Earl and Marcus are exceptional guides and coaches. They have dedicated their lives to create a variety of training programs that are not only effective and challenging, but deeply supportive and human. Whether through the physical conditioning of Silat, the camaraderie of the Forge, or the development of the mind through the Life is a Flame gatherings, they show up determined to provide clarity, love, and purpose to your life. Their offerings are transformational because of the challenges they have been able to take on and overcome in their own personal lives. I have never experienced a more purposeful form of coaching in my life and it is very obvious to all of us involved with their programs that money is the LAST reason of why they do what they do. I’m forever grateful for their leadership and the way they create space for real growth!
My journey through the programs led by masterful, authentic, and visionary Gurus Earl and Marcus has been nothing short of transformative. The Traditional Pencak Silat and Lakutama practices have deeply enriched my life—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Pencak Silat has grounded me in powerful martial tradition, while Lakutama has opened doors to inner healing, breathwork, and deeper self-awareness.
The Forge program and Life is a Flame gatherings have been equally impactful. As part of a supportive men’s group rooted in warrior discipline, I’ve been challenged, uplifted, and inspired to grow as a man. These gatherings offer a rare blend of brotherhood, introspection, and warrior ethos that I believe every man should experience. I’m truly grateful for the guidance, wisdom, and heart that both Earl and Marcus bring to these teachings. They’ve created a space that empowers growth, connection, and authenticity. I wholeheartedly recommend their work to anyone seeking personal evolution, resilience, and a deeper connection to self and community.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the great work being done in Vermont by my teachers-and-now good friends Marcus Kim and Earl Hurlburt.
They belong to a very special school of Martial Arts called Inti Ombak Pencak Silat-which encompasses several disciplines within, inclusive of Pencak Silat, the original form of MMA, Replete with weapons and other Martial skills.
Their slant on Pencak silat is intriguing: they have honed their focus to the spiritual aspects of the Javanese practices buried deep within the art, in the form of Daya Bathin [literal translation is Inner Power] and Tama Yoga [a very effective practice of Yoga and breathwork to self -actuate mindfulness]
With these gifts from their teachers and have come up with a program called “The Forge”. I can attest personally to the usefulness and holistic benefits this program fosters a good sense of Community amongst its participants [it is modelled in the fashion of a “Men’s Work group”] and is a wonderful resource for those seeking help in finding a path to resilience and stability in today’s ever-changing world.