“Close range striking” is what a Southeast Asian martial art form known as Lian Padukan mainly focuses on. This “striking” combat form is said to have originated from Malaysia. Apparently, the term Padukan Lian has been derived from the words “paduka” meaning royal and “lian” meaning game or way. Furthermore, this martial art form is extremely similar to a style known as Wing Chun originating from China. In addition, weapons are also involved in this form of combat.

History/origin of Lian Padukan:

According to the cultural history of Southeast Asia, it was a Muslim trader known as Abdul Rahman Yunani from China who introduced this form of combat in this region. According to a story, Rahman happened to be attacked by about eight dock workers in Singapore. He however managed to defeat them single handedly. Furthermore, news of Rahman’s feat spread throughout the Southeast Asian region. And so to test his ability a royal bodyguard named Awang Daik (an expert in silat) along with his friend convinced Rahman to spar with each of them. It was after he had beaten both Daik and his friend convincingly that they decided to become his students. He then went along with Daik and his friend to Mersing in Malayasia and trained them there. Few years later he apparently left Mersing and went to Sarwak and taught his style of combat which became known as Lian Padukan. In addition, Rahman’s legacy was maintained by Daik and his friend who continued teaching “Lian Padukan” in the Mersing district.

Weapon used in the Lian Padukan:

There are few “small weapons” that are used in this form of combat and they include a tepki i.e. a truncheon, kris i.e. a dagger, Chinese sword, and a spear. In addition, a fighter may also use “hands and feet” as a weapon in this combat form.

Technique used in the Lian Padukan and training availability:

In terms of technique, the Lian Padukan is a combat form that is essentially focused on “offense”. And so moves such hand, feet, elbow, and knee strikes are mainly used in this martial art form. Furthermore, a move called “polek” (i.e. a hand strike) is used frequently in this martial art form. As for training centers/schools, there are few available especially in Malaysia for those interested in learning this “striking” combat form.

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