InTrOdUcTiOn

Silat is a martial art which is common in the Malay culture which covers Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines. It can also be called such names as: panchak, montjak, silèk and most commonly as pencak silat. 

In the sixth century A.D., formal combat systems were being practiced in Sumatra and other parts of the Malay peninsula, but until the 17th century, the name Pencak Silat was, relatively unknown. It is a combination of a Javanese term "pentjak" which implies an art form or artful expression, with the Malaysian word kilat or "silat" which means lightning (implying lightning fast combat). 

Some actually believe that the word Silat comes from the word "Silaturrahim" which means "togetherness or bonds that tie".

Down the centuries, many styles developed, often named after an animal, a village, forest, river or heroic fighter. 

Pencak Silat has four aspects: 1, Mental/Spiritual; 2, Seni (cultural/artistic, dance); 3, Bela Diri (self-defense); and 4, Olah Raga (sport). In the 20th century, Silat spread to The Netherlands and the United States and, away from its roots in South-east Asia, it developed different styles.