When my friend, Lyn de la Cruz, invited me to the inauguration of the Rizal Center of the Tetada Kalimasada, I had to ask her to repeat the name. It was so unfamiliar and foreign-sounding that when we drove to the Mission Hills clubhouse for the event several days later, I said “Talimasada” when asking the guard for directions. I suppose I hadn’t really internalized the concept even then although Lyn did try to give me a background.
Unfamiliarity notwithstanding, I can smell a good story from 10 miles away but especially when it is staring me in the face. I’m not always right, of course, but in the case of Tetada Kalimasada, I wasn’t mistaken. I asked if I could meet with the ranking officers of the Rizal Chapter, an informal lunch was arranged with Ms. Didi Santos Struijk and Mr. Ollie Jumao-as and thus begun the attempt to fill in the gaps from the sketchy information that I was able to retrieve on the Internet about this way of life called Tetada Kalimasada. For that is what it is–a philosophy, a discipline and a way of life.
If you want a memorable introduction, Mr. Jumao-as, or Pak Ollie as he is known in the Tetada Kalimasada circle, mentioned a CNN video about a demonstration where violence was averted through the use of Kalimasada techniques. I can’t find a copy of the video on the Internet but I did find a reference to it in the May 23, 2005 column of Jarius Bondoc in The Philippine Star. He wrote:
Though eight years back, the video clip on CNN was so amazing that it still sticks to mind. The scene was during the anti-Chinese riots in Jakarta. Hundreds of demonstrators, some carrying molotov bombs, were about to charge a nervous platoon of policemen. From behind the phalanx sprang a dozen unarmed men in black. Lined up with left arms across tummies, they aimed right fists at the mob. Fifteen feet away, the assaulters suddenly fell to the ground as if they had crashed onto an invisible wall. What was that?
The answer came only recently with an invite to watch a Kalimasada practice at the UP Vanguard Building in Diliman, Quezon City. It turned out that the secret of the Jakarta policemen is an ancient Indonesian martial and healing art, once known only to a noble family in East Java, but declassified a dozen years ago ‘for human good.’ What had stunned the rushing mob was powerful energy harnessed from the bodies of the Kalimasada-trained cops…
Let’s go back to the Mahabharata, the ancient Indian epic poem that had been dissected and re-dissected by scholars in order to unravel its layers of meanings. There are five brothers in the story, the eldest of whom was Yudisthira. According to legend, Yudisthira was an accomplished warrior and his primary weapon was a spear (or staff). According to legend, Yudisthira lived in the city of Surabaya in East Java. In Javanese, a spear or staff is a kalimosodo.
While the Mahabharata details stories from wars whose dates are still subject to intense debate, the most recent of those dates appear to be around the fifth century. On the other hand, Kalimasada did not exist until 500 years ago. So I suppose it is more logical to assume that the word kalimasada, as it is used in Tetada Kalimasada, is either from the Javanese word kalimosodo or directly attributed to the character/quality of Yudisthira’s power and expertise as a warrior, as symbolized by the spear/staff that he carried. Yudisthira, even assuming that he actually existed, could not have been the founder of Kalimasada.
According to the history of Tetada Kalimasada, the practice has been around for 500 years in East Java, Indonesia. Until 1991, however, it was exclusive to one clan. Because Kalimasada was, first and foremost, a martial art (which makes the reference to Yudisthira understandable), it was this clan’s way of defending themselves and their lands against the aggression and invasion of other warring clans. The feudal era–Japan had its ninjas and samurais, so this clan practiced kalimasada. Secondarily, the kalimasada discipline also dealt with healing.
In 1991, the head of this clan, Eddy Surohati, founded Tetada Kalimasada, adding “tetada” which, according to a practitioner is short for terapi tenaga dalam, Bahasa Indonesian for inner-energy therapy. The modern Tetada Kalimasada, therefore, focuses on healing rather the martial arts aspect of the discipline. It is based on the principle that the human body has natural mechanisms for generating bio-electricity. These mechanisms are the seven chakras–root/base, navel/solar, spleen/lymph, heart, throat, brow/third eye and crown–which are stimulated with exercises (jurus), breathing, concentration and relaxation techniques and energy synchronization. In more practical terms, the discipline is said to have therapeutic effects such as stress management, control of high blood pressure, improved stamina and endurance and recovery of sexual potency, among others.
If someone had tried to talk to me about such things when I was 10 years old, I would have called it voodoo outright. But my mother read books about occultism, eastern mysticism and yoga and all that stuff–books like the Bagavad Gita were ordinary in our house–so I was introduced to concepts like “power centers of the human body” and “mind over matter” very early in life. I’m not a practitioner of any of it, I can’t even say I am a believer–I am just not dismissive. After reading so many accounts by doctors about how 90 percent of the time, they prescribe mere placebos to patients to make them feel better, I know that many illnesses are more of a belief rather than a physical thing. Hence, I am not quick to dismiss any practice that says one can get well simply by thinking that one is already well.
Because of the focus on the ability to heal, it isn’t surprising, therefore, that Tetada Kalimasada has attracted people whom medical doctors have not been able to cure. Pak Ollie himself decided to try it after doctors gave up on his ailing mother. Didi had had no respite from asthma until she got into Kalimasada. No drugs, no operations (oh, please, don’t confuse it with those faith healer who perform “surgery” with their bare hands) but merely the chance to heal oneself and, perhaps, in time even others.
Have I become a convert? No. Central to the Tetada Kalimasada philosophy is the belief in God–a higher spiritual intelligence who makes it all possible. I’m an agnostic. I believe there is a force that is essential to keep the universe together but I do not see it as a higher nor superior entity. And there lies the irony–to my mind, at least. While Tetada Kalimasada talks of self-empowerment–to heal, to protect, to sustain health, to be at peace–it makes belief in a higher deity essential. Personally, I cannot reconcile one with the other.
I too have heard of the “miracles” positive thinking can bring about. But I have my reservations about dealing with serious illnesses this way. Thanks for the info–I found it interesting.
I wouldn’t call them miracles. A positive attitude helps, I’m sure. Patients who don’t believe they will get will won’t no matter how good a doctor is. Personally, I am wary of doctors and they way pharma companies “own” many of them.
Sounds like an interesting subject for scientific study. Are they willing to be studied under controlled conditions in a lab by scientists? They could win 1 million dollars from the Amazing Randi.
After reading so many accounts by doctors about how 90 percent of the time, they prescribe mere placebos to patients to make them feel better…
Is that ethical? I assume they dont inform their patients that all theyre giving them are sugar pills.
I don’t know about “ethics” (what’s their ethics anyway the way they prescribe brands from friendly pharma companies) but you’re right about not informing the patients. I suppose not informing is part of the treatment so the patients can feel they are getting real treatment.
I’ll read this to Woody. He is a firm believer of the power of energy/chi and practices such. This is the first I’ve heard of this particular practice though.
I’m not surprised to hear you are an agnostic. Hmmm… I’m wondering how difficult it is to live in such a fanatically Catholic country while being agnostic.
It’s really good to have faith. Even if Philippines had lots of religion, we can really say our believes should really come from the heart.. That’s all where the power comes from
pinayhekmi, “I’m wondering how difficult it is to live in such a fanatically Catholic country while being agnostic.”
Hard. You get into heated arguments all the time.
You get lectured (especially by the oldies) even more often.
Pahn, to each his own.
sounds familiar…
do you know reiki healing? it’s japanese based which means ghost…but reiki healers believe that these are spirits in the form of energy that sorrounds us. i tried it once and believe it or not i felt something really hair raising during the process and afterwards i felt really rejuvenated and energized. beats the 6 hours you spend in a day spa i should say.
but until now i’m puzzled as to how this things work?
Dear Connie,
When I was younger, I was an agnostic like you. For long time I stayed that way. As life goes on, I was able to reconcile “that governing force” to faith. Religion is something you don’t have to argue with anybody. Belief is an inner feeling that is as unique as any indivildual. Someday you will find out what I mean. May that “higher force” guide you.
Happy Valentine to you and everybody in the family.
Coonie, I guess you don’t send your kids to Catholic school because their teachings maybe in contrast with your beliefs. I agree that Religion is a personal matter. We believe what we believe, and no one really wins when we get into arguments about it.
Re the power of positive thinking: Have you read the book “The Secret?” Very interesting.
Josie, re: “I guess you don’t send your kids to Catholic school because their teachings maybe in contrast with your beliefs.”
No, it’s because I don’t want them indoctrinated and brainwashed. They have a right to choose what they want to believe in, or not to believe in anything, when they’re old enough. So, I’d rather they remain free to choose.
No, haven’t read “The Secret.”
Oh, sorry, for the typo of your name in my earlier comment, Connie. I totally agree with you. Our role as parents is to teach our children what we believe is right and good for them. It will be up to them when they’re older, and we’ve done our part, to choose what is right for them.
thanks for the information…
‘old enough’
You people mean : when your children have mentally developed to a certain degree and developed a level of insight into the simpler workings of life; along with the mental maturity to objectively base such choices upon that which they have learned – up to that moment.
so have you tried it? how long have you been practicing, if so?
i personally know Pak Ollie and Tita Didi. i’ve encountered your article while searching for online literature about TK,(kasi masyadong top secret yung info unless you’re going to practice seriously). i’ve attended some sessions but they’re too far apart that i’ve been left out by the class. i’ve also been under severe pressure and stress and been suffering depression at the time to find any noticeable difference that i want to hear someone else’s opinion about TK, if i should continue to practice it.
I am devout Catholic and I practice TK since 2006. Religion has nothing to do with it. This is just like any form of exercises, only it involves self healing. It also demands discipline and it’s up for the practitioner if he/she would be serious about what he/she is doing. Personally, I had some manifestations that the TK practice is doing well for me aside from learning the right use of energy and being sensitive to my surroundings. The applications that the others are throwing with negative implications are not true. The videos they’d seen are not in any way faltered. I can prove it myself for I had done already done some of those. For those who cannot understand TK’s teaching, study and learn more from TK or better join the group for a concrete experience. Ignorance sometimes lead us to false accusations or better respect the activities of the TK if you are short of information of what TK is all about.
hi eve. i came across an article about TK. i’m quite interested about it. can you give me any info about TK groups/classes in makati. thanks.
good day to all
yes con its better to try in tetada its only exercise. and self defense if you don’t feel good its up to you to quit or to continue.
CONNIE YOUR ARTICLE IS VERY INTERESTING, BUT I THINK YOU HAVE TO UPDATE IT. 1) IT IS NOT KNOWN AS TETADA KALIMASADA ANYMORE IS IS NOW KNOWN TETAD INTERNATIONAL. 2) THE UNIVERSITY THING HAPPENED DURING THE REAL GURU BESAR WATCH WHICH IS A CERTAIN DR. ASEP HERWADI. 3) IN 1991 THIS MR. HERWADI WAS RECOGNIZED AS THE GURU BESAR. MR. SUROHADI JUST MADE APRINTER GROUP IN 1995. 3) IT HAS NEVER BEEN A 500 YEAR OLD PRACTICE, CAUSE MR.SUROHADI JUST LERANED THE CRAFT FROM MR. HERWADI. FOR MORE INFO I GOT ALL THIS FROM THE FACEBOOK PEMUSATAN@YAHOO.COM. WHICH IS NOW HEADED BY MR. HERWADI. FYI.
The article was published as a newspaper column. Can’t update that. It’s not meant to be an promotional piece on Tetada.