Martial Arts Magazine Australia

by Al Ghoniem

As I stood before the assembled audience, bare-chested and clad only in shorts, the conclusion ceremony commenced, and I braced myself for the symbolic seventy lashes. Each strike would mark the end of my profound journey through the art of Lian Padukan, an odyssey of self-discovery, transformation, and enlightenment that had sculpted the very essence of my being.

The first lash descended upon my arms like a thunderous strike of fate, awakening memories of my tumultuous childhood. Born with a rare genetic condition, I endured the relentless taunts of bullies and the cruel clutches of prejudice. Seeking solace, I turned to the ancient fighting arts, a sanctuary that transmuted the feeble child within me into a tempestuous force of unyielding strength.

With the second lash upon my head, the echoes of my revered masters, PakTuan Ayahanda,Haji Hashim, Bin Salleh, and Cikgo Ayahanda Haji Azhar, reverberated through the corridors of my soul. They bestowed upon me a revelation that transcended the bounds of mere combat—a truth that unveiled the power of the mind, an arsenal of infinite possibilities to decipher the enigmas of existence. Lian Padukan metamorphosed into a manifestation of profound philosophy, guiding me to confront life’s battles with a warrior’s spirit and a philosopher’s discernment.

The lashes upon my chest evoked the image of a valorous warrior, standing resolute against the tempestuous gales of adversity. From overcoming physical limitations to ascending the towering peaks of software engineering, the crucible of life had forged an indomitable spirit—a spirit of audacity that dared to dream beyond the limitations of convention.
With an unexpected lash upon my groin,desire and discipline engaged in a fierce ballet of inner turmoil. The wiles of temptations sought to ensnare my soul, yet I stood unwavering, an embodiment of virtue and self-restraint. The trials of relationships and the deceitful dance with love left their marks upon my heart, but I emerged not broken, but fortified, my resolve unshakable, my spirit unyielding.

The lashes upon my back brought forth the haunting spectre of betrayal, akin to the malevolent Kuntilanak of folklore.

The sinister blades of deceit pierced my trust, leaving scars of treachery upon my soul. Yet, from the shards of shattered trust emerged a revelation, in the grace of Allah’s infinite mercy I received a two fold compensation of love and care, as if the heavens themselves blessed me with righteous, sincere, and loving souls to accompany my profound journey. Their presence became pillars of strength and solace, guiding me through trials with unwavering support. Their love, a gentle breeze from the heavens, whispered comfort to my heart and uplifted my spirit. In their care, I found a sanctuary of peace where worldly burdens dissipated.
The lashes upon my legs symbolized the ceaseless pilgrimage of knowledge and wisdom. Like a nomadic seeker traversing the deserts of eternity, I journeyed far from my origins,immersing myself in diverse cultures and ancient wisdom. This odyssey had transformed me into an intrepid explorer, a seeker of truth that traversed the horizons of knowledge without fear or falter.

With each step away from the testing ground, I carried within me the indomitable spirit of a Muslim warrior—a spirit of resilience that had transcended flesh and blood, a spirit that mirrored the enigmatic dance of the universe. The journey of seventy lashes had etched an indelible tapestry upon my soul—a tapestry interwoven with the threads of profound philosophy, unwavering courage, enduring love, and the insatiable quest for knowledge As I ventured forth into the vast horizon of existence, my heart swelled with gratitude and determination. For this ceremony had marked not just an end,but a beginning—a dawning of the next chapter in the boundless odyssey of life and martial arts. And so, with a heart ablaze with passion, purpose, and wisdom, I embraced whatever destiny Allah had inscribed for me, knowing that I had become a living testament to the deeper artistry of Lian Padukan—a master piece of the human spirit itself.

In the vast and diverse landscape of martial arts, one discipline that stands out for its unique blend of physical prowess and spiritual growth is Lian Padukan.Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia, Lian Padukan is a martial art that goes beyond mere combat techniques; it encompasses a philosophy of harmony, discipline, and self-improvement.

Originating in Indonesia, where it was developed as a synthesis of various traditional martial arts systems. The name”Lian Padukan” itself is derived from Indonesian and signifies “the path to unity.” This name perfectly encapsulates the core principles of this martial art, which emphasises the unity of mind,body, and spirit.

At the heart of Lian Padukan lies a deep philosophical foundation that seeks to promote harmony, both within one self and with the surrounding world. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate virtues such as respect, humility, and self-control. It teaches not only how to defend oneself physically but also how to maintain emotional balance and mental clarity in the face of adversity.

Lian Padukan incorporates a wide range of techniques, including striking,grappling, and self-defence manoeuvres.What sets it apart is the emphasis on fluidity and adaptability in combat. Practitioners are encouraged to adapt their techniques to the situation at hand,making Lian Padukan effective in various scenarios.