Pencak Silat

Silat is expected to spread in the archipelago since the 7th century BC, but its origin is uncertain. The origin of martial arts in this archipelago may have evolved from the skills of the native tribes of Indonesia in the hunt and fight with machetes, shields, and spears, such as in the tradition of Nias tribe, which until the 20th century relatively untouched by outside influences.

Arts tradition passed down orally and spread from mouth to mouth, from teacher to student teach, so that a written record of the origin of martial arts is hard to find. The history of martial arts legend is told through a varied from one region to another. Legend of Minangkabau, silat (Minangkabau language: silek) created by Datuk Suri Kings of Pariangan, Tanah Datar at the foot of Mount Marapi in the 11th century. Then silek taken and developed by the nomads Minang throughout Southeast Asia. Similarly folklore about the origins of martial arts Cimande flow, which tells of a woman who modeled the movement of a fight between a tiger and a monkey. Each region generally have persilatan figures (warriors) are proud of, for example Si Pitung, Hang Tuah, and Gajah Mada.

Several national arts organizations include the Association of Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI) in Indonesia, the Guild Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA) in Malaysia, Singapore Silat Guild (EXACTLY) in Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam Guild Silat (PERSIB) in Brunei. Has grown also dozens of arts universities in the United States and Europe. Silat has now officially entered the sport in international matches, particularly competed in the SEA Games.

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