Silat

Silat ( German: Dance ) is a Malay term which is considered as an umbrella term for various types of martial arts in the Malay Archipelago, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Borneo and the Philippines, but also referred to an independent form of struggle. As with other martial arts of Asia also Silat is closely connected with the local culture. Frequently Silat performances are accompanied by instruments such as the Kendang, and then a kind of folk dance, as is the case with the Arnis, Kali and Eskrima frequently. Other Southeast Asian martial arts like Muay Thai are often accompanied by music.

In the Minangkabau, a folk group from Sumatra, Silek referred to its own fighting style, which forms with musical accompaniment of bamboo flute Saluang a part of popular theater Randai. The Silat pulut is a Malaysian style. The Silat Cakak of Brunei Darussalam is accompanied by so-called Gulintangan. Also Pencak Silat, the Indonesian is often accompanied by music.

History

Although little is known about the origins of Silats, it is probably distributed in the Malay Archipelago in the 7th century AD, but seems to be a purely Malay phenomenon. However, it is assumed that the art form was influenced by Chinese and Indian martial systems. It was taught to the members of the warrior caste, Maharlika and sultans and rajas, and served among other things as an exercise to the concentration and spiritual enlightenment. Later, in the 14th century, when Islamization of Southeast Asia began, the art was attached to the teachings of Islam.

Many look to the epic hero Hang Tuah the father of silat.

Many people believe that silat was a sign of resistance against the Europeans during the colonial period in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

In the 20th century the Silat, a martial sports page has been added and national associations, such as the Malaysian Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia ( PESAKA ), the Indonesian Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia ( IPSI ), the Persekutuan Silat Singapura ( PERSIS ) from Singapore and Brunei Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam ( Persib ), were founded.

Silat is also one of the sports that are played in the Southeast Asian Games.

Traditional weapons

From the Indonesian area many traditional weapons are known, which are still used today in the field of Silat Melayu part. Examples are:

• Badek
• Kris