flower analogy. Draeger Sensei also told Tambi Sensei what had happened, explaining that he didn't mean for it to happen.

Visiting Various Martial Arts Teachers

Draeger Sensei used to visit various sensei and teachers, including those of Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian silat martial arts. He gathered interviews for his magazine and books in Malaysia. He would always let me know when he was coming to visit.

I also learned some kobudo techniques from him. He showed me sai and bo, but he wasn't particularly interested in those weapons. He was more interested in traditional Japanese sword fighting and bojutsu. Sometimes he would bring me magazines from Japan. I still have a small book, Tatanany Noai, that he gave me, along with an expensive karate book called Karate-Do Kyohan written by Gichin Funakoshi and translated by Tsutomu Ohshima. I was foolish not to ask Draeger Sensei more questions.

Draeger Sensei's Influence

Draeger Sensei inspired me to become who I am today. He was a great martial artist, a great man, and a great soul. May his soul rest in peace. He was a great teacher. One of his students was John Bloeming, whose photo is on my wall. Bloeming Sensei, who was initially very skinny, trained in Judo with Draeger Sensei, who helped him become a fantastic heavyweight. John Bloeming's history is another big story, as he was the producer and creator of mixed martial arts and K-1 fighters from Holland.