The term Pencak Silat refers to a kind of martial arts. The meaning of Pencak is “skillful movement” and that of Silat is “skillful fighting”. Today, Pencak and Silat are two aspects of the same practice. The early documentation on Pencak Silat dates back to the 7th century. Today in fact, Pencak Silat is a generic term for all kinds of Indonesian martial arts.
Uyuh Suwanda and his Wife
Pencak Silat is basically the family martial art of the Suwanda family. The famous master teacher Uyuh Suwanda in Bandung located in West Java founded it in 1951. Unlike other forms of martial art, it was not taught to general public. Uyuh learnt 17 styles of the art till he got married to Mimi Rukmini and thereafter together they started teaching Pencak Silat to their friends and relatives. His daughter Ibu Rita currently runs his school.
Uyuh Suwanda (pictured right) had a great knowledge about the tradition and culture of Java. He was successful in developing the same knowledge of tradition and culture in his children. This was possible only due to his love for his tradition. Though he is not alive now, Pencak Silat is still alive because of his taught principles and spirits.
With Ibu Mimi Suwanda, wife of Uyuh Suwanda, the style was thoroughly developed. This was a great cause behind earning respect and recognition from majority of the Silat bodies. After the death of Uyuh Suwanda the art of Pencak Silat was spread in many parts of the world including US and Europe.
Ibu Rita Suwanda and Pak Herman
It was Pak Herman who worked to develop the actual skills involved in all the facets of Pencak Silat as taught in Java. Rita Suwanda is still keeping this art popular. In fact it has also become quite popular in South Asia. Ibu Rita Suwanda was made the third Guru Besar of their family art.
The art of Pencak Silat is rooted in the ancient and traditional styles Of Silat. It was Guru Besar Herman Suwanda promoted this art through out the world. The instructors of Pencak Silat were capable of martial arts. However, very few of these instructors were capable of understanding the actual traditions and cultural aspects of Pencak Silat. All hand and foot techniques can be performed with weapons in Pencak Silat.
Some dominant legends claim that the pioneer of Pencak Silat was a woman who learnt her techniques from some monkeys. Women, in fact have played a significant role in the development of Pencak Silat and this contribution is continued till today. This art occupies a significant position in the lives of many people. Some village dwellers have also made its practice a daily routine.
Traditionally, it was surrounded only within the family and could be taught only to known persons. Pak Herman took the initiative to expand it all around. This ultimately led to the spread of Pencak Silat expand in America and consequently in Europe. Unfortunately as he was busy with his work to expand the art in Europe, he died in a car accident. Under his guidance, Pencak Silat has succeeded in expanding the mission of developing the art and fighting culture of Indonesia.
Almost 150-200 different styles can be named under the generic name of Pencak Silat and each of these styles differs from the other. These styles depend on the geographical location of Indonesia and thus can be practiced in different situations. At the same time there are several styles that have not been recognized by their governments. Each style has its own history, background and tradition behind it. Some of these styles are hidden in secrecy and some are displayed to the public.
Several weapons are used in the art of Pencak Silat. These include Kris, Sarong, Kayu, Kipas, sabit and many more. Kris is basically a dagger with wavy blade. Folding several metals followed by washing it in acid makes this. Sarong is a piece of silk fabric to be put around the waist or shoulder. Sarong is used for defense against blades.
To become a respectful person in Pencak Silat, one has to become humble enough to maintain a good relation with the community. The practitioners do not feel the need to prove their skill to any outsider because it is a part of their daily life. If the art of Pencak Silat is practiced in the same way, then no doubt one day it will occupy a prominent position among all kinds of martial art through out the world.