Pencak Silat Techniques

Pencak Silat is a form of martial arts that is combined with various techniques throughout Indonesia and neighboring countries. The Indonesian fighting style was originally a weapon-style technique; pencak silat martial art has also incorporated striking and kicking techniques, as well.

There are different styles of pencak silat; the techniques can change according to the region you live in. For instance, the physical environment in West Java can require a different outlook than West Sumatra. Different masters have added their own preference to the fighting style based on their social-cultural context. The Sundanese people use pencak silat as an art, for dancing. They recently began using this as a recreation and a sport on national and regional levels.

Basics

One of the core principles of pencak silat is to know that the hand and feet techniques are either for a weapon or without a weapon. You cannot add a weapon to a technique that was designed for fighting without a weapon.

Pencak Silat is blended with some form of aikido; great energy is used to block an attack and then counterattack. The training that is provided in silat teaches you that the fighter is your enemy, not an opponent.

Technique

Shaolin Kung Fu is also a part of silat. Different movements are named after animals due to the way the technique is designed to attack. There are at least 150 pencak silat styles across various regions. The main component of the technique can be characterized by location. West Java uses hand and arm techniques with their fists and elbows, while Central Java uses a combination of hands, arms, and leg techniques. The leg technique that is utilized in pencak silat is patterned from Kung Fu. Sumatra practices silat in more of a fighting style like karate.

All forms of pencak silat are slightly different in form or weaponry. This Asian martial art is a sophisticated, hard-core style of fighting.