Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: The Cat  from Queens, NY
March 5, 2010

Now we're talking!!!!
This is one of my favorite Silat training videos today.  Even though it is already over 10 years old, I still watch it time and again as Bob's method of teacking appeals to me greatly and his attention to detail is truly spectacular.  Just to add, you'll want to search for his other 3 videos as they expand upon what was said here.  Overall, Bob Orlando's videos represent the standard for what all martial arts training videos should be.  The only negative I can give is that Bob doesn't have anymore videos for me to buy!!!
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: HappyDragon (Big Bear) from Charlotte, MI
March 1, 2010

Excellent break down of very complex techniques!
I've been studying Silat for about six years with some of the best in the Martial Arts.  This video was a great supplement to my training.  Given my geographic disposition which makes it hard to train with the people I would like to all the time.  This is a great way to help fill in the blanks.  I hope to some time in the near future to train in person with Mr. Orlando.  Thank You!!!
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: Michael A. Tabor from Charlotte, MI
June 18, 2009

This is a must have, for any one in the arts.  I have gained so much understanding, as well as my (training partners) in the principles of the Indo Arts because of this book.  Mr. Orlando is clear and to the point.  He is one of the best that I have ever seen on video or read in type.
 

Tyrone Turner  (TyroneTurner.Wordpress.com)
Excerpted from his article, Thoughts on 'Killer Instinct'
March 2006

Do not get caught up with trying to learn hundreds of techniques.  In reality, the basics are all that you'll ever really need.  Focus instead on understanding concepts.  I highly recommend a video by Bob Orlando called Fighting Arts of Indonesia, and a companion book titled Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals.  Mr. Orlando is a master teacher and you will not be disappointed with the way he explains concepts and demonstrates drills that really help you become "ready for action."
 

From the United Kingdom:  Peaceful Fight Kung Fu
August 2002

A very good video describing many of the core concepts of Indonesian fighting systems.  One of the things that came out from early training in Peaceful Fight was that the "natural" way of moving the lower body (i.e. feet/legs) is significantly more unpleasant than what most arts teach.  This Indonesian arts video is the only one to date (Aug. 2002) that has ever detailed a formalized stepping method that mimics this natural motion.  Add to this that all of the techniques shown were very effective and well explained and this is a video that everyone should see (regardless of there you are practicing an Indonesian art or not).
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: Matt Hayat from Milwaukee, WI
April 2, 2002

First Principle of Fighting: Buy this Video
Mr. Orlando has accomplished a rare feat.  The ease with which this video relays the deep and hidden inner art of real and effective fighting methods is astounding.... full review
 

Martin Cooper
Armed Response Unit, Officer Safety Training, Lancashire Constabulary, UK
September 9, 2001

I am a police officer in the UK and a defensive tactics instructor in my force. ... I found your video extremely instructive ... full review ... Your drills near the end of the tape make good sense and are well received by the guys--they make striking and vertical grappling intertwine in a way I've been trying to teach for a good while.  My aim is to get some of your drills into our official training.
 

Video Test Review
Reviewer: Sensei Rick Robinson
June 18, 2001

Bob Orlando has presented a fine video that is full of useful techniques, but even better; he teaches five principles of his arts that can be applied in any situation.  He also shows both hand, and footwork, drills that one may use to help develop speed, and flow. ...  full Review   I can definitely recommend this tape to any serious martial artist.
 

From Belgium:  Wim Demeere
January 28, 2001

Without a doubt, this is one of the best tapes I have ever had the good fortune to stumble upon.  If you are into Silat, then this is a "must have" tape.  If you are training in another martial art, you'd better view this tape too. ... full review
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: Steve Holtz from New York, New York USA
January 3, 2001

THE BEST Martial Arts Video I've Seen
I watched this video 3 times in the course of a couple of days. It is, hands down, the best video of its kind I've seen.  Guru Bob Orlando distills the fighting arts of silat and kuntao into a handful of principles from which unlimited techniques may be generated.  The communication is masterful, the material incredibly well-organized.  Mr. Orlando is a superb teacher.  You can and will learn from this video and be able to incorporate the principles into your own art, regardless of the art that you practice.  I cannot say enough about this video and the companion publication, "Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals."  Buy them and learn.
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: Jeff McLaughlin from Springdale, Arkansas
September 27, 2000 

A must see, regardless of the style you practice!
I have heard great things about [Orlando's] teaching ability, but now that I have seen his work on video, I am a definite believer. ... full review
 

Filipino Martial Arts Magazine -- Video Review
September, 2000
Review by Halford Jones

Having seen some videos on silat from various sources, I found this one by Bob Orlando, one of the better ones available.  It presents material one can learn from, fairly easily, in an interesting format ... read more
 

Karate Illustrated -- Critic's Choice
June, 2000
Review by Officer Larry Adams

Cop Flips Over Silat Video
Does your local law-enforcement officer know how to do back flips?  If not, have him watch Bob Orlando's Fighting Arts of Indonesia: Combat Secrets of Silat and Kuntao.  He'll be flipping like an Olympic gymnast after he watches this video.  Larry Adams did. ... read more
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: Andrew Baye from Orlando, Florida, USA
May 22, 2000 

Worth at least 10 times the price
After reading Bob Orlando's excellent book, Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals, I decided to purchase his video.  It just arrived today and I've watched it twice already. ... full review
 

Amazon.com, Customer Reviews:
Reviewer: Armen Khrimian from Armenia
April 8, 2000 

Excellent and clear presentation of concepts
Bob Orlando does an excellent job presenting five "basic" concepts of Indonesian fighting arts and illustrating them with technques, drills, kicks and foot traps which are done at both slow and full speed. ... full review
 

Alain Burrese
October, 1999

Bob Orlando certainly knows what he is talking about.  Through his books, videos, seminars, and classes, he teaches effective self-defense.   ...   Bob explores the underlying principles that make techniques work, and in so doing provides clarity to self-defense applications.  I recommend anything by him highly.

Alain Burrese is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom from the School of Hard Knocks: How to Avoid a Fight and Things to Do When You Can't or Don't Want To  and the video,  Hapkido Hoshinsul: The Explosive Korean Art of Self-Defense.

Glenn J. Smits
Eagle Vista Martial Arts, Pine Bush, NY
April 13, 1999

A couple of days ago I finally received my copy of Bob Orlando's video, "Fighting Arts of Indonesia." I've viewed it several times and feel I can pass on some impressions.

The overall quality of the video is very good.  The picture quality and the sound are fine.  The taping was done in a studio setting, not out of doors or anywhere where there would have been extraneous sounds or movement from the background.  Bob presents his material articulately, and in a very organized manner.  As he demonstrates technique, he positions himself and his partners so the technique can be viewed from several angles, both at full speed, and then more slowly with a breakdown and explanation of the technique and application.

I always find it both pleasing and exciting when I hear another Martial Arts practitioner espousing the same philosophy I've developed on training and teaching the Martial Arts (it makes me feel as if after 35 years of practicing I may finally have gotten a clue!).  The main concept that Bob relates is that technique is secondary to it's underlying principles both of movement and strategy. ... read more
 

Erik Mann,   Martial Arts Video Reviews
January 22, 1999

Primary Grading Criteria:

1.	Production/Tape Quality:	9
2.	Instructors demonstrated skill level:	10
3.	Comprehension Score/Immediate Understanding:	10
4.	Degree to which this will make someone a better Martial Artist:	9
5.	Score on delivery vs hype:	9
6.	Degree to which we would recommend this product:	9
7.	Wasted Time (the higher the number, the less fluff/repetition):	9
8.	Playback Score/Watching if over-and-over again:	10
9.	Would I purchase more of this company's products:	9
10.	Overall grade based on cost vs. Value:	10
Grand Total		94

 

Triumph Magazine
Volume VI, Issue 6 (October, 1997)
Video Review by Debbie Field,  Warrior Martial Arts Supply,  Denver, Colorado

"Before reviewing Bob Orlando's new martial arts video titled Fighting Arts of Indonesia: Combat Secrets of Silat and Kuntao, I inquired as to what it covered and was told it followed his recent book Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals.  So, off I went to the bookstore to get the book to read before I saw the video.

A few words about the book.  It costs $40, which I consider pretty steep, but if you're interested in combat application, this is quality material and you'll get much more than your forty dollars worth of information out of it.  The book is multi-faceted in that Orlando gives some historical background on silat and kuntao as well as the personal history of his instructor, Willem de Thouars; he presents information in a concise, logical format; and entertains with humor that is often aimed at himself.  It is something like a cookbook for combat arts--it has some great recipes.