Tenaga Sayaw is a name given to exercises done by some Filipino and Indonesian martial arts practitioners. The primary focus of this exercise is purely physical and not spiritual as some sources may claim. Tenega stands for the Indonesian term meaning energy, and Sayaw stands for the Filipino word meaning dance, thus the English translation of the name is “energy dance”. It is very effective because it tones the body and multiplies strength, it stimulates blood circulation and increases flexibility thus preparing the warrior for battle. Tenaga Sayaw also focuses on the study of exercises that focus on the study of tenaga dalam, an Indonesian term for life energy. Tenaga Dalam is adapted from Indonesian influence and is also referred to as “chi” by the Chinese, “ki” by the Japanese, bioelectric energy by western medicine, and “prana” by the Indians. Tenaga Sayaw believes that energy is purely scientific contrary to some factions that claim spirituality.
Other versions of Tenaga Sayaw are the “Wai Kru” of the Thais, the “Merpati Putih” of the Indonesians, and the “Kata” of the Japanese. The basic form can stand alone and be used as an instrument of health, fitness, and vitality. It can also be branched into empty hand warrior systems, and blade weaponry systems.
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