“In combative mode, efficiency and simplicity is key.”
Tim Anderson
Owner Indonesian Martial Arts Academy
BUTLER TWP. — Unlike baseball pitchers, who need three strikes to defeat their opponents, Tim Anderson can get the job done in one or two.
In a recent demonstration, Anderson struck his opponent with uncanny speed and studied precision.
In a blur of motion, he blocked, subdued and then wrecked his opponent, whom he laid out on the floor.
“The more time you take to fight, the more opportunity there is for danger,” Anderson said. “In combative mode, efficiency and simplicity is key. That’s what we seek in our (fighting) methodology. We don’t want to trade (strikes) back and forth, we want to end that problem as soon as humanly possible.”
Anderson, 44, graduated from Butler High School in 1984 and then moved to California for 12 years, where he trained with experts in Indonesian martial arts.
He is a student and teacher (guru) of Pentjak Silat Bukti Negara, a niche form of Pukulan Pentjak Silat Serak. He trained under Paul De Thouars, an internationally recognized master.
In 2006, Anderson moved back to Butler Twp., and, after years of private lessons, he decided this year to open his studio to the public after receiving permission to teach the rare form of combat.
His studio, the Indonesian Martial Arts Academy, is located in a renovated electrician storage area at 9020 North Dixie Drive in Butler Twp.
Anderson said his classes are not to help students become fit, toned or prepare for fighting competitions. He said the combat training is for self-defense and survival. “It is very direct and lethal in its nature,” he said.
Although Bukti Negara is no game, Anderson has a warm, encouraging and humble demeanor. Few people who meet him for the first time would guess he could strike them out in a flash.
For information on the Indonesian Martial Arts Academy, call (937) 415-9333.
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