2014 | Malay Martial Arts - Silat

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Spiritual and Mental Strength of Silat


Pencak silat, similar to other martial arts, benefits its practitioners physically, mentally, and spiritually. Spirituality (Mental Spiritual) is a unique and often mysterious aspect of Pencak Silat. Often reserved by the gurus for students who have been exemplary and proven worthy of the high level of knowledge.

The world’s largest archipelago stretches like a huge scimitar from Malaysia to New G uinea comprised of more than 13,000 islands and is home to a deadly fighting art known as “Silat”, or “Pentjak Silat.”

In Malaysia, there are approximately 500 styles. In Indonesia there are perhaps 200 styles with many styles preferring not to be recognized by their respective governments. Accordingly, there may be an incalculable number of styles being practiced today. Archaeological evidence reveals that by the sixth century A.D. formalized combative systems were being practiced in the area of Sumatra and the Malay peninsula. Two kingdoms, the Srivijaya in Sumatra from the 7th to the 14th century and the Majapahit in Java from the 13th to 16th centuries made good use of these fighting skills and were able to extend their rule across much of what is now Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 

Four aspects play an important role in Pencak Silat ;


  • The "Bela-Diri" (self-defence) aspect:
           Self-confidence and perseverance are very important.


  • The "Seni Budaya" (culture, art) aspect:

          Culture and performing the "art" of pencak silat is very important. This combines Pencak Silat with                 traditional music and costumes.


  • The "Olahraga" (sport) aspect:

        This means that the physical aspect of pencak silat is important. We try to have a sound mind in a                  sound body. Competitions are part of this aspect. There are full-contact (Pertandingan=Competition)             fights, as well as form demonstrations, for one (Tunggal), two (Ganda) or team (Regu) persons.


  • The "Mental-Spiritual" (mental and spiritual) aspect:

          Pencak silat builds and develops the personality and noble character of oneself.




Silat does include amulets, prayers, and rituals designed to induce invulnerability and protect students in times of danger. These privately taught rites are unique to each teacher and are never revealed in public. Such traditions serve as a physical reminder of the student’s connection to the cosmos and his belief system. For example, if he is wearing an amulet of tiger’s stone, or the tooth of a tiger, it is a physical reminder that when he uses his Silat, he assumes a tiger’s attitude and incorporates it’s fighting attributes, including tenacity, courage, daring, and ferocity.

All Silat methods include a belief system, often based on the instructor’s religious background, that produces in student’s courage, confidence, and the will to fight in the side of truth and justice. The belief system serves as a philosophical foundation for the student’s fighting techniques. Much of the physical aspect of traditional Silat has mental and spiritual equivalents. This is why the earnest study of Silat leads to the development of a philosophy of life. 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

The use of Stingray in Silat


Stingray (English), Ekor Pari (Malay) or Buntot pagi (Tagalog). This weapon used in Silat. Stingray were originally used for urging animals forward or punishing criminals, and also as a form of torture. The Stingray was said to be popular among female silat exponents because of its light weight.




Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Myth and The Magic of Keris

The Myth and The Magic of Keris

Weapons have played one of the most important roles in human history… from the longbows of the British to the long range of the canons of the Ottomans and the ‘nihonto’ (sword) of the Japanese samurai. For the people of the Malay Archipelago, the Keris, an asymmetrical dagger, represents more than just its effectiveness in battle. Each Keris is seen as a living objects… a conduit to another realm, and thereby bestowing its owner with ‘supernatural’ powers. Come on a journey and discover the mysterious world of kings and worriors… of heroes and villains… of myth and legend. Learn how a ‘special’ keris blade is created, and listen to the unique stories and beliefs of a distinctive culture. Today, the Keris stands as a symbol of peace, wisdom and justice to the modern  Malays.

Video: Keris Documentary


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Pencak Silat in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the "pencak silat" used to indicate more than 800 martial arts schools and styles spread across more than 13,000 islands.. However, this is actually a compound name consisting of two terms used in different regions.  Pencak Silat was chosen in 1948 as a unifying term for the Indonesian fighting styles. It was a compound of the two most commonly used words for martial arts in Indonesia. Pencak was the term used in central and east Java, while Silat was used in Sumatra and Borneo. In modern usage, Pencak and Silat are seen as being two aspects of the same practice. Pencak is the performance aspects of the martial art, while Silat is the essence of the fighting and self-defense.


Pencak Silat - The Fighting Arts of Indonesia




Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Silat Movie - Yasmine

Yasmine the movie

Yasmine the movie an upcoming Indonesian martial arts drama directed by Siti Kamaluddin.

Love is never an easy matter, especially for Yasmine. The boy of her dreams, Adi is back in town but he hooks up with Dewi, her longtime rival. Tired of her school and tied up in an underdog Silat club, she decides to take matters into her own hands and start leading the team. At first, Yasmine’s secret activities are well hidden. However, when her father eventually finds out, he decides once and for all to save Yasmine from what he believes to be her downfall.



Director: Siti Kamaluddin
Cast: Liyana Yus, Arifin Putra, Reza Rahadian, Carmen Soo, Dian P. Ramlee, Roy Sungkono, Mentari De Marelle, and Nabila Huda
Genre: Action, Martial Arts
Country: Indonesia




Thursday, January 16, 2014

The Art Of An Axe

The axe of silat

The axe were originally designed for cutting wood or chopping down trees, they could be improvised as weapon if needed.  The axe is a very effective fighting tool in mid and close range - the handle is used in trapping and striking, whilst the blades for hacking and punching your opponent. Using your langkah (footwork) and kelekan (body angling) to avoid attacks from your opponent helps utilize the axe to its full effect, targeting the ribs, joints, chest, neck and head.


The Combat Axe by Silat Gayong




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