Pencak Silat is a name for a class of Indonesian martial arts that includes a variety of techniques and it also refers to the competitive art of silat practised in neighboring countries. Each part of the body is used and subject to attack in this full-body fighting form. It is practiced both in physical defense and for psychological strength.
Silat is a collective term for a class of indigenous martial arts from the geo-cultural area of Indonesia. The term originated from Malay language and is linked with Minangkabau word silek, which is similar to the Sumatran language. The word pencak relates to the Western Javanese penca, a people who have practised it for centuries.
Pencak has more of a following in Java, while silat is more common in West Sumatra. Despite the widespread use of the word silat in much of Southeast Asia, pencak silat is predominantly used in Indonesia. Aside from its sporting element, pencak silat includes mental-spiritual, self-defense, and artistic elements.
The sport has been included in numerous regional competitions, such as the Southeast Asian Games and the 2018 Asian Games. The sport was debuted at the 1987 Southeast Asian Games and recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2019. In 2019, UNESCO recognized Pencak Silat as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity from Indonesia.
The earliest recorded evidence of pencak silat being taught in a structured manner comes from the 6th century in the Minangkabau Highlands of West Sumatra. Pencak silat is commonly practiced by women, as the traditional Minang society is based on matrilineal customs. It is described as a mythical legend about Aji Saka, a primordial king from India, who arrived in Java. Aji Saka was shown to be a master of swords.
Srivijaya, where pencak silat was widely practiced, was defeated by the Tamil Cholas of south India in the 13th century. During the kingdom era, when the Dutch colonized Indonesian culture, several freedom fighters had pencak silat skills, such as jagoan in Betawi, and warok in East Java.
Since 2012, the Pencak Malioboro Festival has been held annually, featuring demonstrations by the biggest silat schools in Indonesia. This skill has also been taught at Indonesian schools as an extra-curricular sports activity. It has been included as a combat sport in local, national, and international athletic events such as the SEA Games and the Indonesian National Sports Week. This art is prominently displayed in the Hollywood blockbuster John Wick 3, with masters Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman utilizing the art against Wick in the penultimate fight. It is also featured in the animated series Code Lyoko, where Yumi Ishiyama, Ulrich Stern, and others train in and utilize the style.
It is possible to practice pencak silat with or without weapons. Some of the common weapons used in this process include parang, golok, tombak, keris, celurit, and even selendang (a piece of silk fabric). There are over 150 styles of pencak silat known in Indonesia, although more are recognized and are in use today. There are older methods that are associated with particular cultures or specific regions. Popular styles consist of those from Minangkabau, Java, Riau, Sunda, Betawi, Aceh, Bali, Bugis-Makassar, Bajau, Batak, and Maluku.
Techniques prevail across each region, and they include kicks, grappling, striking, and using the arms/hands. The practice includes both offense and defense in its use, along with learning basic stances and steps. It involves a unity of movement and fits the accompanying music, with different movements and styles, as well as music and costumes from each region. Every region's performances include its moves, styles, accompaniments, music, and equipment, including costumes, musical instruments, and traditional weapons. Various techniques have been taught to Pencak Silat practitioners to protect themselves as well as others, avoid harming the offender, and build comradeship.
The practice strengthens comradeship and social order while also providing entertainment for ritual ceremonies. Pencak Silat practitioners are taught to maintain their relationship with God, humanity, and nature. Non-formal schools commonly teach related knowledge and skills, including oral traditions and expressions such as greetings, philosophical phrases, rhymed poems, and advice, along with songs and instrument-playing techniques.