Pencak Silat

Pencak Silat – Indonesian Martial Arts

Pencak Silat is the umbrella term used to refer to a variety of Indonesian martial arts. In the 1970s, many Indonesian martial arts schools and styles agreed to use the term “Pencak Silat” in order to create a common identity for all Indonesian martial arts. However, these styles can vary greatly and can focus on unarmed combat and/or use of weapons (such as sword and staff).

According to Silat Martial Arts Academy, Pencak Silat is the “official name used to indicate more than 800 martial arts schools and styles spread across more than 13,000 islands in Indonesia… There is no overall standard for Pencak Silat. Each style has its own particular movement patterns, specially designed techniques and tactical rationale. The richness of terms reflects a wide diversity in styles and techniques across the regions due to the fact that pencak silat has been developed by different masters who have created their own style according to their preferences and to the physical environment and social-cultural context in which they live. For example, West Java, Central Java and West Sumatra.”

Roughly every three years, the International Pencak Silat Association holds the Pencak Silat World Championships. During these championship matches, contestants from multiple countries compete in unarmed Pencak Silat.

Pencak Silat Sparring Matches

References

  1. Silat Martial Arts Academy, Brief History of Pencak Silat, http://www.silatma.com/silathistory, Added – 09/16/14