Kumpul - Gathering Through Southeast Asian Martial Arts: A Rasa Lab

Kumpul Kuntau–Silat is an afternoon movement workshop rooted in Southeast Asian martial arts, drawing from Kuntau–Silat practices found across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Kumpul is a shared word across these regions meaning “to gather.” In that spirit, we’ll gather through movement, rhythm, and presence—focused on how these practices live in real bodies, in relationship.

This is a beginner-friendly, non-competitive martial arts workshop focused on grounded movement rather than sparring or combat.

• guided footwork and foundational movement
• optional partner-based timing and responsive exercises (with clear consent and alternatives)
• rhythmic exploration with traditional music
• improvisation supported by shared structure
• Physical intensity: Low to moderate

• no martial arts or movement experience required
• movements are adaptable to your body and energy
• resting, observing, and modifying are always welcome
• emphasis on choice, repetition, and listening to the body

The focus is not performance or precision—it’s presence, self-trust, and grounded agency.

This workshop is for anyone curious about:

• martial arts as cultural + relational practice
• Southeast Asian movement lineages and shared histories
• building coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a supportive space

All bodies, genders, and backgrounds are welcome.

This workshop is part of Rasa Labs by Moving Rasa. Each lab stands alone.

Space is limited—advance registration is recommended.

For discounts and package pricing, or just to learn more, go to:

Jacob Walse-Dominguez (he/they) is a Tagalog-Kapampangan, Visayan, Sundanese, Dutch, and Chinese-heritaged queer traditional artist whose work centers the martial and dance lineages of Maritime Southeast Asia. They have studied Philippine dance for over ten years, Indonesian dance and Kuntau–Silat across Southeast Asia for four years. Their core training is rooted in Philippine Kuntau–Silat traditions from Sama–Tausug lineages, alongside Melayu-Sabah forms, developed through research with culture-bearers across Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Jolo, and Manila. This foundation is complemented by sustained study of Pencak Silat in West Java within the Mande Muda and Cimande traditions as well as the diasporic lineage of Gerakan Suci. In addition, they hold a yellow rank within Northern Shaolin Kungfu (​​北少林) Jacob’s movements integrate Indic–Austronesian classical vocabularies, indigenous Philippine ritual motion, rhythm, breath, and ancestral trance, bridging martial practice, performance, and diasporic cultural practice translated to modern-day complexities.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Prime Produce, 424 West 54th Street, New York, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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