Muddy... Aesthetically
A recent revisit to the Green School (previously named School for Life) provided yet another suprise... fun, action, artistry, and a whole lot of muddy splashes!
It had been awhile since I last visited the school grounds of the Green School (previously named School for Life) at the Kul Kul Campus in Sibang Kaja, just north of Denpasar, and was certainly in for another surprise.
Again the folks up there were preparing for another groundbreaking highlight - the 1st Open Mepantigan Bali Championship, to take place in a unique arena, made up of nothing but beautifully brown Balinese rice paddy mud.
It was a quiet afternoon, and missing out on witnessing the session for juniors that was part of the campus’ series of Sunny Fun Days held earlier in the day, I got the chance to see the practice session for adults and the Mepantigan troupe all in their preparations for this month’s premier event, which takes place on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16.
Greeting me was Putu Witsen Wijaya, founder of the Mepantigan arts, a robust Balinese figure but an utterly friendly person, who was most passionate in explaining the background of this unique new entry into the Balinese art scene. Amidst the instructing of his troupe of young male Balinese ‘pendekar’ athletes, I was all eyes and ears at the arena.
First, he gathered them all together for a salute, shouting, "Bakti" with them facing each other in a typical palm pressed Balinese salute. Then began the stretching and warm ups before they headed into the mud. Basically, as its Balinese name suggests, this new martial art involves techniques of throwing (pantig) and securing one’s opponent that are found in most self-defence traditions around the world. There’s more to it than that.
Mepantigan also includes Balinese drama, contemporary dance, and Balinese gamelan music. Distinctively, it is all more cultural - culturally Balinese in that sense. And that all promises a lot of fun. Participants wear uniforms consisting of a bebuletan (loin cloth), a kancut (ornamental outer garment), a guladginting (undergarment), and an udeng (head-dress). This type of martial arts can be performed on the beach, in the mud of the rice fields, or in any open space. Mud is more fun, the guys will tell you.
As Putu suggests, practitioners of Mepantigan can gain physical fitness, stress release, and learn valuable lessons in camaraderie and sportsmanship. In addition to gaining valuable skills and agility, both emotional and spiritual intelligence is emphasized. According to Putu, who also happens to be a martial arts champion in Tae Kwon Do and Pencak Silat, students of Mepantigan develop important characteristics and avoid violence while cultivating compassion. As he observed, "Wherever proper martial arts develop, evil will diminish and a respect for others will grow. This is particularly true for those who practice Mepantigan, which is a celebration of the spirit".
Bali Mepantigan art is a new creation in the Balinese performing arts scene. It is a very unique art where people can witness harmonious combinations. Alternatively, for those who wish to go to the core and focus more on the techniques of Mepantigan, it also teaches people to master the technique of ground fighting and standing fighting along the lines of Tae Kwon Do, Pencak Silat, Judo, Kick Boxing, Karate and so forth.
There are three levels in the discipline: beginners, intermediate and advanced, from which participants also receive certificates according to the level reached.
But then again, a feast for the senses is its artistic side. Most frequently performed are story lines such as the Beleganjur Kebo Iwa, which tells the story of the legendary giant character Kebo Iwa who was willing to die for the unity of the Nusantara archipelago. A group appears on stage and plays the traditional Balinese Beleganjur orchestra, whose beats and rhythms depict the situation of the military training of Kebo Iwa’s Army. Another is Kecak Kebo Iwa, telling the story of Gajah Mada of the Majaphit Kingdom who set to conquer Bali and Kebo Iwa. There is also a puppet show version of the acts, telling the story of the journey of Kebo Iwa’s soul to Nirvana and reaching perfection for his soul. Supported by the very creative young people from Bedulu and Pejeng Village, Putu Witsen Wijaya’s Mepantigan Arts promises a unique and astonishing show.
Head to the Green School this month to see this first-of-its-kind feature. The Mepantigan troupe also performs at various other cultural venues, so check out their dynamic schedule to follow the complete lore or just visit their arena at the Green School during their equally entertaining practice sessions. Better still, join in the honor of Dewi Sri, Goddess of the Rice Fields, and feel the spirit of camaraderie, Her blessings, and a whole lot of fun! ■
By Nyoman Ari Gunadi, courtesy photos
Green School
Jl. Raya Sibang Kaja, Banjar Saren
Abiansemal, Badung, (0361) 469-875; www.greenschool.org
Bali Mepantigan Arts
Putu Witsen Widjaya (founder)
(62) 081-835-2471, www.balimepantiganarts.com |
