The Purpose of Keris Panjang

PenangsangII · 25th June 2007, 04:42 AM

Sorry Blu, I cant provide a picture of the keris panjangs I used to hold because they are not mine. Come to think of it again, I have to agree with you keris panjang is not very well balanced compare to the normal sized keris, but it still can be used as a good weapon (if no other weapon is at hand).

Newsteel, your comparing the rapier with klewang is like comparing apple & orange. I think a rapier should be compared to the Javanese tempius or pedang sodok.

In addition, pls bear in mind, keris is to be used as a weapon with the Malay combat mentality that is not to take on the opponents strength heads on. It is somewhat like aikido principle - circular motion, use of opponent's force against him etc. Also, western boxing principle, the quick jab but to the body instead of the head, with a clenched fist - the way anyone would grip a keris, then everything would make sense.

A keris bearer in those days had to engage in fights not only againt another keris bearer but also those armed with pedang, klewang, tombak etc. So, to engage those with heavier weapons heads on was a plain stupidity unless the keris bearer employed the above tactics & techniques.

PenangsangII · 25th June 2007, 06:07 AM

I would like all of you to imagine this ......

You are a Malay king in the 15th century. Your city fortress has been under siege by your bitter enemy for almost 3 months. With more army that the enemy has, and you are cut out of supplies, they finally overrun your city. Your soldiers are either dead, taken captives then killed, or running away, you are stuck in the palace without anyway of escape. Your enemy soldies are by now at the palace main door, and it is only a matter of time before the can force their way in.

Your only defence are the bodyguards that are loyal to you, but their number is only 15 men, armed with spears, pedang and keris. You are only armed with a keris panjang and a keris pusaka / pandak tucked in your waist. Surrender is not an option for you as you are a very proud king, and you know that you will be killed anyway if taken captive.

Now, the palace door finally breaks, and hundreds of the enemy soldiers are forcing their way in. A few of your bodyguards are circling you as the last line of defence. You also choose to fight and die honorably......and come the hardest part. Which keris would you unsheath first?

25th June 2007, 06:07 AM	#2
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	Story to ponder I would like all of you to imagine this ...... You are a Malay king in the 15th century. Your city fortress has been under siege by your bitter enemy for almost 3 months. With more army that the enemy has, and you are cut out of supplies, they finally overrun your city. Your soldiers are either dead, taken captives then killed, or running away, you are stuck in the palace without anyway of escape. Your enemy soldies are by now at the palace main door, and it is only a matter of time before the can force their way in. Your only defence are the bodyguards that are loyal to you, but their number is only 15 men, armed with spears, pedang and keris. You are only armed with a keris panjang and a keris pusaka / pandak tucked in your waist. Surrender is not an option for you as you are a very proud king, and you know that you will be killed anyway if taken captive. Now, the palace door finally breaks, and hundreds of the enemy soldiers are forcing their way in. A few of your bodyguards are circling you as the last line of defence. You also choose to fight and die honorably......and come the hardest part. Which keris would you unsheath first?

25th June 2007, 04:42 AM	#1
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	Sorry Blu, I cant provide a picture of the keris panjangs I used to hold because they are not mine. Come to think of it again, I have to agree with you keris panjang is not very well balanced compare to the normal sized keris, but it still can be used as a good weapon (if no other weapon is at hand). Newsteel, your comparing the rapier with klewang is like comparing apple & orange. I think a rapier should be compared to the Javanese tempius or pedang sodok. In addition, pls bear in mind, keris is to be used as a weapon with the Malay combat mentality that is not to take on the opponents strength heads on. It is somewhat like aikido principle - circular motion, use of opponent's force against him etc. Also, western boxing principle, the quick jab but to the body instead of the head, with a clenched fist - the way anyone would grip a keris, then everything would make sense. A keris bearer in those days had to engage in fights not only againt another keris bearer but also those armed with pedang, klewang, tombak etc. So, to engage those with heavier weapons heads on was a plain stupidity unless the keris bearer employed the above tactics & techniques.