The Malay Martial Arts - Seni Silat
Silat is an ancient martial art that originates in Southeast Asia, particularly from the Malay Archipelago (Nusantara) nations of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines.
Silat has spawned many hundreds of schools and styles (aliran) that draw their origins from the observation of wild animals in combat. Some styles claim no affiliation to animal movements, testifying to the diverse nature of Silat styles. These many aliran have made their way over the oceans to reach many countries in Europe and the Americas who keep the Silat very much alive abroad. Silat training is now available in South Africa as well.
Silat worldwide is based on the following aspects:
Silat has spawned many hundreds of schools and styles (aliran) that draw their origins from the observation of wild animals in combat. Some styles claim no affiliation to animal movements, testifying to the diverse nature of Silat styles. These many aliran have made their way over the oceans to reach many countries in Europe and the Americas who keep the Silat very much alive abroad. Silat training is now available in South Africa as well.
Silat worldwide is based on the following aspects:
Isi - Mental and Spiritual
To build and develop personality, noble character and honour is the main objective of silat practitioners that must be upheld during combat or dangerous situations. The Ikrar Pesilat is the silat pledge which needs to be adhered to in all respect:
Pesilat adalah pribadi yang berbudi pekerti luhur.A Pesilat is an individual who has noble mind and character.
Pesilat adalah manusia yang menghormati sesamanya serta mencintai persahabatan dan perdamaian. A Pesilat is a man who honors his fellow man, and loves friendship and peace.
Pesilat adalah manusia yang senantiasa berpikir dan bertindak positif, kreatif dan dinamis.A Pesilat is a man who always thinks and acts positively, creatively and dynamic.Pesilat adalah kesatria yang menegakkan kebenaran, kejujuran dan keadilan serta senantiasa tahan-uji dalam menghadapi cobaan dan godaan.A Pesilat is a knight who upholds truth, honesty and justice, and is always resilient in facing any ordeal and temptation.Pesilat adalah kesatria yang senantiasa bertanggungjawab atas kata-kata dan perbuatan-perbuatannya.A Pesilat is a knight who is always responsible for his words and deeds.
With the above in mind, Spirituality goes hand in hand with the mental state required for a balanced martial artist. Most Silat schools have incorporated the teachings of Islamic spirituality, its morals and ethics as well. This does not mean that non-muslims cannot participate in silat, but many non muslims have come to see Islam in a different light as opposed to the conssistent Islamophobic tone in the west and media. The correct spirit and mindset will bring about peace & harmony in the pesilat as well as in society.
Pesilat adalah pribadi yang berbudi pekerti luhur.A Pesilat is an individual who has noble mind and character.
Pesilat adalah manusia yang menghormati sesamanya serta mencintai persahabatan dan perdamaian. A Pesilat is a man who honors his fellow man, and loves friendship and peace.
Pesilat adalah manusia yang senantiasa berpikir dan bertindak positif, kreatif dan dinamis.A Pesilat is a man who always thinks and acts positively, creatively and dynamic.Pesilat adalah kesatria yang menegakkan kebenaran, kejujuran dan keadilan serta senantiasa tahan-uji dalam menghadapi cobaan dan godaan.A Pesilat is a knight who upholds truth, honesty and justice, and is always resilient in facing any ordeal and temptation.Pesilat adalah kesatria yang senantiasa bertanggungjawab atas kata-kata dan perbuatan-perbuatannya.A Pesilat is a knight who is always responsible for his words and deeds.
With the above in mind, Spirituality goes hand in hand with the mental state required for a balanced martial artist. Most Silat schools have incorporated the teachings of Islamic spirituality, its morals and ethics as well. This does not mean that non-muslims cannot participate in silat, but many non muslims have come to see Islam in a different light as opposed to the conssistent Islamophobic tone in the west and media. The correct spirit and mindset will bring about peace & harmony in the pesilat as well as in society.
Bela Diri - Self- defense
As with any martial art, the skill of defending oneself and protecting loved ones when in danger or when faced with adversity is what all silat practitioners prepare themselves for. Silat will teach you effective ways of avoiding close range attacks, by using Pola Langkah (footwork), empty handed techniques against hand to hand attacks or weapons. Silat is not to be used to show off, and humility is one major requirement of a pesilat (silat practitioner). The agricultural philosophy called "Ilmu Padi" is always kept in mind and heart. This means the way of the rice stalk. When the rice plant is young and bear little or no rice, it tends to stand upright, but when it grows and is full of rice, it bends. In this way, the pesilat learns to humble himself even more when he aqcuires more silat knowledge and skill. There is a saying by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which states "Whomesoever humbles himself, God will raise Him"
Olah Raga Silat - Silat sport
Competitions and intense training keep the practitioners' skills sharp, through form demonstrations, for single, double or teamed combat. This incorporates the concept of sound mind, sound body.
Seni - Art and Culture
Performing the 'art' of silat is very important. Traditional costumes and music that accompany the stylized moves and artistic techniques of the martial art have made it an internationally recognized form of choreography. Silat is also used in very many officious events, as part of the Malay custom, such as weddings and royal occasions.