Of course , at some point at least a little of your training needs to occur on something that approximates a street surface. Otherwise you end up being hesitant to use your full art , thinking perhaps incorrectly, that what you can do on the mats can not be used on the street at full speed and intent.
Yes, you are correct that Mande Muda really has two major curriculums of training now....One with Ibu Rita and one with Pak Bambang. All the Suwandas are capable , knowledgeable and giving teachers. I have trained with both and can say the flavor of their movements are unique to each other ( as one might expect) and I think they have preferred areas of focus that differ slightly , but anyone training with any of the Suwanda Family will be learning good silat.
Of note , is the fact Bobbe Edmonds has a seminar notice posted elsewhere on this site. He has training with Both Pak Herman and Pak Bambang. I think this should be a pretty good seminar.....worth going to if you can.
We are hoping to bring Ibu Rita in to Ottawa ( Bob Carver's school) in 2008 and may have Pak Dadang in the USA in April 2008. We are working out the details of it all. I'll post more when we have something concrete.
With Respect
Doc D