Pencak Silat is the official name used to refer to approximately 800 schools and martial arts styles. However, in reality it is a complex name consisting of two terms used in different regions. The word penchak and its dialectic derivatives, such as pencha (West Java) and manchak (Madura and Bali), are usually used in these regions, while the term silat or silek is used in Sumatra. This is due to the widespread prevalence of art in more than 13,000 Indonesian islands and Malaysia.
The origins
It is not easy to trace the history of the school, since written sources were practically not preserved, and all the basic information was transmitted orally from teachers and masters. Each region of the archipelago has its own version of the origin of the school, which is based on certain traditions.
According to Malay myths, the silat martial art was originally developed by groups of tribes on the archipelago in the process of observing animal movements and natural phenomena. His main goal was protection from wild animals and survival. Over time, it became an instrument for achieving social status during battles between tribal groups, clans, communities, and, in a later period, kingdoms. A person with such skills was feared and respected, and their possession provided prestige and a privileged position in society. The master could very well become the head of the clan or lead the army.
Over time, there was a systematization of military methods, a general form of martial art was developed, which was called penchak silata.
Role in history
Since the era of the ancient Indonesian Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms such as Sri Vijaya, Majapahit and the Kingdom of Sunda, the silat has been used for training warriors. Archaeological evidence suggests that by the 6th century A.D. e. formalized combat systems were practiced in the region of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.
Two kingdoms, Sri Vijaya in Sumatra from the 7th to the 14th century and Majapahit in Java from the 13th to the 16th century, used these fighting skills and were able to expand their dominance in most of what is now Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The main functions of martial art were the protection, preservation or expansion of the territory.
Features
This martial art does not have a common standard. Each style has its own movement features, specially developed methods and tactical rationale. It consists of many fighting techniques. Most of the technique is a combination of grabs and hits.
The richness of the terms reflects the wide variety of styles and techniques in different regions due to the fact that the silatch penchak was developed by different masters who created their own style in accordance with their preferences, physical conditions and the socio-cultural context in which they lived.
Styles
Four styles are developed in Java (chimande, chikalong, timbangan and chikaret), as well as schools and techniques of the Sundans. Only recently, silat began to spread here as a sport with its national and regional competitions.
Bela diri (self-defense) is a rather dangerous section of the silat. Previously, it was kept secret, especially its mystical component, which was taught only to individual students.
The presence of Chinese martial arts on the islands of Malaysia recalls the ancient contacts between China and Southeast Asia. Some researchers consider them the oldest large organized martial arts system in Indonesia, anticipating structured silat training. The cultures of Torai, Batak and Dayak demonstrate Chinese influence, and Chinese weapons are often portrayed in ancient Sumatran art. Some pre-colonial Chinese temples in Indonesia exhibit martial images characteristic of South Chinese forms, and many silat methods and weapons are of Chinese origin. The connection is palpable.
Kuntao Silat combines the techniques of Silat and Chinese martial arts (primarily imitative styles). In Indonesia in particular, every Chinese community had some form of kuntao, but traditionally kept it secret. Back in the 1970s, kuntao was often used secretly. His methods were not disclosed to outsiders, regardless of nationality. Changes occurred at the end of the twentieth century, and Kuntao is currently being taught as ordinary martial art.
The organization
After the liberation of the regions from the colonists and the emergence of independent countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, the development and spread of martial arts in these countries accelerated, large organizations appeared, namely Ikatan Penchak Silat Indonesia (IPSI) or the Indonesian Penkak Predators Association , Persecutuan Silat Kebangsan Malaysia (PESAKA) or Malaysian National Silat Federation, Persecutuan Silat Singapore (PERSISI) or Singapore Silat Federation and Persecutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB) or Federation Silat Brunei Darussalam.
However, its distribution was not limited to only these regions. New schools began to appear in other countries. In international communities, the name “penchak silat” has become an official term since the international organization founded in Jakarta in 1980 was called Persekutuan Penchak Antarabangsa, abbreviated PERSILAT.
The Padepokan complex, designed to study and teach this area, has the full name Padepokan Penchak Silat. There are 1,000 clubs and 33 associations developing this style (IPSI) in Padepokan. Since the foundation of the PERSILAT (International Federation of Penchak Silat) in 1980, it has been promoted as an international sport.
Weapon
The main weapon of the peoples of Indonesia was a one-sided sword, shield and spear. The most common silat in martial art are chris, spear, machete, stick, kerambit, sickle and sarong. Short weapons are used more often, but the stick and sarong are also popular and are used for self-defense.
Equipment
Silat technique involves the use of almost all parts of the body. During the battle, the main task is to quickly reduce the distance, since most of the techniques without weapons are designed for a fight at a short distance. In martial art, silat uses punches, arms, legs, elbows, knees and the head. A mandatory element is the technique of finishing the enemy. In addition to strikes, castles, chokes, throws are used.
The complex of equipment includes a welcome desk or starting position (passang), movement technique (langka), and actually silat techniques (jurus).
To practice the technique, training weapons are never used, since, according to the masters, only using the present can achieve the necessary level of development of speed, accuracy, reflexes, and rhythm of movements.
Competitions
A series of competitions are being held for this type: in Indonesia, competitions for IPSI members (each of them has its own rules), a world championship organized by PERSILAT once every 2 years.
Since 1996, silat martial arts competitions have been held in four categories:
- tandin - competition: holding a fight without weapons;
- tunggal - single category: demonstration of a complex with and without weapons;
- ganda - doubles category: demonstration sparring with and without weapons;
- reg - group category: demonstration of equipment without weapons.
This species is considered a universal martial art due to the combination of wrestling and strikes. Traditionally, the performance is accompanied by music performed on two reels, a flute and a gong. Penchak, as an art, was an inspiration for traditional Sundun dances.