Have you ever wanted to make your own vase, bowl or cup? Well now is your chance to learn ceramic art and create your own masterpiece! Classes will be held at the same venue where our silat classes are held on Saturday mornings in Schaapkraal. The instructor/artist will take you through your project step by step until completion.

Excellent creative activity for kids this school holidays! Wednesday and Saturday mornings 10:30am - 12:30pm

Duration of lessons: 2hours
Fee: R50
All clays and bisque ware will be available on sale at the studio.
contact aminahrawoot@gmail.com

Sherif Wahby came to Cape Town on a mission to do an intensive Silat training program for 6 weeks from May 1st - June 10th, 2017. We asked him a few questions at the end of his stay here.

1. At a glance, anyone would wonder why you chose Cape Town as your destination to learn Silat. Why not Malaysia, Indonesia or Singapore?
Sherif: It is the will of Allah to come here. Like I said I contacted several schools but Allah chose Cape Town for me and I honestly believe that I wouldn't have had the same experience anywhere else. Especially when it comes to fulfilling the spiritual and islamic part

2. Can you briefly explain what attracted you to Silat and have you studied other martial art systems?
Sherif Wahby: I have practiced very briefly BJJ with a muslim brother and I experienced what it feels to practice among muslim brothers with the intention of following the sunnah. It was an amazing experience but the risk of injuries was always a concern for me. I also practiced some krav maga which felt like it addresses real life scenarios on the street and has very practical applications. So I thought if there was a martial art that could combine both the islamic and practical aspects it would be great, and this is what I felt when I researched Silat.

3. Which part of your training did you enjoy most and was it challenging or easy. what would you say was the hardest part.
Sherif Wahby:  Practicing with partners during the classes and getting to test ones skills in executing the moves was my favourite part. I am sure sparring would have been great as well but unfortunately due to my early departure I didn't get the chance to do it. The hardest part for me  was overcoming the mental barrier and telling yourself 'yes I can do it' and pushing yourself.

4. Now that you have been exposed to Silat, would you consider going to Malaysia to meet the real Silat Gurus?
Sherif Wahby: Without a doubt, meeting the Silat gurus would be an honour and a great experience

5. Spirituality is a very personal thing so how have you found Silat to be spiritually motivating?
Sherif Wahby: I found Silat to be very spiritually motivating because Islam is at the centre of everything you do. Training begins and ends by remembering Allah and making duaa, and remembering that the hurmat is not just a set of moves that you do, it actually means something, it means you have no intention for harm or aggression, only self defence and only to be exercised with caution when there is no other option and when all else has failed. Breaking for salah and not forgetting that as humans we were created to worship Allah, thats out ultimate task.

6. We living in a time where muslims are being seen as war loving, violent terrorists. When people see muslims training martial arts, this could raise their suspicions. How do we use martial arts to contribute to a peaceful society and show non-muslims that their suspicions are wrong?
Sherif Wahby: I truly believe that by striving to be the best muslims we could possibly be everyday is the strongest marketing campaign for islam, and if non- muslims attended 1 day of a Silat training they will be able to see fir themselves how we interact with one another and how we respect the balance between the physical and spiritual aspect and how respect and peace is reflected in everything we do. I don't believe that there is any place for violence amongst true muslims.

7. You stayed at the silat training centre for 6 weeks. Do you think that this experience had some positive effects on your life and how.
Sherif Wahby:  Absolutely. I feel a lot more confident and I know that there is no limit to what one can achieve if you invest the time and effort. I am also a lot more conscious of my diet and what I eat which is a great achievement.

8. What were your expectations of the Malay community in Cape Town? Were you shocked to know that the culture is quite different to the Malay communities elsewhere?
Sherif Wahby: I haven't had the chance to experience the Malay culture elsewhere but my expectations where positive because I have only heard good things about this culture and about Cape Town. So I can only say that it has been a truly amazing experience and an inspiring one, especially learning about the history and how this culture was established in cape town.

9. Do you have a life motto?
Sherif Wahby: Yes, respect can only be earned.

10. Cape Town is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. We also have a very unique history. Can you tell us a bit about the places you visited and what was your best experience as a visitor?
Sherif Wahby: I wish I had more time to visit more places. Everywhere I have been was amazing. I visited museums, parks, beaches, safaris, restaurants, kramats, masajid. Its hard to nominate one activity as the best, but I can say the outdoor activities, food and the spiritual side (masajid and kramat) tops the list.

11. Would you reveal your age and why at this age have you decided to untertake such a journey?
Sherif Wahby: My age is no secret I am 45. I don't believe that there is an age limit to learning. The prophet SAW was 41 when sayedna jibreel came to him with the revelation. The journey to learn and improve must never end for anyone of us, and as muslims we should strive to better ourselves everyday. Our beloved prophet's journey lasted 23 years until the last day of his life.

12. Will you return to Cape Town and would you encourage your fellow Brits to do the same?
Sherif Wahby: InshaAllah I hope to return again to cape town, and I encourage everyone to visit this amazing city.

13. After being exposed to Silat, would you join up with the Silat community back home?
Sherif Wahby: I would love to, but I need to find the right school and environment to do that. InshaAllah that will be my task when I get back.

14. A final word of advice to us, our youth and fellow pesilats?
Sherif Wahby: Keep on doing what you are doing and don't forget the unlimited blessings that you have, thank Allah for them everyday and thank him for the greatest blessing of all, Islam and being from the ummah of the best of creations, our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW. Try to be a better muslim everyday, and you will see the difference in your lives and the lives of those around you inshaAllah


15. Terima Kasih for sharing with us Abang Sherif. Travel safely and we hope to meet soon InshaAllah.
Sherif Wahby: Shukran abang Faheem. May Allah grant you success and baraka in all what you do. Ameen

The Melaka state government through the Malacca Museum Corporation (PERZIM) held a Silat Festival and Award Ceremony for three days from 17 to 19 April 2015. Local, National and International dignitaries were present i.e; Chief minister of Malacca, the president of PESAKA (Malaysian National Silat Federation), and all dignitaries from Malacca as well as representatives from Indonesia, Singapore  and Brunei. The participants consisted of 53 Silat associations registered under PESAKA throughout the state with the cooperation of the Silat Association of Teachers of Malacca (Sigma).It also included the silat associations across the country representing each respective state and attracted participants from the Southeast Asian nation-states through the (DMDI) Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam.

The 3 main awards awarded by the Sultan of Melaka, Tun Khalil Yaakub were in respect of their contribution to Silat in Malaysia: 

1. LAKSAMANA HANG TUAH awarded to Tuan Guru Hj Mokhtar bin Hj Yahya
2. SERIKANDI TUN FATIMAH awarded to Bibi Aisyah binti Golbal Shah
3. SANG ADI PUTERA awarded to ALLAHYARHAM TUAN HJ SOTIN BIN MOHD ALI
   

Other awards were in honour of their acheivements in silat tournaments and events

1. HANG LEKIR : Norazman bin Hj Naim
   
2. DANG ANUM : Mariam bt Ali
   
3. HANG KASTURI : Sham bin Hj Mohd Ghani
   
4. TUN TEJA : Noorahizan bt Norsham
   
5. TUN KUDU : Siti Sukma bt Buang
   
6. HANG JEBAT : Ahmad Wardi bin Salim
   
7. DANG MERDUWATI : Hadillah bt Hassan.
   

The Awards are named after famous Malaysian legendary silat warriors, with the Hang Tuah award being at the top.  The founder of Seni Silat Pukulan Melaka, Tuan Guru Hj Mokhtar was handed this award due to his ongoing research on the silat skills of Hang Tuah based on the Malay Annals (Hikayat Hang Tuah). Hikayat Hang Tuah (Jawi: حکاية هڠ تواه) is a Malay work of literature that tells the tale of the legendary Malay Muslim warrior Hang Tuah and his four warrior friends - Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu - who lived during the height of the Sultanate of Malacca in the 15th century. The most memorable chapter in the work concerns a duel between Hang Tuah and his closest friend, Hang Jebat. 


Hang Tuah as revealed in the story gives the impression that he is the found of the science and techniques of Malay Silat.  Hang Tuah's silat may be considered to be one of the main pillars of the effectiveness of the Malay martial art. Tuan Hj Mokhtar has been officially requested by ISSMA (Institute Seni Melaka Malaysia) to create a standard type of silat style called "Silat Hang Tuah", which is based on the techniques of Hang Tuah. This standard silat also includes traditional weapons i.e Keris and Tombak, and will possibly be taught at primary and high school level in Melaka as well. 

Various interesting displays and performances were held during the program. Silat demonstrations by various colleges, the making of Keris daggers and discourses about Hang Tuah kept the program alive. The Festival was held with the aim of raising awareness and appreciation of the arts in Melaka and in appreciation of organizations and individuals involved in the martial arts world. 

Chairman of the Festival committee, Datuk Ab Rahaman Karim said that the involvement of the state government in the program was to promote, expose and revive the arts and culture to the younger generation. According to him, the effort and commitment shown by the state government through the organization of festivals like this ensures that the malay arts and cultural heritage and its precious treasures will not be forgotten. "This three-day program brings together enthusiasts, practitioners, students and practitioners of martial arts that can indirectly promote the love of the nation's cultural heritage to be preserved. Exposure to the younger generation of martial arts can enable them to appreciate the cultural heritage particularly teenagers, students and higher education institutions to continue this tradition. Through this program it can recognize the arts as intangible heritage that is able to contribute in the tourist industry which can attract more tourists to Melaka," he said.

Phuket is one of Thailands most popular tourist destinations, and this year it saw over 250 Silat athletes from 37 countries come together for one purpose i.e to win. Easier said than done, the silat world tournament is one of the most difficult tournaments to compete in.

The official commencement of the tournament began on the 7th of January and ended the 17th. All teams and officials were treated to a Welcome Dinner with live entertainment arranged by the Phuket government. In the words of President of the International Pencak Silat Federation at the Opening Ceremony, Mr Prabowo Subianto proclaimed,

South Africa participated in the Silat World Championships for the second time now, the first time being in Jakarta 2010. Muneeb Solomons was our C class fighter, and fought his very first ever proffessional fight against an experienced Malaysian pesilat, Razak Gazali. Although Muneeb done well first time round, his nerves got the better of him, and recalls that he couldn't even hear the screaming crowd. The fight ended in favour of Razak, unfortunately for us. This learning experience has certainly ignited a burning desire for us to return next time stronger, and more prepared, hopefully with a bigger team to compete in other areas and categories of the tournament. 

Silat fights last 3 rounds, each round being 2 minutes long, but the entire match could last more or less 15 mins depending on what happens during the fight, as the time keeper stops the watch each time the referee calls out "Ti!" meaning STOP. When the referee says "Mulai", the fight begins again. Although silat fights utilizes a points system, this doesn't require any less athletic ability. In fact, silat teams would prepare 6 months ahead of the tournament, and Malaysian athletes would have to train 6 hours per day at least 6 days per week. One point is awarded for a clear punch to the target area, and 2 points for a kick, 3 for a dropping technique etc. 

There are 4 categories of participation in International Silat events. Besides the match category, participants can also enter Jurus Tunggal, Jurus Beregu, or Ganda categories. Pictured left is a woman performing Jurus tunggal, or solo performance. The Tunggal consists of a series of 100 movements of defence, attack, and artistic stances in a 14 set series. The first set is done empty handed, while the second and third set is done using a Golok/machette and a long staff respectively. 

The Jurus regu is a synchronised jurus of also 100 movements, performed empty handed by 3 people. The Ganda performance is done by two pesilats showing off their martial arts ability in a realistic way, but also more like a choreographed movie fight scene. Pesilats have to display their warrior spirit in the 3 minute performance, and woo the crowds with their technique, speed, agility and sometimes acrobatics as well. These artistic categories aim to preserve the culture and tradition of pencak silat in the competitive arena. 

The overall winning country was Indonesia, and the next world championship will be held in Australia in 2017. The following videos about the world tournament was prepared by USA team member Abdul Malik. 

Shahiri Fullah bin Ibrahim, a 29 year old Silat expert and coach arrived in Cape Town on the 16th December 2014. His purpose in Cape Town was clearly defined i.e; to disseminate as much Silat Sport knowledge as possible amongst pesilats in Cape Town. Currently, Coach Shahiri works as a school teacher in Malaysia, and holds a Degree in Sports Education and Health, as well as a Diploma in Sport Science. 

The 12 day program included intensive training for selected potential athletes, as well as workshops on Rules and Regulations; Sport massage and Taping, and Skill & tactics. The entire program was focussed mainly on the Sport and athletic aspect of silat tournaments. Although the entire program was meant only for silat members, the public had the chance to attend an open air workshop at the Mouille Point Lighthouse in Seapoint. 

For many of the pesilats in Cape Town, coach Shahiri's humility and great interpersonal skills has left deep imprints on their hearts. Here's what some of them had to say: 

"Thank you for the personal attention and for never giving up on a person.' - Hammaadah 
"You can be a champion you just have to work hard and believe in yourself and I learnt that champions can also have lots of humility." - Muneeb 
"I learnt that limits is just in our mind in reality what we are capable of is so much more than what we think" - Zaid 
"Coach Shahiri resembled highest level of semangat/spirit which I could see was very infectious on all pesilats. The year of semangat ended on a high note thanks to coach and all people involved." - Ebrahim 
"Selamat malam. The trip was excellent for students of Pencak Silat." - Tuan Hilmy
"Van damme splits with coach sepet , once in your lifetime✌" - Natheem 
"Slm from what I saw was that he kept the kids interested and kids became motivated to try different techniques during sparring. It was an honour to host him here in Cape Town." - Masturah
"Its definitely a skill to keep an audience alert and interested, especially kids." Nabeel
"It was wonderful that Coach Shahiri's time here was utilised optimally. It was especially great that the young pesilats who made themselves available received so much attention and time from him. He made a point of getting to know them all personally, by name. It was the most endearing thing to see, during his time here how beautifully the young pesilats were able to train side by side,  with their older pesilat brothers ... and sisters!" Zubeida
"Coach Shahiri's professionalism coupled with his humble manner at all times , will be long remembered."
"Coach definitely left a deep impression on all he interacted with no one felt they did not have his attention." 


Coach Shahiri will be meeting up with us in Pukhet, as appointed coach in the 16th Silat World Championships. The tournament takes place from 7th - 17th january 2015, and Muneeb Solomons will be representing South Africa as an athlete/fighter in class C category. We wish Muneeb all the best in his performance, and hopefully he might surprise us by bringing back a medal for South Africa! 

We at Seni Silat Pukulan Melaka South Africa and Malaysia would like to thank AWQAFSA for their sponsorship and confidence in us. We hope to benefit many more people through the art of silat InshaAllah. 

The Melacca festival of traditional clothing & malay warriors will be held at the recently built Perkampungan Hang Tuah in Melaka on the 10th May 2014. 

The festival will bring together practitioners, researchers and art lovers of the Nusantara Malay cultural civilization from within and outside the country seeks to bridge the friendship among us and be a model for a new generation which inherits the ancestral art of the Malay race. This festival is also in line with the celebration of the 6th anniversary of the Declaration of Malacca which will be held on April 15, 2014. 

  This festival is a continuation of the program's Clothing Traditions & Encounters Pendekar Melaka 2012 which has been made possible for the first time in collaboration with the Melaka State Government, the Secretariat and the DMDI (Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam) PERZIM on 25 November, 2012 at the Auditorium of the Melaka Foundation College (Seminar Discourse Knowledge) and on December 2, 2012 in the compound of the Malacca Sultanate Palace. An exptected  presence of participants from within and outside the country for 2000 persons excluding existing tourists in the area.

JOINT SPONSOR
· Silat Grandmasters Association of Melacca  ( ​​Sigma )

IN COOPERATION WITH
· Silat Federation of Malacca ( ​​PESAKA MELAKA )
· State of Malacca
· Melaka Museum Corporation ( PERZIM )
· Malay World Islamic World ( DMDI )
· Malacca Historical City Council (MBMB )
· Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council ( MPHTJ )
· Department of Culture and Arts of Malacca ( ​​JKKN )
· Tourism Promotion Bureau ( CSB)
· The Art Institute of Malaysia Melaka ( ISMMA )
· Urban Transformation Centre ( UTC Melaka )
· Ministry of Tourism Malaysia

DATE AND PLACE OF FESTIVAL
· 10 & May 11, 2014 ( Saturday & Sunday) - The village of Hang Tuah , Kg . Duyong , Melaka


TARGET
1 . Teaching - teaching Silat of Malacca
2 . PERSILAT (national silat body of Malaysia) 
3 . Teaching Silat Martial Arts - teaching throughout Malaysia
4 . Teaching  Silat abroad
5 . Claimants universities / colleges locally
6 . Fans, players and observers of art & fashion / warriors / local / overseas
7 . Departments and Agencies Malaysia

OBJECTIVES
Cultivate a love for arts and culture -SIlat & Traditional Clothing of the Malay Archipelago
Helping preserve the art of Malay culture in order prevent it from dying out from time to time .
Upholding the art of their culture to the highest level and help produce proffessionals which will act as merketers , practitioners as well as a catalyst in expanding the nation's cultural arts .
Catalyze the development of the art of warriors tradition and long-term basis through the organization of activities, performances , competitions, seminars, workshops, forums , and in the aspect of management .
Featuring a distinctive charm to the community and the tourism industry .
Generate a mindset towards theoretical concepts , practical and scientific
Raise awareness of the rule of the Malay Muslims regardless of their background and political leanings
To understand the role of Malays in Malaysia, particularly the importance of upholding the glory of Malay culture .
Raising self-esteem Malay children that can be more useful to the human race, religion and country .

"About applied silat in my daily life, I really cannot explain it. But what I can say is that silat brings me closer to Allah and Islam as my religion and also gives me a deeper understanding as how to live by Islamic morals and ethics. "
Tazkia (full name: Rossticha Anjar Kesuma Tazkia). Chief of Azhar Seni Beladiri branch at Alazhar University Indonesia, and secretary of AYLI (Azhar Youth Leader Institute) speaks to us! 

Last month, I met with Indonesian female silver medalist Tazkia. Here's the transcript of our short conversation. 

Faheem: Assalamu Alaykom Warahmatullah, could you please introduce yourself?
Tazkia: Wa alaykum salam warahmatullah wabarakaatuh. My name is Tazkia, and I come from Indonesia. I was born in Sumbawa (an Island on the west of Indonesia) on the 12th of April 1991. I am 23 yrs old. 

Faheem: When did you get involved in silat?
Tazkia: I started when i was 19 yrs old in 2010 at the Al Azhar Seni Beladiri Silat school. Before this, I have never played any other sports. 


Faheem: Thats very interesting! In terms of silat, did you participate in any competitions. 
Tazkia: Yes, I have participated in about 4 competitions which were regional, state, national and international competitions. 

Faheem: How many medals have you won?
Tazkia: I have 3 medals. In my school competitions I achieved a gold medal for Jurus Tunggal category. I also recieved a bronze in an international competition for the Jurus Wajib (synchronised jurus), and a silver medal for Jurus Tunggal as well. 

Faheem: So could you tell us about the level of training you have to endure for the international competition? 
Tazkia : Of course it isnt easy as you have to train your physique well and also perfect the technique and movements. More importantly when practicing, you have to do your best and repeat each movement at least 1000 times to do it well.

Faheem: Do you actually count those 1000 times when you train? 
Tazkia: Not actually, you have to estimate. In reality if you practice 100 movements daily, how many times would you have repeated it in one month or 3 months? Do not just count till 1000, because you will have to repeat the moves thousands of times. 

Faheem: Could you advise us about the level of commitment and drive you must have for this type of training. Often we find that boredom sets in because students lose focus due to repetition of moves. Some students even feel that they are getting nowhere, so how would you encourage them? 
Tazkia: Silat students should never get bored. Your should push yourself and fight yourself. If you get bored, you will get nothing out of training. Always check with your teacher if your training or movement is improving and be open to correction. 

Faheem: Besides the Jurus Tunggal and Jurus Wajib, which other categories of competition have you participated in? 
Tazkia:  I have participated in sparring (tanding) as well, but I'm not cut out for it as I'm too thin so I should pick up some weight first before trying this out again. But for now, my focus is the Jurus Tunggal. 

Faheem: Which category do you like the most?
Tazkia: I prefer the Jurus (artistic) categories because it represents silat best. The sparring (olahraga) is more a sport and is limited to a strict set of rules and techniques. If you master about 5 techniques you could enter the sparring category but the Jurus is more rich in technique. In the artistic category you have to focus not only on the movements but your expression and feeling or soulfulness as well, and its not limited to 5 techniques but at least 100 techniques. So I'd say I love the seni (art) of silat very much, its real silat. 

Faheem: It seems the more complicated things are a challenge for you. 
Tazkia: Yes indeed!

Faheem: How could you advise pesilats who aspire to enter the Jurus or artistic category. Developing artistic flare and soulfulness as you say is not easy to achieve. How do you develop the Silat Warrior Spirit (semangat)?
Tazkia: Firstly you should be motivated and convinced by yourself. Self motivation and discipline is of utmost importance as it all starts within. Secondly, you should practice slowly and dont rush. Semangat takes time to build so do not rush. Lots of practice makes perfect.

Faheem: For those females who aspire to be good in silat, what are the benefits of silat training which you have experienced? 
Tazkia: Practicing silat is not just a short term thing. Its something you carry with you for the rest of your life. I heard that in South Africa the crime rate is high so silat is especially good for women to protect themselves. Silat is not empty, it has many benefits like health and achievements when you become an athlete. 

Faheem: Would you say there are more men or women doing silat in Indonesia?
Tazkia:  Actually there are more women doing silat over there. You could say the ratio is 4:1. The movements of silat is very suitable for women in terms of its gracefulness, beauty and flexibility so women really like it. 

Faheem: Silat is seen as a holistic and islamic martial art. How have you applied your silat in your daily life especially regarding the spiritual training?
Tazkia:  About applied silat in my daily life, I really cannot explain it. But what I can say is that silat brings me closer to Allah and Islam as my religion and also gives me a deeper understanding as how to live by Islamic morals and ethics. 

Faheem: Terima kasih banyak (thank you very much) and have a safe trip back to Indonesia and may we see you soon Insha Allah. Assalamu alaykom warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh. 
Tazkia: Sama-sama (you're welcome)! wa alaykom salam warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh. 


Article by: Abang Faheem Jackson  

SAPSA - The South African Pencak Silat Association (est 2010) members had met in Johannesburg in the past 2 weeks. Members of the Cape Town Silat branch (PSSPMSA aka Pukulan Melaka) was also invited. 

Pak Sariat Arifia, President of SAPSA along with two pesilats Satrio and Tazkiah took the time to travel to South Africa for 2 weeks, taking time to develop Pencak Silat in South Africa.