Pencak Silat

Pict for Pencak Silat Source: http://www.baltimoremartialarts.com/programs/pencak-silat-mande-muda/

Pencak Silat is a deadly martial arts from Indonesia that is applied to hundreds of fighting styles throughout SouthEast Asia. Because of its focus on blade techniques, joint-breaks, and “dirty fighting,” it has sometimes been regarded as an unscrupulous jungle art. Nothing could be further from the truth. While Silat offers an effective method of combat, it is also grounded in moral and ethical traditions; encouraging students to use the lessons of physical training as a means of becoming better people.

History

The pencak silat tradition is mostly oral, having been passed down almost entirely by word of mouth. In the absence of written records, much of its history is known only through myth and archaeological evidence. The earliest fighting arts in Indonesia can be traced back to prehistoric tribes. The primary weapons of Indonesia's tribal peoples were the single-edge sword, shield and javelin. The inhabitants of Nias Island had until the 20th century remained largely untouched by the outside world, however, they are culturally similar to the Himalayan Naga tribe. Neighbouring Sumatrans are said to have left the Nias people alone because they were fearless warriors.

Pencak silat was later used by freedom-fighters against Dutch colonists. During this time the Bugis and Makassar people from south Sulawesi were very well known as expert sailors, navigators and warriors. After Indonesia's independence, pencak silat adapted itself in the context of modern sport and, in some cases, religion. It was eventually brought to Europe by Indo people of Eurasian (mixed Indonesian and European) ancestry, such as Paatje Phefferkorn

Weapons in Pencak Silat

Kris: A dagger, often with a wavy blade made by folding different types of metal together and then washing it in acid.
Kujang: Sundanese blade roughly shaped like a deer's antler.
Samping/Linso: Piece of silk fabric worn around the waist or shoulder, used in locking techniques and for defense against blades.
Batang/Galah: Rod or staff made from wood, steel or bamboo.
Cindai: Cloth, usually worn as sarong or wrapped as head gear.
Tongkat/Toya: Walking-stick carried by the elderly and travelers.
Kipas: Traditional folding fan preferably made of hardwood or iron.
Kerambit/Kuku Machan: A blade shaped like a tiger's claw
Sabit/Clurit: A sickle, commonly used in farming, cultivation and harvesting of crops.
Sundang: A double edge Bugis sword, often wavy-bladed
Rencong/Tumbuk Lada: Slightly curved Minang dagger, literally meaning "pepper crusher".
Gedak: Mace or club made of steel.
Tombak/Lembing: Spear or javelin made of bamboo, steel or wood that sometimes has horsehair attached near the blade.
Parang/Golok: Machete or broadsword, commonly used in daily tasks such as cutting through forest brush.
Trisula: A trident or 3-pronged spear
Chabang/Cabang: Short-handled trident, literally meaning "branch"

Pencak Silat Tournament

The major international competition is Pencak Silat World Championship, organised by PERSILAT. This competition takes place every 2 or 3 years period. More than 30 national teams competed in the latest tournament in Jakarta, 12–17 December 2010.

Pencak Silat Video