Silat Melayu The Blog

Draw your weapon

2013-03-18T14:35:00.001+08:00

The markings on weaponry offer a window to a culture’s aesthetical values and into the character of the weapon. This is what I learnt at the recent exhibition of traditional weaponry at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, which showcased decorative art on classic weapons.

Reflection of the maker
According to Zainal Abidin Che Pa, director of Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation’s Conservation Department, the decorative elements on traditional weapons differ from one weapon to another.

“Weapons made by the Melayu often carry floral motifs and those made by the Chinese feature turtles, bells or dragons. For the Indians, their design elements often feature elephants,” explains Zainal.

“Weapons that feature ‘heavy’ decorative markings were also used as accessories for special events such as weddings,” he adds.

The decorations often indicated the status of the owner. In the olden days, weapons with engravings complemented with gemstones usually belonged to nobility and dignitaries, or those in the higher hierarchy of a community.

Types of weapons
There are various types of traditional weapons. Among them, the badik, golok, kelewang, keris, sword and sundang.

The badik is a small dagger used for self-defence. It was widely used after the keris was banned by the British government. The badik’s blade is made of metal and the hilt of wood or ivory horn, decorated with gold, silver and brass. Badik was the weapon of choice for women in the olden days.

The golok is a machete used in battles. Its shape is influenced by the Javanese and European swords. The shape of its blade is slightly rounded and sharp on one side. There are a variety of golok — Golok Kelantan, Golok Bugis, Golok Perak and Golok Minangkabau, among others.

The kelewang is a shorter version of a sword. But its blade’s design makes it prominent. Popular in the East Coast states, especially in Kelantan at the end of the 18th Century, its length measures 0.6m. Its blade tapers on one side and the size increases towards the tip. The blade has two tips with oneside carved.

But the traditional weapon with the most extensive decorative elements would be the keris. This weapon is synonymous with the Melayu community. To some extent, it speaks of the Malay identity. Having been in existence for six centuries, a keris’ hilt has the most weight in design.

Carved by master craftsmen, the process of carving a keris can be quite complicated. The carving styles for a keris’ hilt involves several processes. Before the hilt receives its beautifying finishing touches, the craftsman will first have to do a low-relief carving to define the outer facet of the hilt.

Then the base motifs, which have been traced using carving blocks, will be defined using a wooden chisel. The hilt’s carving technique is very fine.

“Craftsmen believe that the keris is very special and mystical. It is not something to toy with,” says Zainal.

Besides the keris, the sword is just as special. Designs in the country are influenced by designs from India, Pakistan, Persia (Iran), Japan, Sumatra and Java. For example, a type of sword called cenangkas looks like a sword from India and another type, jenawi, is somewhat similar to the Japanese katana or Samurai sword.

Then there’s the sundang. It is the largest item in the keris family. Its design too can be elaborate as it is used for royal installation ceremonies.

Hunting and protection
The traditional weapons of the Orang Asli in the country have completely different decorative features. The designs are influenced by the environment. Among the Orang Asli’s arsenal are blowpipes, spears, the adze and trident. They are made using materials found in the environment.

These weapons are decorated with inks of different colours. The weapons are used for self-defence and hunting. For Sabah’s Murut and Bajau communities, their most favoured weapon is the machete, which is available in different sizes.

Decades ago, the machetes were used to kill. In the olden days, enemies were beheaded using the weapons. But, not anymore. For Sabah-born machete craftsman Jamawid Soh, modern Sabah machetes are these days made as souvenir items and for personal collections.

Jamawid makes hand-carved Bajau machetes for a living. Among the machetes from the Bajau community are the gaya and barong.

“The Bajau machete is different because the carving is not only on the sleeve but also on the blade,” says the 42-year-old. Jamawid learnt to make the machete from his father. He started making machetes when young. He takes about three days to make a machete. The Bajau machete features a significant motif, a replica of the head of a bird. Jamawid says this design is called the Sigai.

In Sarawak, one of the better known weapons is the ilang machete also known as mandau. Like in Sabah, this machete was used for self-defence. The head-hunters would decapitate their enemies with it.

According to Zainal, the ilang machete is synonymous with the Iban community. Other types of machetes in Sarawak are the nyabur machete (used by the Sea Dayak people), and spear, pipe and jepur (sword).

These three weapons are significant to the Bidayuh people. Traditional weapons in Sarawak are made beautiful by decorations and carvings. Like the keris, the hilt is carved. The sheaths are made of animal skin or wood.

Often, the motifs for these weapons are geometrical. Additional features of the weapons include shells, beads and animal teeth.

By ZUHAILA SEDEK DE-BOOIJ
Sourced from http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/sunday-life-times/draw-your-weapon-1.236067#ixzz2NrqqtlEB

Rosmah Launches International Silat Championship 2012

2012-11-17T12:46:00.000+08:00

MELAKA, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor launched the inaugural International Silat Championship 2012 at Dewan Tun Ali in Bukit Katil here Friday night.

In her speech, the prime minister's wife said, through the practice of the art of 'silat', the community could acquire inner strength, learn to be self-disciplined and possess a strong sense of loyalty and love for the country.

"What is interesting about silat is that it is not only practised among the Malay heroes, but also among heroines; women can gain from it as well," she said.

Rosmah cited Tun Fatimah, who was well-known for her silat skills, with which she helped Melaka win the fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century.

"This showed that women had long been associated with silat. We also should be proud that silat has been a competitive event at the Southeast Asian Games since 1979, and displayed at the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea in 2002," she said.

More than 350 participants and officials from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia will take part in the three-day championship organised by the Malaysian National Silat Federation.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsindex.php?id=709552

Early boost to AUG hopes

2012-09-23T11:40:00.000+08:00

With less than four months to go to the Laos Asean University Games (AUG), Malaysian silat exponents sent a clear warning to their rivals when they dominated proceedings on the final day of competition to clinch the overall champions title at the Deputy Prime Minister's International Pencak Silat Cup at the Square One Mall in Batu Pahat yesterday.

Malaysia emerged the overall champions at the Deputy Prime Minister’s International Pencak Silat Cup in Batu Pahat yesterday.

Malaysia emerged champions of the international category with a haul of 14 gold, three silver and five bronze medals with Singapore second with 5-9-3 and Vietnam third (2-3-2).

Malaysia team manager Azli Buddin said he was delighted with the victory, which he considered a huge boost for the exponents ahead of the AUG.

"This victory is the result of all the hard work and systematic planning our exponents and coaches have put in since the beginning of the year," said Azli, who is also the tournament director.

"We, however, cannot afford to rest on our laurels and will keep working hard in preparation for the Games."

Azli, who is also the Malaysian AUG silat team manager, said a number of talented new exponents had been identified from the tournament and have been shortlisted for the 28-member AUG squad.

The Malaysian team at the Pencak Silat Cup were represented by exponents from the Malaysian Universities Silat Focus Centre based in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn' s Johor campus.

"Quite a number of the exponents from our local category impressed us during the tournament and we will likely include at least three in the AUG squad."

Malaysia's Mohd Faizul Nasir and Siti Zubaidah Che Omar were picked as the top man and woman exponent respectively in the international category respectively.

Meanwhile, the local universities category saw Universiti Teknologi Mara emerge overall champions with eight gold, one silver and three bronze. Second were Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (4-2-4) with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (3-3-2) third.

Sourced from: http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/silat-early-boost-to-aug-hopes-1.147319

Last chance for hopefuls

2012-09-21T11:58:00.000+08:00

Deputy Prime Minister’s International Pencak Silat Cup deputy chairman Prof Dr. Amir Hashim Mohd Kassim (centre), tournament director Azli Puddin (left) and Ministry of Higher Education Sports Department representative Tony Azman Hassan admiring the tournament trophy recently. Bernama pic 1 / 1 Malaysian AUG silat team manager Azli Puddin said 28 places on the team for Laos are up for grabs with the Pencak Silat Cup, to be held at the Square One Mall in Batu Pahat, being the final selection before the panel of national coaches finalises the squad.

COMPETITION for places on the national team heading to the Laos Asean University Games (AUG) is expected to climax when the Deputy Prime Minister's International Pencak Silat Cup moves into the business end of the tournament starting today.

The tournament, which has drawn over 600 entries from 11 countries and started with the preliminary rounds on Wednesday, moves into the knockout stages today. The competition ends tomorrow.

"We have done several rounds of selection including at the Malaysia Games, National Championships and also the Malaysian Universities Sports Council (Masum) Championships," said Azli, who is also the Pencak Silat Cup tournament director.

"We have a rough idea which exponents we will bring to the AUG. However, we are using this tournament to give those hoping to represent Malaysia in Laos a last chance to impress. This tournament provides students from every institution of higher learning the opportunity to show off their skills whether they are from public, private universities or polytechnics.

"We will convene for a selection panel meeting to discuss our choices when the tournament ends and announce the final 28-man squad within a week."

Azli added that the Pencak Silat Cup, organised by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and the Higher Education Ministry with support from the Malaysian National Silat Federation (PESAKA), also provides the opportunity for Malaysian exponents to gauge their level of preparation before the AUG on Dec 12-22.

As one of the eight major university championships organised by the Higher Education Ministry annually, winners at the Pencak Silat Cup will also be contributing to their universities medal tallies at the Malaysian Institutions of Higher Learning Games (SUKIPT) which will held next month.

Written by Fadhli Ishak
Sourced from: http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/silat-last-chance-for-hopefuls-1.146508#ixzz274aWMmBG

PENCAK SILAT: Making sound progress on two fronts

2012-09-12T11:48:00.002+08:00

The Ministry of Higher Education's efforts to develop pencak silat both as a sport and a relevant industry have found some success.

With the Deputy Prime Minister's Cup International Pencak Silat Tournament in Batu Pahat, Johor on Sept 17-22 set to feature 600 exponents, including 80 representatives from foreign institutes of higher learning, that success will be further established. This will be the third edition of the tournament that was first held in Kulai, Johor in 2010, followed by the second at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur last year. Tun Hussein Onn University Malaysia (UTHM) deputy vice chancellor of student affairs Professor Dr Amir Hisham Mohd Kassim said the growth is particularly seen in the increase in interest from foreign university students.

"While we began with foreign participation from Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, this time the number of countries participating will see a significant increase, adding to the prestige of the international category contested in the tournament," said Dr Amir Hisham.

This year's tournament, which will see 44 gold medals contested, will also welcome participation from Brunei, Laos, The Philippines, Belgium and the Netherlands. "We have also made significant progress in promoting the Malay version of silat actively to foreign students attending local universities," said Dr Amir Hisham. "Foreign students have also been given the chance to deepen their knowledge of silat, through placements with traditional silat schools in rural areas."

With 520 Malaysian students competing, the event will also feature medals for top ranked local exponents, while the international category will also see the host contingent defending the overall title they won last year after losing out to Singapore in 2010.

There will also be a category for Malaysia-based foreign students. The gold medals in the Malaysian category will also count towards the medal tally of the Institutes of Higher Learning Games in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 28-Nov 11.

Sourced from http://www.nst.com.my/nation/politics/pencak-silat-making-sound-progress-on-two-fronts-1.142522#ixzz26DvrXaPh

Way of the silat warrior

2012-08-07T17:28:00.000+08:00

SPARKS flew as martial arts practitioners tried to outwit each other in a series of close quarters hand-to-hand ‘engagements’ steeped in tradition.

Displaying formidable skills, the 15-member Pertubuhan Seni Silat Pusaka Gayong Pulau Pinang kept onlookers entertained during their performance at Gurney Plaza in Penang. The exhibition, held in conjunction with the mall’s Hari Raya celebrations, saw the silat exponents taking turns to duel with each other in simulated combat.

With quick hand moves and agile footwork, the exponents were able to deflect incoming strikes, grapple their opponents to the ground, and dish out their own attacks.

The intensity of duels steadily built up during the showcase, culminating in routines that had exponents sparring each other with bamboo staffs, daggers and machetes.

Fierce fight: Two exponents fighting with weapons.

The group’s customary chief and instructor Rusli Hashim said Silat Gayong originated from the Bugis people in the Indonesian archipelago.

According to him, a noble warrior once taught the art to seven royal siblings, and when they later journeyed across the region, the know-ledge and skills also spread to places where they settled down.

“As we approach Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we are pleased to be able to share a notable element of Malay culture.

“Silat is an ancient art that has been our heritage for generations since the times of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat."

Rusli also cautioned spectators not to attempt any of the stunts they saw at home, for practitioners needed to undergo years of training to attain their skills.

While it is best for one to pick up silat from a young age, he said older adults should have no problems learning the martial art through less vigorous ways.

Unarmed but deadly: Silat masters demonstrating the art of hand to hand combat.

Gurney Plaza marketing communications manager Peter Chan said such showcases indirectly helped to promote Penang and Malaysia to foreign tourists, many of whom visit the mall.

“With many visitors coming in for the Malaysian Mega Sale, it is a great opportunity for us to share our local culture.

“For Chinese New Year, we usually have kung fu performances. And with Hari Raya around the corner, we thought a silat showcase to complement our line-up of cultural dances would be very appropriate,” he added.

The mall’s festive activities continue during the week.

Shoppers can enjoy traditional Malay dances and Boria performances set to take place over three days from Aug 18 beginning 2pm at the New Wing Atrium.

Those who spend RM150 and above from any outlet in maximum of two combined receipts from now until Aug 18 may also redeem exclusive Raya Packets.

These are limited to three packs per shopper per day, while stocks last.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/8/7/north/11803910

DPM calls for continuous effort to promote silat

2012-04-30T13:46:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for a continuous effort to strengthen silat activities, saying the Malay martial art is capable of being a bulwark in defending the nation’s sovereignty and security.

He added that silat has an important role in the life and culture of the Malays not only in moulding their character but in the past, it had also been used by Malay warriors to defend their motherland.

“Silat, as a cultural heritage of the Malays, should continue to be promoted through various activities, combining the efforts of silat associations as well as members of the various silat disciplines,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium, here yesterday.

Muhyiddin also hailed the initiatives taken by the Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) in promoting the martial art.

He expressed the hope for such initiatives to be further intensified to ensure silat would continue to have a strong place in the society particularly among the young people.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin also spoke about the gathering organised by an opposition-supported organisation on Saturday. He said the gathering was an effort by the opposition to poison the minds of the people ahead of the coming general election.

“We know what they are up to,” he said.

Muhyiddin also announced an allocation of RM150,000 to help Pesaka organise silat-related activities. On Pesaka’s request that a silat hall be set up in Kuala Lumpur, Muhyiddin said he would discuss the matter with their representatives. — Bernama

Sourced from: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/04/30/dpm-calls-for-continuous-effort-to-promote-silat/

DPM welcomes Pesaka's intention as a defence frontline

2012-04-29T13:47:00.000+08:00

Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin welcomed the intention of the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) to be installed as one of the country’s defence frontline.

Muhyiddin said the idea was well received to further enhance the security measures of the country to combat subversive elements from threatening its solidarity.

“The silat plays an important role in the Malay culture and the local warriors of the yesteryears or pendekars had practiced it to defend the country in times of adversity.” Thus, Muhyiddin said silat needs to be further popularised to spread the importance of the heritage.

“I hope that Pesaka would continue to organise more activities which appeal to the younger generation while promoting the art,” he said in his speech at the closing of the 16th National Silat Championship, at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Cheras, near here.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said he saw silat as an art which stressed on high discipline and mental strength.

“I believe that silat can be used to shape positive values and building characteristics among the youths. “It allows for positive values to be instilled into our younger ones and can help to prevent them from getting involved in misdeeds of sorts in this fast paced and borderless day and age.”

Muhyiddin also urged the various silat associations, in the country, to defend the Malay values and culture as well as uphold Islamic teachings in the course. He also announced RM 150,000 allocation in addition to RM 238,000 which would be channeled to Pesaka to help its efforts to promote silat.

“It is my hope that silat, which is a valuable heritage, can be put to good use to defend our country as well.”

Sourced from http://www.nst.com.my/latest/dpm-welcomes-pesaka-s-intention-as-a-defence-frontline-1.78908

Rina defies doctor’s orders to regain national title

2012-04-29T13:44:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Former world champion Rina Jordana took her rightful place as the queen of silat olahraga after defying the doctor’s orders to regain her national title at the 16th National Silat Championships at the KLBA Stadium in Cheras.

The 32-year-old Rina last won the national title in 2006 before quitting in 2007 – the same year she was crowned world champion – due to work commitments.

Although she did not have high hopes prior to the tournament, Rina was a cut above her rivals and dominated Kedah’s Nur Adilah Abdul Hamid in the final of the women’s Class B (50-55kg).

The five judges scored 17-9, 13-8, 15-4, 14-9, 17-12 in her favour despite Rina fighting with a broken toe.

“I honestly did not expect to win here because I have not been training regularly,” said Rina, who has also represented Malaysia in futsal.

“I’ve been playing more futsal of late but silat remains my first love. That’s why I decided to compete in the national championship.

“Unfortunately, I had to change my style in the semi-final and final and I couldn’t go on the attack because of the injury and it was my experience which helped me overcome my opponents.

“I am not sure if I will return to the national team but if I am given a chance I will give it a shot,” added Rina, who won a gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games when silat was a demonstration sport.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Nur Jannah Alias was a big winner after walking away with three gold medals in the silat seni category.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/4/29/sports/11199229&sec=sports

2 until 7 June 2011 National Junior Silat Championship at Melaka

2012-03-16T13:39:00.000+08:00

Over 400 pesilat from around the country expect to attend the National Junior Silat Championship-9 at Mini Stadium, organized in Ayer Keroh here, at 2 to 7 June.

President of the National Silat Federation of Malaysia (Estate), Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the six-day championship will have 18 such categories and Jutsu Silat Tunggal.

"Championships are a vital field for the Estate pesilat young talent from around the country to be trained to be able to pesilat did the country some day," he told reporters after chairing the Exco meeting Estate in Ayer Keroh yesterday.

He is also Chief Minister said, the Estate now has four million members under the auspices of 372 universities across the country and they are important assets to bring martial arts into a new era.

2,083 Students Competed in Pencak Silat Championship

2012-02-28T11:19:00.001+08:00

A championship of pencak silat (Indonesia traditional martial art) is opened today (2/27) by Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo. In this event, as much as 2,083 students of junior high school (SMP), Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) Islamic school, senior high school (SMA), and vocational school (SMK) from all over Jakarta will be competed in 2,015 matches. The championship itself is held by Jakarta Education Department and took place at Padepokan Pencak Silat Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, until Saturday (3/3).

According to Fauzi, pencak silat is one of nation’s cultural heritages. Therefore, it must be preserved. And one of the ways to preserve it is by holding championship like this. “Jakarta Provincial Government very much supports this competition. Because, it has strategic values as mentioned in the competition theme, which is pencak silat as means in creating Indonesia students and generations with characteristic, sportive attitude, and tough,” he stated, Monday (2/27).

Moreover he mentions that pencak silat for Betawi people is an effective means to create strong soul and tough mental. Therefore, he asks the students in this championship not to give up easily and must improve their martial art skill as well as respect their opponents by upholding sportsmanship.

“I’m happy that pencak silat championship is continuously being held. I was once led Jakarta Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI). Nowadays, pencak silat training is very amazing. Surely I hope this cultural heritage would be continuously preserved. Continuous training is needed, like this competition. And for the future I hope that Jakarta students can join the National Sports Week (PON), National Students Sports Week (Popnas), and Regional Sports Week (Popwil) and come out as the overall winner,” expressed Fauzi.

Head of Jakarta Education Department Taufik Yudi Mulyanto told the 2,083 students in this championship are consist of 1,250 SMP/MTs students and 833 SMA/SMK students from 328 schools in Jakarta. “This championship aims for further training and development from extracurricular activity in school as well as to channel student’s talent and interest in martial art, beside to preserve nation character’s values through pencak silat. In addition, this championship is also to prepare candidate athletes for the 2012 Popwil event,” he explained.

Sourced from http://www.beritajakarta.com/2008/en/newsview.aspx?idwil=0&id=22512

Four die in extreme martial arts tests

2012-02-22T10:44:00.000+08:00

Four martial arts students have died while attempting to achieve invulnerability in extreme tests in separate incidents in Greater Jakarta, and East Nusa Tenggara.

Two men in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara died on Tuesday as a vehicle drove over their bodies. A third man remains in critical condition.

The trio, all assistant coaches at the Kera Sakti pencak silat martial arts school, were identified as Ebiridio Sarmento, 20; Elder Cruz, 21; and Abilio Fretes, 18.

The three performed their test at the Noelbaki bus terminal. Witnesses said they first took rat poison and survived.

When none of them fell sick, they proceeded to the next test.

“The three members later proceeded by laying down in the street while some motorcyclists drove over their bodies with their bikes a few times,” a fellow school member, Alberto Amaral, said on Tuesday.

“Nobody got injured,” he added.

The three then decided to allow a four-wheel vehicle carrying dozens of passengers to roll over their bodies.

Their request was granted. However, this time the results were gruesome.

“They screamed when the vehicles passed over their bodies. When the show was over, we found their bodies were crushed,” Alberto said.

Sarmento died at the scene, while Cruz died on the way to hospital.

Fretes is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Kupang.

Kupang Police criminal investigations chief Adj. Comr. Yohanes Kristian Tanau said they had named the school’s leaders, Egidius Sarmento and Antonio Tinto, as suspects.

Officers also took into evidence a car, two motorcycles and rat poison as evidence and were also questioning Brendo, the driver of the vehicle that passed over the men.

In a separate incident on Monday, two pencak silat enthusiasts from Cilincing, North Jakarta — brothers Slalindar Andri Wibowo, 24, and Dedi Supriyadi, 26 — died from severe burns after they were doused with acid in a test of their immunity against weapon attacks.

“[Andri and Dedi] learned to master a weapon-resistant skill. But when acid was poured on them, they were severely injured,” their sister, Lisa Faja Riana, said after viewing their bodies at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital morgue on Tuesday.

Lisa said her brothers and two friends, identified as Oman and Hendra, went to Serang, Banten, on Saturday evening to look for a master who could teach them immunity against weapons.

Banten is famous for a traditional performance called the debus in which a performer demonstrates his invulnerability to weapons and fire.

“Andri told his wife that he went to a prayer gathering to learn religion instead,” Lisa said as quoted by kompas.com.

Lisa said the family was informed about the incident on Sunday evening after one of the victims’ friends called to inform them that the brothers were dead and their bodies were in a hospital in Serang.

Sourced from http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/02/22/four-die-extreme-martial-arts-tests.html

PESAKA Aim To Defend Overall Champs Title At Belgium Open

2012-01-23T10:59:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The national silat squad will be going all out to defend the overall champion title at the 24th Belgium Silat Open Championship which will be held from May 1-8.

National Silat Federation (Pesaka) coordinator Osman Nok said the squad, which won seven gold medals previously, needed to defend the championship to prepare for several other competitions this year.

Osman, who is also Pahang Pesaka secretary, told Bernama today that Pesaka would depend on both new and experienced exponents at the championship.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newssport.php?id=641726

PESAKA banks on Sea Games squad

2012-01-10T10:46:00.000+08:00

THE Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) is banking on its Sea Games gold medallists to deliver the goods at the inaugural Sydney Open Championships on Jan 23-30.

Pesaka coordinator Osman Nok said the federation will be sending four athletes to the tournament which is set to feature competitors from 17 nations but will, however, be without two big names in the sport-- Thailand and Indonesia.

Jakarta Sea Games gold medal winning trio Ahmad Sharil Zailudin, Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari, Mohd Fauzi Khalid and silver medallist Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir are the four athletes going to Australia.

"The four of them are only returning to centralised training today (yesterday) since we broke camp after the Sea Games but we do not expect that to be a problem as they are at a good level of fitness, having trained by themselves at state level," said Osman.

"We are confident of winning three gold medals at the event but do not expect things to be easy despite Indonesia and Thailand not competing.

"Vietnam will be our biggest rivals there but we expect the competition from Middle Eastern countries to be stiff as well.

"Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan also can't be ruled as we have seen them compete in the past and they have shown tremendous power, stamina and fighting spirit.

"We are not sure what they will bring to the table this year but we will not be taking them lightly as they are a definitely a threat to any team."

The tournament serves as part of the national exponents preparation for the Southeast Asian championships in Vietnam this July.

Written by FADHLI ISHAK
Sourced from http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/silat-pesaka-banks-on-sea-games-squad-1.30215

Get a Jolt From Java

2011-12-21T12:12:00.000+08:00

When a pencak silat black belt throws a punch to an opponent’s groin, it doesn’t just look painful — it looks beautiful. The graceful Indonesian fighting discipline sure lives up to the name martial “art.” It’s been practiced in Southeast Asia since the sixth century, but you can try it a little closer to home.

What It Is: Traditionally used to battle outsiders, pencak silat is now being embraced by them. Over the past 40 years, the techniques culled from 800 various fighting styles from across the islands have been gaining popularity around the world as a way to stay in shape and hone self-defense skills. In the Washington area, classes have been available at the Indonesian Embassy since 1980 through the nonprofit Al-Azhar School of Pencak Silat, but Richard Subaran and Wona Sumantri opened Kliwon International Indonesian Martial Arts Center in Rockville in October to expose more people to pencak silat. “At the embassy, it’s pretty much been closed-doors and by referrals, so having our own studio allows us to open it up to the greater public,” Sumantri says.

Kliwon focuses on a form of pencak silat from Java that emphasizes rapid, fluid handwork and footwork. “[We’re] very circular in our movements as opposed to something like karate or tae kwon do, which is very linear — straight forward, straight backward,” Subaran says. Stances resemble how animals slink through the jungle and are often named after beasts, such as tigers and dragons.

Moves: The half-hour warm-up includes stretching (downward dog and cobra), strength building (push-ups and side planks) and cardio (kicks and punches combined with torso twists). For the next hour, the class divides up by experience level to practice positions and combine them into fighting sequences that students work on solo before attempting with a classmate. For example, keeping your arms level with your face to block punches, drop into a deep reverse lunge, shift your weight to the back leg and punch one fist up toward your adversary’s groin. Then immediately shift your weight forward so you can kick the back leg out and hook your knee around your enemy’s ankle as you simultaneously press the thigh with one forearm and push the kneecap with the other to bring him or her down.

Sparring becomes more complex — and brutal — as you advance. “You have to be very aware of where your body is,” says Julie Fisher, 20, a student at American University who’s taking pencak silat to earn a credit within the school’s health promotion program.

After a year of sharpening their skills, students start incorporating various weapons, including the kerambit (a curved blade made to look like a tiger’s craw), the toya (a stick that’s made for more than just walking) and the kipas (a dangerous fan).

Workout: Learning how to not get your butt kicked can really kick your butt. Even the instructor winced his way through some of the warm-up abs work at a recent class. The quick pace will have you panting, and the rapid transitions from squats to lunges leave you feeling more like a jellyfish than a wild predator. “Doing just lifting or sit-ups, you’re working certain muscles. The conditioning here is more all-around,” says Raphaël Shepard, 24, who has taken classes at the embassy, too.

Crowd: Although men and women of all abilities take the 90-minute class, everyone takes the lessons equally seriously. There’s no time for chitchat, just focusing on the task at hand. Everyone is barefoot, and most attendees wear the traditional uniform — loose-fitting red shirts and white pants — but that’s optional.

Lingo: Instructors mix in a few Bahasa Indonesian words to give commands. Students had better pick up quickly on “kiri,” which means left; “kanan,” which means right; and “pukulan,” which means punch.

Adult pencak silat classes ($109 for three per week per month or $199 for an unlimited monthlong pass) meet at Kliwon International Indonesian Martial Arts Center (1609 E. Gude Drive, Rockville) weekdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. New students can sample a month of classes for free.

Sourced from http://www.expressnightout.com/2011/12/get-a-jolt-from-java/

'I was wrong, but I didn't kelong'

2011-12-02T10:49:00.001+08:00

On his Facebook wall reads an ominous prayer, posted in malay, a week prior to the recent South-east Asia (SEA) Games, asking God to "shelter him from ridicule, criticism and dissatisfaction from the silat community".

Was it a sign of nerves before his refereeing assignment in Jakarta or was it a premonition of things to come?

Jasni Salam's worst fears were realised two Thursdays ago when one of the most bizarre sequence of events in the sport unfolded in the Class A 45-50kg final on Nov 17.

In a 51-second YouTube video that has attracted 352,000 views, Indonesian exponent Dian Kristanto employed unorthodox methods such as running around the competition arena, biting his opponent on the shoulder and hiding behind Jasni en route to beating Thailand's Anothai Choopeng 5-0 for the gold medal.

Jasni, a 52-year-old with over 20 years of refereeing experience, came under fire for his shambolic handling of the final and Singapore Silat Federation (PERSISI) chief executive Sheik Alauddin even went as far as calling him a "moron".

Efforts to contact Jasni had proved unsuccessful since his return from Indonesia.

When The New Paper finally tracked him down yesterday, he maintained his innocence when asked point-blank if he was under any influence to swing the match Indonesia's way.

"My conscience is clear... I made some poor refereeing decisions in the final, but there was no kelong," said the former national coach, who is an International Class One referee - the highest standard attainable - and was one of two Singaporean referees sent to the SEA Games by PERSISI.

"The Indonesian supporters were absolute fanatics, but I tried my best to be as fair as possible. No-one approached me to influence the game unfairly.

"I am clean. Before anyone accuses me of being corrupt, please show me the evidence."

In the two-hour long interview with TNP at the Eunos Community Club yesterday, he admitted that he turned in a poor performance.

So what were the "poor refereeing decisions" which he made?

Jasni said: "I reviewed the video of the entire fight with PERSISI on Friday and I realised I made a mistake when I failed to penalise the Indonesian after he committed a similar offence (of leaving the arena) for the third time."

In pencak silat, exponents must display proper technique as they mount an attack or defence and they are not allowed to run amok.

The referee is supposed to issue a warning when he thinks proper technique is not employed or if there's an infringement.

The third warning in each round would result in a one-point deduction, and the subsequent caution represents a two-point penalty. However, the foul counters are reset after each round.

Defending himself, Jasni said: "There were so many people who could have corrected my mistake, but nobody did.

"Unlike in football, the referee's decision is not final. In silat, it is not just the referee who officiates the fight. In fact, the referee doesn't award points, the five jury members seated around the arena do.

"Silat referees only indicate to the jury when there should be a point deducted for breaking the rules. The only case where he awards points is when there is a take down, which is worth three points.

"There were also the head of competition (from Malaysia), three members in the referees' council (from Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam), as well as the international technical delegate (from Indonesia) and his assistant (from Singapore). Why didn't they do anything?"

Sources told TNP, however, that the referee council did highlight to Jasni his failure to award a penalty point to Dian, but the Singaporean did not heed their advice, and went on to miss other infringements in the third round.

When told of this, Jasni said: "If I made a mistake, the head of competition or the technical delegates have the right to stop the fight and hold a discussion. "If I was doing so badly, why didn't they substitute me with another referee, which is within their rights to do so?"

Ultimately, the gold went to Indonesia, although Thailand had every reason to feel aggrieved.

Sheik told TNP: "Yes, the Indonesian guy was leading after two rounds, but if you factor in the points deduction, Thailand could have won."

He explained by saying that the points difference awarded by each jury member was very narrow.

So despite the eventual scoreline of 5-0, any deduction for Dian could have swung the match in Thailand's favour.

He added: "The referees' council also activated the buzzer and lights twice to alert Jasni, which he didn't respond to.

"Analysing the video, there were behavioural changes compared to past matches in which Jasni was referee."

Jasni, who was national coach when the sport collected its best SEA Games haul of three gold medals in Brunei in 1999, admitted he had missed the council's attempts to get his attention.

He said: "It was so chaotic and noisy, I didn't see or hear the signal.

"That's also my mistake. But why didn't they persist to get my attention by blowing a whistle or by getting the competition secretary to announce 'referee, referee'?

"This is common practice which they didn't perform."

Jasni was summoned by PERSISI last Friday to explain the chain of events in Jakarta.

PERSISI general secretary Isiah Majid told TNP the matter has been handed over to the disciplinary committee.

Sheik added that if found guilty, the maximum sentence would be a life ban from refereeing silat competitions.

What looked like a dream assignment has turned sour for Jasni, who also works as a housekeeper at a local hotel to make ends meet.

He said: "I can understand how some people can claim that I kelong because they don't know the rules, but I am disappointed by Sheik's comments, calling me a moron.

"I am hurt and depressed because I tried my best and it ended up like this.

"I feel really sorry to my family for putting so much pressure on them. "I may just retire from refereeing and focus on coaching."

Former world silat champion Imran Abdul Rahman was one of those who spoke up for his former coach.

Imran said: "I've watched the video of all three rounds and made calls to people who watched the bout in Indonesia, and I feel justice needs to be done.

"Officiating a silat fight is not just a one-man show. I know it is easy to watch the clip and say that it is fixed, but people need to know the rules before passing judgment.

"I hope he will not quit refereeing, but bounce back to prove he can still do a good job."

Written by DAVID LEE & SAZALI ABD AZIZ
Sourced from http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20111130-313637/3.html

Indonesia Pencak Silat Contingent Came Out as Overall Winners

2011-11-18T13:09:00.001+08:00

Indonesia pencak silat contingent finally reached the target to become SEA Games XXVI overall winners. They successfully collected 9 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals.

The runner up is Vietnam with 6 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Whereas Malaysia is on third position with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

The certainty of Indonesia becomes the overall winners for this sport was confirmed after three Indonesian fighters defeated their opponents in the final match at Padepokan Silat Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Thursday (11/17). The last three gold medals were presented by Rosmayani (class C female), Amelia Roring (class E female), and Dian Kristianto (class A male).

All three Indonesian fighter defeated their opponents with same score 5-0 each. Rosmayani represented gold medal after defeated Thailand fighter Jutarat Noytapa, while Amelia won against Malaysia fighter Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nazir and Dian Kristianto defeated Anothai Choopeng from Thailand.

Edhy Wibowo as Indonesia Pencak Silat Team Manager admitted proud with this achievement. He said that training and hard work done by Indonesian athletes are finally resulted. “We are able to reach two targets, namely be the overall winners and collected nine gold medals, although initially we only targeted five gold medals,” he stated, Thursday (11/17).

Sourced from http://www.beritajakarta.com/2008/en/newsview.aspx?idwil=0&id=21168

Unshakeable silat exponents deliver three golds

2011-11-18T13:05:00.004+08:00

JAKARTA: The Malaysian silat exponents overcame their rivals and the boisterous home fans, to capture three gold medals at the Indonesia Indah Mini Park yesterday.

The gold medals came from the combat events – through Ahmad Shahril Zailudin (men’s Class D 60-65kg), Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari (men’s Class E 65-70kg) and Mohd Fauzi Khalid (men’s Class F 70-75kg).

Shahril delivered the first gold by defeating Indonesia’s Sapto Purnomo 5-0 in the final before Jufferi made sure the team met their two-gold target when he defeated Vietnam’s Nguyen Duy Chien 4-1.

Fauzi then made sure the silat team would surpass the target by adding another gold medal after trouncing Katahat Raksapon of Thailand 5-0.

Malaysia had another finalist on the last day of the silat competition but Siti Rahmah Mohd Nasir could only bag a silver after losing 5-0 to Indonesian’s Amelia Roring in the women’s Class E bout.

Team manager Ismail Syed Mohamed described their efforts as courageous because they also had to put up with the hostile home crowd.

“There was never an easy fight today, especially against the Indonesian exponents,” he said.

“But our athletes stayed calm under pressure and that was the key to their success.”

Ismail also urged his team to be aware of the great strides made by exponents from Vietnam and even the Philippines.

“They are catching up fast,” he said.

“We could have won more gold medals if our top exponents – Emy Latip and Mohd Hafiz Mahari _ had qualified for the finals.

“Overall, it was a good performance.”

Emy lost to Vietnam’s Ngyen Thi Gang in the quarter-final of the women’s Class C (55-60kg) while Hafiz, the gold medallist in Laos two years ago, went down to Thailand’s Anothai Choopeng in the men’s Class A (45-50kg) semi-final bout.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/11/18/seagames/9931432&sec=seagames

SEA Games: Al Jufferi step away from surprise gold

2011-11-17T14:16:00.001+08:00

Al Jufferi Jamari is within striking distance of winning a silat gold medal in his maiden appearance at the Sea Games in Padepokan today.

The 19-year-old exponent from Kuantan is one of four Malaysians contesting the sparring finals today as the sport looks to deliver its targeted two gold medals.

Al Jufferi was not expected to even be in the final and should he win today, it will be a pleasant surprise.

"It's my first time here at the Sea Games and now that I'm in the final, I'm not going to let this golden opportunity slip away.

"It would be the sweetest achievement of my career in silat if I were to win tomorrow (today)," said Al Jufferi, who meets Nguyen Duy Chien of Vietnam in the men's Class E final.

Earlier, he edged Indonesia's I Komong Wahyu 3-2 in the quarter-finals before beating Wattara Thammachut of Thailand 5-0 in the semi-finals.

The other Malaysian exponents attempting for gold are Ahmad Shahril Zailudin (men's Class D), Fauzi Khalid (men's Class F) and Siti Rahmah Nasir, the only Malaysian woman exponent to make a final in Class E.

Malaysia already have six bronze medals in the bag following the semi-finals on Monday.

Sourced from http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-al-jufferi-step-away-from-surprise-gold-1.7151

Ahmad Sharil Lands First Gold In Silat

2011-11-17T13:13:00.000+08:00

JAKARTA, Nov 17 (Bernama) - Ahmad Sharil Zailudin landed Malaysia's first gold in silat in the final day of the silat competition at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia Thursday.

Competing in the mens D 55-60kg category at Taman Mini Indonesia, Padepokan, East Jakarta, about 50 km from the city centre, Ahmad Shahril, 30, ignored the hostile reception from the home crowd to sent the hosts; Sapto Purnomo packing 5-0.

"It is a good feeling, to be able to win before such hostile fans. I really wanted the 'Negaraku' (national anthem) to be played in this hall," he told Bernama.

It was the former three-time world champion's second gold in the SEA Games. He won the first at the Manila Games in 2005.

The silat contingent also captured three bronze through Mohd Hafiz Mahri in the A 45-50kg category, Noor Farahana Ismail (B 50-55kg) and Mastura Sapuan (D 60-65kg).

Written by AHMAD ERWAN OTHMAN
Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=627689

Silat hang on to three-gold target, after duo reach last four

2011-11-15T13:18:00.000+08:00

JAKARTA - Singapore's pencak silat team captain Shakir Juanda and Saifullah Julaimi gave the squad's sagging spirits a lift after winning their respective quarter-final bouts in the 'I' and 'E' classes yesterday.

The team had a shaky start to the competition with losses in the previous two days, but with the pair advancing and the artistic competition scheduled to start today, the team have not lost hope of meeting their three-gold target.

Things had looked gloomy in the team's quarter-final clashes in the morning, with veteran Saiedah Said ('C' Class) falling to Thailand's Jutarat Noytapa and Nur Zulaikha Zakaria ('D' Class) losing out to Mariati of Indonesia.

But with at least two medals now assured - the losing semi-finalists will share the bronze - team manager Sheik Alau'ddin feels it will spur the team on to do well.

"We hope that Saiedah's loss gives the newcomers a stronger desire to win for Singapore," he told Today.

"Our hopes are now pinned on Saifullah and Shakir."

For Saiedah, it was not how she had expected to mark her fifth and final SEA Games campaign.

Said the 26-year-old: "My target was to qualify for the final for my last shot at SEA Games gold, and this was not the best way for me to end my career."

"Morale was a bit low after the first two days of losses, but our spirit remains strong," added Saiedah, who has two Games bronze medals to her name.

Assistant team manager Sa'adiah Sanuse was rather happy with the whole team's performance so far and feels the artistic competition could possibly give them a further boost to meet their three-gold target.

"Saifullah and Shakir have lifted hopes, and by the end of (today) we'll know if we will be on track for our target," she said.

As for Saiedah, it is the end of her fighting career, but she wants to continue contributing to silat.

She said: "I have dedicated my life to silat and will continue to do so, now focusing on being a coach with the Singapore Silat Federation."

Written by SHAMIR OSMAN
Sourced from http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC111115-0000081/Silat-hang-on-to-three-gold-target,-after-duo-reach-last-four

SEA Games: S'pore win 2 bronze in Silat

2011-11-15T13:15:00.007+08:00

Mohd Saifullah Mohd Julaimi (photo: Singapore Sports Council)

Mohd Shakir Juanda (photo: Singapore Sports Council)

INDONESIA: The Singapore men's Silat team won two bronze medals in Jakarta, earlier Tuesday.

Twenty-four-year-old Mohd Saifullah Mohd Julaimi claimed the bronze in the Silat Men's Tanding E event.

He lost in the semi-finals to Vietnam's Nguyen Duy Chien.

His team mate Mohd Shakir Juanda, who competed in the Men's Tanding I category, also won a bronze medal.

This was after his loss to Dang Minh Le of Vietnam.

The Singapore athletes' win gave the sport its first medals at this SEA Games.

Written by NABIL RUSYDI
Sourced from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1165581/1/.html

When silence is golden for silat team

2011-11-12T13:42:00.000+08:00

JAKARTA: There are a few things about the silat competition that bothers team manager Ismail Syed Mohamad.

But he will not lodge a formal complaint for fear that the national exponents will receive unfair treatment.

Ismail said he could lodge an official complaint but experience has taught him that it would only do more harm than good to the silat team.

“One of my major grouses is that the organisers are bringing in three judges from countries not competing in the Games,” said Ismail.

“There will be a judge from Japan, Germany and Holland each and this is against the rule.”

The silat competition will start today with the combat events, but Ismail said he had yet to receive the full schedule yesterday.

“We should have the schedule by now, but there is nothing so far. We will all go to the venue tomorrow (today) morning to avoid anyone missing his or her events,” said Ismail.

At the 2007 Korat Games, the Malaysian silat contingent made a formal complaint, which Ismail refused to disclose in detail, with the organisers.

The result, according to Ismail, was that the national team were given unfair treatment.

The silat exponents returned home with no gold medals from the Korat Games.

They only had a silver and six bronze medals to show.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/11/12/seagames/9890553&sec=

Pencak silat medal hopes fade

2011-10-31T10:36:00.002+08:00

HA NOI — Changes to the pencak silat event at this year's SEA Games in November could seriously reduce Viet Nam's medal-winning hopes.

Viet Nam are the world champions.

At the Singapore Asian Pencak Silat Championship in April, Viet Nam managed to win 11 gold medals, despite half the team coming down with chronic diarrhoea, while Indonesia grabbed just five.

Indonesia has deleted five weight categories – the men's 80kg, 85kg and 95kg and women's 50kg and 75kg – in which Viet Nam are unrivalled. Indonesia's decision to reduce the number of weight categories is designed to favour the host nation, who have set themselves the target of winning up to 10 golds, which would give them the top podium.

In Jakarta, Viet Nam will compete in all six seni (performance) and 12 in tanding (combat) events. Viet Nam's three main gold medal hopes are Tran Van Toan in the men's 60kg, Nguyen Ba Trinh in the men's 65kg and Tran Thuy Luyen in women's 70kg.

Two years ago in Laos, Viet Nam won six SEA Games golds.

Coach Huynh Ngoc Minh Tien said the team would find it hard to secure this year's target of just three golds.

Viet Nam are also facing the likelihood that a number of their more experienced athletes may retire, while others might have to miss the tournament through injury.

World and SEA Games champions Huynh Thi Thu Hong, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thuy and Le Thi Hong Ngoan said they wished to spend more time with their families, while Nguyen Thanh Quyen said she wanted to concentrate on her studies.

Meanwhile, Le Ngoc Tan and Vu Thi Thao are unlikely to recover from serious injuries in time for the tournament.

As a result, 15 new members have been called to the national team.

"They are strong rivals with great technique but they lack international competition experience," said Tien, after the team returned from a short training course in Indonesia.

Viet Nam finished the Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championships in Malaysia in August in second place with seven gold medals.

The pencak silat event will run from November 10-17.

Sourced from http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/Sports/217088/Pencak-silat-medal-hopes-fade.html

Senior citizen pwns a robber with silat

2011-10-24T17:32:00.000+08:00

JERTIH: A senior citizen had to use his silat skills for 20 minutes before successfully chasing off bandits armed with machetes who broke into his house in the incident in Kampung Gong Nangka, Apal,here, yesterday.

In the incident at 11 pm, Abdul Ghani Jusoh, 65, was asleep with his 68-year-old wife when he was awakened by the sound of falling objects in the kitchen. He left his bedroom to investigate.

According to him, he at first thought the sound was caused by his pet cats chasing mice when he surprised a man armed with a knife in his kitchen.

"The man was holding a knife and tried to grab me and but we struggled for 20 minutes which resulted in several injuries to my chest and right shoulder.

"Although I am old but I'm still able to use my experience in silat, a martial art I was very active in during my teenage years," he said when met at police headquarters Loka (IPD) Loka in Kampung Raja, here, yesterday.

According to him, the man ran away while he was himself rushed to Hospital Besut by Loka residents before referred to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kubang Kerian. He was released home around 10 am yesterday.

Abdul Ghani, who was wounded in the chest and shoulders as a result of the struggle received 10 stitches.

"My wife is paralysed and we never thought thieves would break into our house because we do not have valuables," he said.

Meanwhile, the Loka police chief, Superintendent Kamaruddin Zakaria said police acted swiftly after being informed of the incident. They managed to detain the suspect with the help of residents and the Kampung Bukit Kenak Security Unit here at 8 am today.

"He was found in the bushes in Kampung Bukit Kenak, about two miles from the scene, along with two parang believed taken from the house broke into the victim in the house," he said.

By MOHAMMAD ISHAK
Translated from http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/Bersilat20minithalaupenyamun/Article