LIAN is a form of martial art that is unique to the Malay ethnic group in Malaysia. LIAN is not a Silat. It is an art of self-defense that was previously known as Buah Pukul (Seni Pukulan). LIAN is recognized as one of the oldest forms of traditional martial arts in Malaysia as its origin in Southeast Asia dates back to as early as the late 1800s. This Malaysian martial art was first developed in Johor in the district of Mersing and Muar ( 1897 ) which is located in the southern state of Malaysia. With its offensive style of fighting, LIAN is comprised of various techniques which are sparse, simple, and straight to the point. LIAN solely focuses on Pukulan (striking) which is the ability to utilize a continuous combination of hand, foot, elbow, and knee movements when striking an opponent during close-range attacks. This distinctive style of LIAN creates multiple rounds of highly accurate and destructive pressure point attacks.

History and Origin of LIAN

The term LIAN is derived from the word Permainan which directly translates to either game or action. It is also suggested that the LIAN martial arts gained its name from other Malay words that sound similar such as Latihan (practice) and Berlian (a game in practice). The art of LIAN was initially known as buah pukul and was described to have been used to combat enemies during ancient battles and wars. 

 LIAN was first introduced in Southeast Asia in the late 1800s by Syed Abdul Rahman who was at that time a Chinese-Muslim trader from Yunnan, China. It was later further developed and practiced among the Malayan sultans, nobles, and warriors of Johor in the district of Mersing and Muar which is located in the southern state of Malaysia. While trading at a port in Singapore, an attempted burglary had occurred and news of Syed Abdul Rahman’s unique fighting style in his victorious defeat of thieving dockworkers had quickly spread to the neighbouring country of Malaysia, within the Johor palace. 

Intrigued by his skills, both the Johor royal commissioner and the police chief of Muar had challenged Syed Abdul Rahman to a sparring battle. The pair of highly skilled Malayan pendekar (warrior) fought an intense battle, however they had both fallen into defeat in the hands of Syed Abdul Rahman. Overwhelmed and astonished by the trader’s fighting abilities they both had decided to redeem themselves by becoming his students.

Over time, the art of LIAN had expanded throughout the Malay peninsula in states such as Pahang, Terengganu, and Selangor. It became an essential part of the Malay culture and was soon widely practiced by the natives. In this present day, LIAN is seen as a form of martial art that possess a variety of techniques and principles that can be used as a means of self-defense.

LIAN is not a sport.
LIAN is not SILAT.

You have to learn LIAN – physically and theoretically (Traditional Concepts that are part of LIAN), then you will embrace, understand and love its art.

“Cara-cara tak nak kena dan cara-cara nak mengena.” 
(ways to avoid being hit and ways to hit your opponent)

LIAN is simple to LEARN, PRACTICAL and EFFECTIVE for YOU.
Come and join me and learn The Art of LIAN MALAYSIA…..