Twists of Silat

Many countries in Asia are known for their traditions and customs. These customs and cultures have are represents different forms of arts, architecture, dance form and martial arts. Most of the martial arts that are known to the world include Tae-kwondo, Judo, Karate, kung-fu and kalaripayattu. However, Silat, a martial art of form of south-east Asia is an elegant yet dangerous that is gaining acceptance.

Silat is a traditional Malaysian martial art form which is based and developed on the observations of animals like tiger, eagle and monkey. Years ago, this was practiced among many tribes in the Malay islands and they used this skill during the wars among the different tribes. During the colonial rule of British, Dutch and Portuguese, the practice of Silat was banned for avoid overthrown by a group of fighters. Therefore it was practiced in privacy by the locales. Post the World War II, the Malay people started their struggle for freedom and finally got independence. The ban from Silat was lifted and this marked the rebirth of this martial art form.


This form of art has many styles and each has some specialty associated with it. Silat schools come under the gamut of a national organization specially framed for this purpose.


There are various forms and styles of Silat but the most practiced one includes- joint manipulation, animal-based techniques, bladed weapons, and combination of others. The Malaysian region boasts of having more than one hundred styles of Silat. It is also said that approximately 20 percent of the Malaysian schools trains in various forms of Silat. This martial art form is considered to be an act of self defense, a way to achieve healthy and fit body. The interest in the martial art has been increasing among people as it not only teaches you discipline but also equip you with techniques to defend yourself.


It might be not be easy to trace the origin of Silat due lack of historical evidence. However, one can dig out the past with the help of oral historical records. It is said that this martial art form originated in the 7th Century in Sumatra Island. If fables are to be believed then it is understood that this technique was formulated by a women who once saw a fight between a bird and a tiger. After observing the combat she taught the techniques to her spouse and this is how it started spreading its root. This story has variations depending on the region where it's narrated.


The traditional clothing of the Silat comprises of a top and pair of loose pant along with a sash. This martial art form in practiced in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and some parts of Thailand and Philippines.

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SILAT: Pesaka banks on Sea Games squad

THE Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) is banking on its Sea Games gold medallists to deliver the goods at the inaugural Sydney Open Championships on Jan 23-30.

   Pesaka coordinator Osman Nok said the federation will be sending four athletes to the tournament which is set to  feature competitors from 17 nations but will,  however, be without two big names in the sport-- Thailand and Indonesia.

     Jakarta Sea Games gold medal winning trio Ahmad Sharil Zailudin, Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari, Mohd Fauzi Khalid and  silver medallist Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir are the four athletes going to Australia.

    "The four of them are only returning to centralised training today (yesterday) since we broke camp after the Sea Games but we do not expect that to be a problem as they are at a good level of fitness, having trained by themselves at state level," said Osman.

  "We are confident of winning three gold medals at the event but do not expect things to be easy despite Indonesia and Thailand not competing.

  "Vietnam will be our biggest rivals there but we expect the competition from Middle Eastern countries to be stiff as well. 

"Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan also can't be ruled as we have seen  them compete in the past and they have shown tremendous power, stamina and fighting spirit.

    "We are not sure what they will bring to the table this year but we will not be taking them lightly as they are a definitely a threat to any team."

    The tournament  serves as part of the national exponents preparation for the Southeast Asian   championships  in Vietnam  this July.