Martial art of the month: Indonesia / Malaysia - Silat

Silat is a group of martial arts orginating in what is modern day Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Southern Thailand. There are many - perhaps hundreds of - different silat styles. Today these can be very broadly divided into Pencak Silat (Indonesian styles) and Silat Melayu (Malaysian styles). (There are others.)

The first skills can be traced back to the 1st century. Silat was used for hunting, and for offence and defence in warfare. Even though Hindu caste systems were historically prevalent in the region, Silat was considered something that could be learned by all classes. It is practiced by both genders and (in theory at least) all ages.

Traditional moves comprise kicks, punches, takedowns, throws, blocks, sweeps and some grappling, as well as weapon work. (Different styles have different focuses.) As with many Eastern martial arts, there is emphasis on the body's flow of energy.

Though developed locally, Silat moves show elements of Indian martial arts and Chinese kung fu. Trade routes and the early Japanese diaspora even resulted in some Okinawan karate influence on the art. Among the many traditional weapons used are the Kris (wavy dagger), Parang (machete) and Trisula (three pronged spear) as well as staffs and even cloths used for joint-locking and blade-defence.

Kris

Today, silat is popular in SE Asia and internationally. Moves tend to be fast, and in my opinion the art is both dynamic and graceful. Expressions of silat that you might see include:

 - Sparring or sport silat
 - Jurus - solo or group choreographed moves or fight sequences
 - Tari - freestyle silat moves developed into a dance
 - Silat Pulut - a kind of game or 'leisure silat' incorporating low-contact offensive and defensive moves between two practitioners to music (often performed at festivals and weddings). Pulut refers to the sticky rice awarded to players after the performance!



Competitions
Modern silat practitioners can compete at sparring and jurus. Tournaments are held at regional and global level.

Sparring
Competitors are divided by gender, weight and age. A body-guard is worn and points are scored for strikes to the torso (hand 1 point; kick 2 points) and flooring your opponent (3 points). No strikes are allowed to groin, spine or head. Correct footwork must be used.

A match consists of three, two-minute rounds. If your opponent is rendered unable to fight, you automatically win the match.

Watch sparring at the Belgian Open:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfhvKLkteu0&feature=relmfu

Jurus
Group or solo categories can be entered. Competitors must complete the moves in exactly three minutes. Points are awarded for execution, timing and technical accuracy. Jurus are usually performed in ornate traditional dress.

Watch competitors perform an impressive Jurus Ganda (two-man jurus):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQNHMurmbrU&feature=related


* Please note, I've never practiced Silat! Most of this information is from research only, so please feel free to correct any errors with comments!

Photo credits: Festival des Arts Matriaux, keriscollectie maakstart, Pencak Silat Federation UK, AntaraFoto.