Where do the Sepak (kicking) exercises of BUKTI NEGARA and SERAK come from?
Where do these Sepak (kicking) exercises in BUKTI NEGARA come from, what do they teach us, and why have they been introduced to BUKTI NEGARA in recent years?
To answer this question, it’s helpful to take a step back into the history of BUKTI NEGARA (BN), as it was developed by Uncle Paul de Thouars.
In the original BN curriculum, Sepak were undoubtedly present: specific techniques were shown in different variations, but there were no structured exercises specifically designed to train these techniques.
In practice, only at the advanced level—in the Jurus at the Instructor level—could one find a dedicated Sepak and Jurus Sepak.
Table of Contents
Uncle Paul de Thouars' Answer
This absence prompted me to ask Uncle Paul directly:
“Why are there no specific Sepak exercises in BUKTI NEGARA, just as there are no percussion drills (Pukul Drills), even though they are essential in practice?”
His answer, simple yet enlightening, was:
“Because everything is already in the Jurus.”
This response highlighted a fundamental principle: only through training up to the 7th Jurus could one begin to master a high-level Sepak.
However, this raised an issue for those, like me, who firmly believe that kicks and strikes should be taught from the beginner levels rather than postponed to advanced stages or the rank of Instructor.
The Evolution of the Curriculum in 2012
Let’s fast forward to 2012, a pivotal year for BN.
The collaboration between Uncle Paul and the de Vries family had become strong and well-established.
I was entrusted with the important task of adapting the BUKTI NEGARA curriculum to meet the needs of Uncle Dolf and Uncle Paul.
During this process, I had a crucial conversation with Uncle Dolf.
I asked him if it would be possible to introduce specific Sepak exercises, similar to those we had always practiced in the de Vries family.
His response was concise but decisive:
“If you can’t kick with Sepak, there’s no point in learning the other techniques.”
Thus, the Sepak exercises—Gait, Setenga, Bunder, Tarik, and Sodok—were integrated into the Unified Art curriculum of BUKTI NEGARA.
These exercises represented a significant step forward in making the learning of Sepak accessible to all levels, with an approach that emphasized the importance of kicks and strikes from the very beginning of training.
What do these Sepak exercises teach us?
As brilliantly explained by Stefano Chiappella in his article “Mary Poppins Bag,” it is essential to ask yourself questions during training:
- Why was this exercise created?
- What does it aim to show or teach me?
- Is it truly the essence of what I am seeking?
By training with awareness, the answers to these questions emerge naturally. Furthermore, deeply reflecting on what you are doing can be a valuable method to discover answers to your doubts independently.
If uncertainties arise, your Teacher’s support will always be available.
Conclusion
Sepak exercises, in addition to providing a fundamental technical foundation, teach us the importance of reflection and creativity in training.
Best of luck on your journey, and always remember that every step taken with awareness brings you closer to mastering the martial art.
Walter van den Broeke
NKI President – Technical Advisor Serak and Bukti Negara
