Pentjak Silat is an Indonesian martial art, which began as a primarily weapon-based style of combat. However, with the influence of the neighbouring countries like China and India, it evolved into something very unique. In some areas it evolved into more than just a martial art, eventually implementing a great deal of mysticism (it is not uncommon for practicioners to be taught about magic and special healing powers).

What are the techniques and styles involved?

Pentjak Silat does not have a standard set of movements or technique. Every style in this art has its own technicalities and movement patterns that have a special tactical connotation. The richness of the art lies in the diversity of techniques and styles that are followed by different masters in the various schools of teaching. The masters develop their own style depending on the environmental, social and cultural aspects of their life. Even the specific physical locations tend to have unique traits, such as the schools in Central Java, West Sumatra and West Java.

While West Java has a specific ethnic clan that follows specific social and cultural norms, Central Java or West Sumatra might follow a different one. West Java considers Pentjak Silat as a part of their life, just like blood in their body. Cikalong, Cimande, Cikaret and Timbangan are the styles that are followed by them. Sundanese people use Pentjak Silat for recreation and self defense purposes. Adopting a certain technique, they even use it in their national competitions. The self defense form involves hand fighting skills along with the a few characteristic foot movements. It is quite secretively taught to selected students.

The history of Pentjak Silat

Tracing back the history of Pentjak Silat is not an easy task because of the limited written documentation as well as the oral information from the masters of this style. Every region has its own rich history behind its evolution which mostly is based on oral tradition. Silat was used to train the warriors and soldiers since the age of Ancient Indonesian Buddhist-Hindu kingdoms existed. History tells us that this style of martial arts was practiced in the Malay Peninsula and the Sumatra regions. Making use of this fighting skill, called the Pentjak Silat, the kingdoms of Sumatra were able to extend its influence to the neighbouring regions. Hence, this forms a very important part in history.

This style of martial arts was also instrumental during the period of Bali. The soldiers used this fighting technique effectively to evade their enemies. Pentjak Silat, having originated from West Java, has developed and marched to the islands of Bali. Pentjak Silat, however, is a defensive art as well as a martial art. The first president of Indonesia was protected by special sentinels who were highly skilled in Pentjak Silat.

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