TTS (Tempur Tanpa Senjata) is a weaponless self-defence technique. Whether it is the army, police, navy or air force, all Malaysian armed forces are trained in this martial art to be ready for hand-to-hand combat.
What defines martial art? According to Merriam-Webster - “any of several arts of combat and self-defence (such as karate and judo) that are widely practised as sport.”
There are weapon based style of martial arts as well such as Kendo and Iaido. In general, all kinds of martial arts are designed for defence against physical threats.
For non-military everyday civilians, Malaysians exposure to the martial art of TTS are most likely limited to what was taught in PLKN (National Service Training Programme). During the programme, only the basics of TTS are introduced to help enforce discipline. Once our time in PLKN is over, most of us have forgotten about it.
Tempur Tanpa Senjata taught in Malaysia PLKN National Service Training. Image source via KEM PLKN ETNOBOTANI
The damage of the bus and the weapon used by the assailant. Image source via Sinar Harian
It is incredible that the anonymous retiree successfully defended and defeated his armed attacker. This is all owing to his previous experience and training as a soldier with TTS martial art skills.
So what is this Tempur Tanpa Senjata (TTS) exactly?
Tempur Tanpa Senjata means ‘Unarmed Combat’ in translation. It is a type of combined martial art that is taught to every soldier and police member in Malaysia. This martial art involves close grappling distance, in which combatants physically fight without the use of any weaponry. Although TTS is mainly for the armed forces, the public too can learn this self-defence skill don’t you think?
TTS techniques sharing between the Malaysian army and the United States Marine Corps. Image source via myjointforce
This unique martial art is a mix of different martial arts merged into one. The history of TTS started when the armed force was introduced to Taekwando. In later years, the Malay martial art Silat was integrated into TTS. Aside from that, TTS is also influenced by some Karate techniques. Combining and adapting the different martial art techniques, TTS fighting philosophy is short movements, easy and practical designed for the armed forces.
Every armed force in Malaysia is competent with the basic techniques of TTS. The Malaysian Army (ATM), the Royal Military Police Corps (KPTD), and policemen trained under the Malaysian Police Training Centre (PULAPOL), all are coached to master TTS's deflection of attacks, punches, and methods to lock and catch an opponent. For personals under any Special Forces, they are further trained with deadly TTS moves aimed to kill.
With civilians equipped with the self-defence techniques of TTS, more can protect themselves from danger with their bare hands! STAY SAFE!!!
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