Pencak Silat: Definition, History, Characteristics, Purpose, Techniques, and Levels

Pencak Silat: Definition, History, Characteristics, Purpose, Techniques, and Levels – Does anyone not know what Pencak Silat is? At this opportunity About the knowledge.co.id will discuss Pencak Silat and other matters surrounding it. Let's look at the discussion together in the article below to better understand it.

Pencak Silat: Definition, History, Characteristics, Purpose, Techniques, and Levels

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Pencak silat or commonly abbreviated as silat is one of the sports arts that originates from Indonesia from Southeast Asia, to be exact, came from Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand.

The word "silat" itself is a term that is widely known in the Southeast Asian region to refer to this martial art. However, each country also has its own designation according to their local language, such as gayong and Cekak (Malaysia and Singapore), Silat (Thailand) and Pasilat (Philippines).

Pencak silat comes from two words, namely pencak and silat. The meaning of pencak is the basic movement of self-defense and is bound by rules. While silat means perfect martial movements originating from spirituality.

During its development, this silat prioritized artistic elements in the appearance of the beauty of movements, while silat was the core of martial arts teachings in combat.

The IPSI Executive Board mentions the meaning of pencak silat as:

"Pencak silat is the result of human culture in Indonesia to defend, then maintain its existence (independence) as well integrity (unity) for the surrounding environment in order to achieve harmony in life in increasing faith & piety towards True God”.

Meanwhile, based on KBBI, it states that the meaning of pencak silat is as a game (expertise) in defending themselves with the skills of parrying, attacking and defending themselves with or without weapon.

Several official terms related to silat from various regions in Indonesia, including:

• In the province of West Sumatra there are terms Silek & Gayuang.
• On the east coast of West Sumatra and Malaysia there is the term Bersilat.
• In West Java there are the terms Maempok and Penca.
• In Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java province there is the term Pencak.
• In Madura and Bawean Island, there is the term Mancak.
• In Bali there is the term Mancak or Encak.
• In NTB and Dompu there is the term Mpaa Sila.

In the Indonesian dictionary, pencak silat is a game (expertise) in self-defense with cleverness to parry, attack and defend oneself.

According to silat researcher Donald F. Draeger, evidence of martial arts can be seen from the weapon artifacts found from the classical period as well as the bas-relief sculptures at Prambanan and Borobudur temples showing the attitude of martial arts stances.

According to Shamsuddin, the development of martial arts was influenced by Chinese and Indian martial arts. This is because since the beginning Malay culture has been influenced by culture brought by traders from India, China and others

According to Minangkabau legend, silat or silek was created by Datuk Suri Diraja from Pariangan, Tanah Datar at the foot of Mount Marapi in the 11th century. Silat or silek was then brought and developed by Minang migrants throughout Southeast Asia. There is also a story from the land of Sunda about the origin of silat Cimande which tells of a woman imitating the movements of a tiger and a monkey.

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History of Pencak Silat

The history of the development of pencak silat can be traced as follows:

Developments in the Age of Kingdom

At this time, self-defense is a skill as a defense of security. Several kingdoms such as Kutai, Tarumanegara, Kediri, Mataram, Singasari, Sriwijaya, and also kingdoms Majapahit, preparing various troops that have been equipped with martial arts to defend territory.

At that time, the term pencak silat was not yet known by the royal community. Then in 1019-1041 to be precise during the Kahuripan kingdom under King Erlangga who came from Sidoarjo, are familiar with the martial arts called "Eh Hok Hik", which means "One Step Forward to Hit" (Notosoejitno, 1999).

Developments in the Dutch Colonial Era

The growth of pencak silat was strongly opposed by the Dutch, because it was seen as dangerous for the survival of their colony. Thus, pencak silat is carried out clandestinely and is only practiced in small groups of people.

And at this time, silat only had the opportunity to develop its art which was still used in a few areas, and even then in the form of performances and ceremonies. Influences originating from the emphasis of the Dutch colonial era also colored the growth of silat in the following period.

Developments in the Japanese Occupation

In contrast to the Dutch era which opposed the growth of pencak silat, during the Japanese occupation, pencak silat was strongly supported and developed for Japan's own interests, namely to inflame the spirit of defense to face attacks ally.

Because of Shimitsu's suggestion, there have been many concentrations of forces from the pencak silat schools here. At this time, the whole area of ​​Java established martial arts associations that have been regulated by the government simultaneously. Although Japan has given the opportunity to revive the elements of the heritage of the nation's greatness.

Developments in the Age of Independence

During this period, the establishment of the pencak silat organization was pioneered, which had the aim of accommodating the existing martial arts colleges. On May 18, 1948 in Surakarta, there were several warriors who gathered and then formed an organization called the All Indonesian Pencak Silat Association or abbreviated as IPSSI.

In this organization chaired by Mr. Wongsonegoro and later changed the name of the organization to the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association and abbreviated as IPSI which has a goal to rekindle the fighting spirit of the Indonesian people during the development period, another goal the formation of this organization is to foster a sense of brotherhood and unity of the Indonesian nation so that it is not easily divided split.

IPSI is recorded as the oldest national silat organization in the world. Furthermore, on March 11, 1980, a martial arts organization was also established called The International Pencak Silat Association or abbreviated as Persilat which was founded by initiative Eddie M. Nalapraya from (Indonesia) who at that time also served as chairman of IPSI.

Furthermore, a pencak silat event was held which was attended by representatives of various countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. And of the four countries, Indonesia is included in the country as the founder of Persilat.

Other silat organizations include the following:

• IPSI (Indonesian Pencak Silat Association) in Indonesia
• PESAKA (Malaysia National Silat Association) in Malaysia
• PERSIS (Singapore Silat Fellowship) in Singapore
• PERSIB (Bruei Darussalam Silat Fellowship) in Brunei Darussalam.

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Characteristics of Pencak Silat

General Features

• Using all parts of the body and limbs as a means of attack and self-defense
• Can be done with or without tools (weapons)
• Pencak silat does not require a specific weapon, but any object can be used as a weapon.

Special Features

• Calm, limp and alert
• Not only relying on strength or power, but using flexibility, agility, speed and accuracy.
• Pay more attention to position and changes in weight transfer.
• Take advantage of the opponent's attack/power, so
• Releasing power as efficiently as possible

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Purpose of Pencak Silat

The following are some of the goals of pencak silat based on 5 important aspects in it:

Development of Mental-Spiritual Education

The first goal of pencak silat is to develop mental-spiritual education, including in realizing noble character for each of its followers. Pencak silat also teaches about self-knowledge as a being who believes in the existence of God Almighty.

Therefore, pencak silat is not just a coaching with the aim of aspects of art, martial arts, or just sports. But it also has the aim of developing noble character, personality, character, chivalrous attitude, self-confidence, and also piety towards God Almighty.

The development goals of mental-spiritual education can also be summed up as below:

• Increased piety towards God Almighty and also virtuous for each of his followers.
• Creating a sense of tolerance, self-confidence, and also high discipline.
• Building a sense of love for the nation and homeland, supported by the presence of pencak silat itself as one of Indonesia's traditional martial arts.
• Increase a sense of brotherhood, self-control, and also high social responsibility.
• Build a sense of social solidarity, the desire for progress, honesty, truth and justice for its followers.

Development of Self-Defense Aspects

Pencak silat as a martial art aims to develop aspects of self-defense in developing skills, attitudes, personality, and also a sense of nationality. Which of these things really have to be mastered in the martial arts of pencak silat so that para followers can be formed as a whole human being, which means formed physically and also spiritual.

The purpose of developing aspects of self-defense in pencak silat can be summed up with the following objectives:

• To increase effectiveness and also skills in terms of self-defense and also maintain safety and self-esteem for both his followers and for the nation and also the state.
• Improving responsiveness, carefulness, and sensitivity in responding to or understanding all the problems faced.
• Increase toughness or tenacity in developing basic abilities from within each individual.

Art Development

As a martial art, pencak silat also has a goal of developing regional arts and culture. Where pencak silat itself must be able to follow aesthetic provisions such as wiraga, wirama, and wirasa to become a unified whole.

Therefore, pencak silat aims to develop art and culture, which also means a goal for the development of skills in movement that are harmonious, unique, and interesting based on a love of culture nation.

Not only that, the purpose of art development is also to:

• Overcoming and reducing the negative influence of foreign culture, as well as to encourage the formation of attitudes to be able to filter foreign cultures that are positive and useful in cultural development nation.
• Developing the values ​​of pencak silat that are adapted to the application of personality values ​​in Pancasila.
• Development of noble cultural values ​​in order to strengthen the cultural personality of the Indonesian nation.

Sports Development

In some aspects, pencak silat is also interpreted in terms of sports.

So that it has a goal of developing sports where the effective movements in pencak silat also aim to develop physical and spiritual health. This condition is also because pencak silat uses the muscles of the body as well as balance and the ability to make decisions in a short but precise time.

Thus, this pencak silat for sports development also has other goals, such as:

• Encouraging the emergence of sportsmanship for his followers.
• Improve performance through various pencak silat sports competitions.
• Improving healthy living habits through the sport of pencak silat.

Educational Development

Pencak silat also has several goals for the development of education, including the following:

• Enhance deeper knowledge.
• Forming a more positive and effective attitude as well as being useful in adjusting to the surrounding environment.
• Helps to form skills.
  For example in making decisions and solving problems that are being experienced.
• Improving the function of the body's organs, because in pencak silat which is part of the sport it also uses the ability of muscles and body strength and also balance.

In addition to the five goals above which are based on several important aspects of life above.

There are also several goals for pencak silat in general. Among them:

• As a place to channel hobbies and interests related to martial arts.
• Forming a society with a healthy soul, smart thinking, and increasing achievement in society.
• Educate as well as form a personality that is chivalrous, brave, fair, disciplined, and also has a high sense of responsibility.
• Encouraging and mobilizing the public so that they can appreciate the art and culture of the Indonesian nation itself.
• Encouraging the emergence of an understanding that pencak silat is a necessity of life.
• Educating the younger generation so they can use their time better and not fall into promiscuity or be influenced by negative foreign cultures.

Techniques in Pencak Silat

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  Basic technique

Sawhorse
Post Attitude
Steps
Kick

• Attack Technique

Blow
Kick
counter
slam

• Basic Attitudes of Pencak Silat

The first technique that you must learn and master is the basic attitude of pencak silat. These attitudes are static attitudes.

And done to train the strength of the muscles in the legs.

The formation of this basic attitude is also the foundation for the formation of technical movements for subsequent fighters, which include physical attitudes as well as spiritual attitudes.

As for some of the basic attitudes of this martial art, include:

• Respect

The first is a respectful attitude or an upright attitude that is used to respect enemies or friends.

The position of respect is in the form of an upright body followed by feet together and hands in front. Close open chest position with fingers on hand and gaze facing upwards.

• Upright Attitude

The position of the upright attitude is where you are ready to stand upright which is found in pencak silat martial arts.

In this upright position it is also divided into 4 types of attitudes, including:

Upright attitude 4
Upright attitude 3
Upright Attitude 2
Upright Attitude 1

• Sitting Attitude

As the basis of the ground game, sitting posture is also divided into 4 attitudes, including:

Precept attitude
Sitting posture
Silent attitude
And the attitude of sempok or dempok

• Post Attitude

Next is the attitude of the tide, namely the initial attitude that aims to carry out attacks and defenses.

In the attitude of this pair is also divided into 4 attitudes, including namely:

Attitude The first pair is pair one.
Next, the attitude of pairs of two.
Then the stance of Pairs of Three.
And the last is Attitude Pair Four.

• Pencak Silat Horses

The word "easel" comes from the word "horse" which means the position of the feet like someone who is riding a horse.

In silat martial arts, the stance can also be interpreted as a pedestal position to do a tidal stance. Furthermore attack techniques, to self-defense techniques.

Below are five forms of stance in pencak silat, including the following:

Middle Stance Position.
Side Stance Position.
Front Stance Position.
Back Stance Position.
Cross Stance Position.

• Formation of the Movement

Then there is also the formation of a movement which is the basis for carrying out a defense or an attack on the opposing party. What is really needed when forming a movement is direction. There are several directions that you need to understand when learning silat martial arts.

Below there are 8 directions or cardinal directions.

The 8 directions of the wind are the attitude and pattern of silat steps by forming 8 directions with one fulcrum in the middle.

The directions of the 8 directions include:

• Back direction
• Back left oblique direction
• Left side direction
• Front left oblique direction
• Front direction
• Front right oblique direction
• Right side direction
• Back right oblique direction.

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Levels in Pencak Silat

• Beginner,Learn all the basic stages.
• Intermediate,Focused on all the basic moves, the understanding, variety, and talent of a silat begins to show.
• Coach,The result of ability that matures based on experience in the novice and intermediate stages.
• WarriorA fighter who has been recognized by college elders will inherit high-level secret knowledge.

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Pencak Silat Match Rules

Competition rules

• Pesilat confront each other by using the elements of Penak Silat defense and attack and what is meant by the rule is that in achieving technical achievement, a fighter must develop a pattern of matches starting from the attitude of pairs, steps and measuring the distance to the opponent and coordination in carrying out attacks / defenses and returning to the attitude install.
• The defense and attacks carried out must be patterned from the initial attitude / pair or pattern of steps, as well as coordination in carrying out attacks and defenses. After carrying out the attack / defense, you must return to the initial attitude / pair while still using the step pattern. The referee will give the command "STEP" if a fighter does not perform the proper Pencak Silat technique.
• Continuous attacks must be arranged in an orderly manner and connected in various ways towards the target with a maximum of 4 types of attacks. Pesilat who performs more than 4 types of attack and defense sequences will be stopped by the referee.
• Similar attacks using the hands that are carried out successively are assessed as one attack. The attacks that are assessed are attacks that use a step pattern, are unobstructed, steady, powerful and arranged in good coordination of attack techniques
• Match Signals.
  • The code "BERSIDIA" is used in preparation as a warning to the fighters and all competition officials that the match will start soon.
  • The "START" command is used every time a game starts and will continue, you can also use a signal.
  • The command "STOP" is used to stop the game.
    The commands "PASANG" and "SILAT" are used for coaching.
    At the beginning and end of the game each round is marked by hitting the gong.

Match rules

• Preparation for the start of the match begins with the entry of the Referee and the jury to the arena. The Referee and Jury salute and report about the commencement of the implementation of tasks to the match chairman.
• After receiving a signal from the Referee, each fighter who will compete enters the arena from their respective angles, then salutes the Referee and the Match Chair. Next, the two fighters return to take their places at the predetermined angles.
• To start the match, the Referee calls the two fighters, then the two fighters shake hands and are ready to start the match.
• After the Referee checks the readiness of all officers with a signal to comply with the specified prohibitions.
• During the break between rounds, fighters must return to their respective corners. Pesilat assistants carry out their functions according to the provisions of article 5 paragraph 4.
• Apart from the Referee and the two fighters, no one is in the arena except at the request of the Referee.
• After the final round is over, both fighters return to their respective corners to wait for the winner's decision.
• Done Pay respects and shake hands

Target

What can be used as a valid and valuable target is the "stick", that is, any part of the body except the neck and up and from the center of the genitals.: Chest, stomach (center above), left and right ribs, back or back body. Parts of the legs and arms can be used as targets for intermediate attacks in an effort to drop but have no value as targets for hitting.

Prohibition

Serious violation

Attacking unauthorized body parts, namely the neck, head and lower center to the genitals and causing the opponent to be injured / fall, attempt to break joints direct, Intentional break joint directly, Head banging and head attack, Attacking opponent before signal "START" and attack after the "STOP" command from the referee, causing injury to the opponent, Grappling, biting, clawing, gripping and grabbing, Defying, insulting, using polite words, spitting, etc. Deviating the rules of competition after receiving warning I due to violation of matters the.

Misdemeanor

Do not use a pattern of steps and attitudes, Exit from the arena in a row, what is meant by successive is more than 2 times in 1 round, Embracing the opponent in the process of defending, Carrying out attacks with sweeping techniques while lying down repeatedly with the aim of stalling time.

Punishment Value

Terms of the value of the penalty:

• Score – 1 (minus 1) is given if a fighter gets Category I
• Score – 2 (minus 2) is given if a fighter gets Tegoran II
• Score – 5 (minus 5) is given if a fighter gets a Warning
• Score – 10 (minus 10) is given if a fighter gets a Tegoran

Victory Determination

Win numbers

If the number of judges who decide to win over a fighter is more than the opponent. The determination of the award is carried out by each jury. In the event of an equal score, the winner will be determined based on the Pesilat with the least penalty points. If the results are still the same, then the winner is the fighter who collects the highest/most technical achievement scores. Basically the value 1 + 2 is higher than the value 2 only. If the result is still the same, then the game is added 1 (one) round again. If the results are still the same, then there is no need to hold a re-weighing, but it will be seen from the results of weighing 15 minutes before competing. If the results are still the same, a draw will be held by the Competition Chairman witnessed by the Technical Delegate and the two Team Managers. The results of the Jury's Assessment are announced on the scoreboard, after the last round / determination of victory has been carried out.

Win Technique

Because the opponent cannot continue the match due to the request of the Pesilat himself / to resign. Due to the decision of the Match Doctor. The Match Doctor is given 60 seconds to decide whether the Pesilat in question is declared “Fit” or “Not Fit” (Unfit). After 60 seconds the Referee will ask the Competition Doctor whether the Pesilat in question is "Fit" or "Not Fit" (Unfit) at the request of the Pesilat Companion's request at the Referee's decision.

Absolute Win

Absolute Win is determined when the opponent is knocked down due to a valid attack and becomes unable to get up immediately and or nanar, then after the Referee counts to 10 and cannot stand straight with attitude install

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