Pencak silat is a collective word for indigenousmartial artsof theIndonesian ArchipelagoandMalay PeninsulaofSoutheast Asia. Originally developed in what are nowIndonesia,peninsular Malaysia,southern ThailandandSingapore, it is also traditionally practiced inVietnam,Bruneiand thePhilippines. There are hundreds of different styles but they tend to focus either on strikes, joint manipulation, throws, bladed weaponry, or some combination thereof. Silat is one of the sports included in theSoutheast Asian Gamesand other region-wide competitions. Training halls are overseen by separate national organizations in each of the main countries the art is practiced.
HISTORY
Pencak silat was developed in a region where tribal warfare and hunting were common activities. Tribes fought over property, natural resources and trade routes, and they also fought invading outsiders. Throughout their history, there were many wars between various indigenous tribes and kingdoms. 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.
ENERGY
In silat culture, the energetic body consists of interlocking circles called cakera. The cakera's energy rotates outwards along diagonal lines. Energy that emits outwards from the centre line is defensive while offensive energy moves inwards from the sides of the body.By being aware of this, the silat practitioner can harmonise their movements with thecakera, thereby increasing the power and effectiveness of attacks. Energy could also be used for healing or focused into a single point when applied tosentuhan, the art of attacking an opponent's pressure points.
WEAPONS
§ 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
§ Samping/Linso: Piece ofsilkfabric worn around the waist or shoulder, used in locking techniques and for defense against blades.
§ Batang/Galah: Rod or staff made from wood, steel orbamboo
§ Cindai: Cloth, usually worn as sarong or wrapped as head gear. Traditionally women cover their head with cloth which can be transformed into cindai.
§ 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 that women could tie in their hair.
§ 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/ club made of steel.
§ Tombak/Lembing: Spear/ javelin made of bamboo, steel or wood that sometimes has horsehair attached near the blade.
§ Parang/Golok: Machete/ 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".
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
List of Pencak Silat World Championships