Pencak Silat: Exotic Traditional Martial Arts

Pencak Silat is Indonesian traditional martial art. According to babad (ancient Javanese manuscript), embryo of Pencak Silat was brought to Java Island by Prince Aji Shaka from Majethi Island. Traditional Javanese society believes that Aji Shaka was their ancestor and the first king of the Javanese. The old documentation of pencak can be found in relief of Borobudur and Prambanan Temple, in Mid Java, Indonesia. In the relief of both temples, there are pictures of people who fight by using exotic fighting styles.

According to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language Dictionary), published by Balai Pustaka, pencak silat is an art to protect and defend oneself and to attack, with or without weapons. Definition Pencak in traditional Javanese style is an action of Olah Cipta (art of mind power), Olah Rasa (art of feeling) and Olah Karsa (art of will) for defense purpose. To master Olah Cipta, Olah Rasa and Olah Karsa, one must have a pure heart. This pure heart can be realized by understanding one self. This self understanding means the process to understand their mind, body and spirit. To achieve self-understanding, one should do introspection and contemplation to see into the deepest part within his heart and living elements which are called Sedulur Papat Lima Pancer (four elemental angels/ brothers and one core spirit). Sedulur Papat Lima Pancer elements consist of earth, water, fire, wind and the spirit. In ancient time in Java, pencak silat had some various name, e.g.: Jaya Kawijayan ( a figthing art of winning) and Olah Kanuragan (the art of body).

Generally, Pencak silat is classified into thousands styles and hundreds schools. There are many style inspired by animal movement for example Jurus Harimau (Tiger Style) and JurusElang (Hawk Style). The respective Pencak Silat style is unique.

There are 10 historical pencak silat schools in Indonesia.

1. Tapak Suci (Jogjakarta)
2. Phasadja Mataram (Jogjakarta)
3. Perpi Harimurti (Jogjakarta)
4. Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (Madiun)
5. Perisai Diri (Surabaya)
6. Perisai Putih (Gresik)
7. Persaudaraan Setia Hati (Jakarta)
8. KPS Nusantara (Jakarta)
9. Putra Betawi (Jakarta)
10. PPSI (Jakarta)