Deep of highlands of west Sumatra exist an ancient martial art the protector of this style of self defense are known of the Minangkabau and their martial art is knows as Silek Tuo.

With name like Sitaralak, Kumango, Lintau and Batu Mandi. The Minangkabau art of silek has developed into many different styles. This page is devoted to just one style of Silek Tuo or “Old Silek”. However, some of this information my apply to silek in general.

As a matrilineal society, Minangkabau people place great importance on the mother’s brother or uncle. In the past this style was taught by the “mamak” (uncle) to his sister children.

The moves were learned at night as secrecy was of crucial importance. Silek developed as an art or self defense, it is not to be used for attack, while Silek tuo teaches, it’s truly shines in it’s ingenious counter attacks these moves at time look more like wrestling as the consist of locks, holds, and levers, that it applied. Properly can immediately disable or even kill the enemy.

The fundamental movement in Silek Tuo is A twisting motion called “Gelek”. The is done by twisting the body at the feet and hip. This basic movement is used in both defending and attacking. For example , is a punch is thrown severely the at ones head, the “Gelek” or twisting motion, would allow the defender to avoid being hit by the punch the defender is now in the perfect position. For making a counter attack the Gelek motion is also used to get free from most kind of kicks and holds.

Learning the Gelek is the first phase in silek training. The second series teaches five series of attacks and counter attacks, called “induak – induak” this sequences are designed to train the silek player to be able to defend himself in numerous situations.

In practicing the five “Induak – induak”, the silek student very quickly develops, reflexes, which eventually will allow the student to defend against all kinds he/she has practiced in the “Induak – induak”