Pencak Silat (or Silat) is Indonesian traditional martial art. This type of martial art was rooted from Malay cultures. Pencak Silat is widely known in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and wherever that Malay descendants are exist, such as in Southern Thailand and Southern Philippines.History
Consisting of about thirteen thousands islands, Indonesia remains one of the richest centers of ethnic and cultural diversity today. Though little is accurately known of its ancient history, the impact of both cultural and combative influences from other countries such as China and India has been widely documented. The migrations between peoples of these many islands have been frequent and of long duration, and the combative and mystical elements that continued to evolve over time developed into highly sophisticated martial arts.
There are three major combative forms that presently found in Indonesia. They are Pencak Silat, Kuntao, and a variety of "endemic" forms. It is generally conceded that Pencak Silat is the best known self defense discipline and the one that has the strongest association with spiritual practices. There are many theories abound concerning its origins. However, a commonly held view suggests that it first developed in the Minangkabau Kingdom on the west central coast of Sumatra (now the Province of West Sumatra). While probably a relatively crude form during its formative development in the eleventh century, by the fourteenth century it had become a highly refined and sophisticated technical art that belonged exclusively to the kings of Majapahit and their court officials. Over time, the practice of this combative art was open to the other social classes. Combative influences derived from Indian, Chinese, and Arabic sources as well as travel among the various islands led to rapid diversification of varying styles currently exceeding over 150 in number.
Etymology
The term pencak generally connotes skillful body movements in variation for self defense. Silat refers to the fighting application of pencak. While these two components can be demonstrated separately, neither can be said to exist authentically without the other.
Systems
One of the most eclectic martial arts, Pencak Silat styles make used of both armed and unarmed techniques, employing fast, deceptive movements, blending with an opponent's force, and directing it along specific channels where it may be controlled. Weaponry includes numerous blade, staff, stick, and projective instruments, as well as unarmed techniques that includes hand strikes, kicks, grappling, and methods of falling. Technical characteristics of the respective style are determined by physical abilities and cultural mannerism of the people of a particular area, and major characteristics can be generally localized to specific regions. For example, foot and leg tactics in Sumatra; hand and arm tactics in West Java, Borneo, and Celebes; grappling tactics in East Java, Bali, and Sumatra; and a synthesis of foot and hand tactics in Central Java, East Java, Madura, and Bali.
Most systems begin with physical training, learning various movements, and applying various techniques to avoid physical injury at the hands of an assailant. Having mastered this preliminary foundation, the practitioner may proceed to develop his inner power. The effort to develop the inner power can be expressed in various ways.
Aspects
There are four main aspects in Pencak Silat:
- Mental and Spiritual Aspect
- Art and Culture Aspect
- Martial Art Aspect
- Sport Aspect
Capability Levels
Briefly, the Pencak Silat practitioners (or called pesilat) are divided into some levels according to their capability. Those levels are:
- Pemula (novice)
- Menengah (intermediate)
- Pelatih (coach)
- Pendekar (fighter, skilled duelist)
Organizations
The International Pencak Silat Federation is also called PERSILAT (Persekutuan Pencak Silat Antara Bangsa). This organization is founded by Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. The member of PERSILAT now have reached 33 countries throughout the world. The other organizations of Pencak Silat, for example are:
- IPSI (Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia) - Indonesia
- PESAKA Malaysia (Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia) - Malaysia
- PERSISI (Persekutuan Silat Singapura) - Singapore
- EPSF (European Pencak Silat Federation)
Styles and Forms
Today, there are many styles and forms of Pencak Silat. About two of three are founded and created in Indonesia.
Indonesia:
- Perisai Diri
- Merpati Putih
- Tapak Suci Putera Muhammadiyah
- Elang Putih
- Silek Tuo (or Silat Tua)
- Silek Harimau (or Silat Harimau)
- Silat Cingkrik
- Silat Cimande
- Silat Cikalong
- Silat Serak
- etc.
Malaysia:
- Gayung Malaysia
- Silat Cekak
- Silat Lincah
- etc.
Southern Thailand:
- Gayung Fatani
Philippines:
- Maphilindo Silat (founded by Dan Inosanto)
East Timor:
- Kmanek Oan Rai Klaran (KORK)
Europe:
- Perisai Diri
- Gerak Ilham
United States:
- Silat Serak
- Soempat Silat
- ODF Silat
- Tongkat Silat
- Bukti Negara
- Pukulan Cimande Pusaka
- Persatuan Pencak Silat Inti Ombak
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Bathmate
Everything looks good in your posting.
That will be necessary for all. Thanks for your posting.
Bathmate