The Indonesian ancestors had their own self-defense since centuries ago which was inÂtended to protect and preÂserve their life or their group from the beast or natural challenges. They created martial arts by imitating the movement of animals in natural surÂroundings; like the movement of monÂkey, tiger, snake, or even hawk. The origins of martial arts in this archipelÂago may also develop from the skills of indigenous in Indonesia during their hunting and fighting time using knives, shields, and spears, such as in the tradition of Nias tribe, which until the 20th century relatively untouched by outside influences.
Nia S. Amira
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Silat was expected to spread in the archipelago since the 7th century BC. Some great empires, such as Sriwijaya and Majapahit mentioned as the emÂpires having well-known and skilled full warriors who mastered martial arts and were able to muster the solÂdiers who are proficient in martial arts. Silat researcher Donald F. DraeÂger found significant evidence of marÂtial arts than can be seen from various artifacts weapons discovered from classical period (Hindu-Buddhist) and the sculptural reliefs containing the styles of silat horses in Prambanan and Borobudur temples.
Draeger wrote that the weapons and martial arts of silat are insepaÂrable, not only in body work, but also in spiritual relations that is closely asÂsociated with the culture of Indonesia. Meanwhile Sheikh Shamsuddin (2005) argued that there is a significant influÂence of martial arts from China and India. This is because since the beginÂning, Malay culture has been influencÂing by cultures brought by traders and immigrants from India, China, and other foreign countries.
Pencak silat or silat is a traditional martial arts that is originated from Indonesia. Pencak Silat is known as Gayong and Pekak in Malaysia and Singapore, in the southern Philippines called Pasilat, while in Southern ThaiÂland is called Bersilat.
Pencak silat is a martial arts and sport that requires a lot of concentraÂtion. There are some other influences of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. In its development, pencak silat has its typical genre.
In West Java region, Cimande and Cikalong are well-known genre, while in Central Java Merpati Putih, and in East is Perisai Diri. Pencak Silat is a term used since 1948 with the aim of uniting various genres of this tradiÂtional martial arts that can be develÂoped in Indonesia. The word of PenÂcak are name used in Java, while Silat is common used in Sumatra, the MaÂlay Peninsula and Kalimantan
Like most boys who adore sport or martial arts, Agil Dawud Karimullah or commonly called Agil was attracted to the martial arts. His cousin who is now the athletic of Pencak Silat in the Province of Jakarta had invited Agil to see him competing and later became the winner, at that time Agil was only 5 years old.
Agil (12) is the youngest of four sibÂlings of Bambang HerÂwanto and Aswalia. Agil studies in fourth grade at SDN 01 SrengÂseng Sawah Jakarta. Agil who loves phoÂtography and blue color has just won the 2nd place of PenÂcak Silat ChampionÂships at Elementary Level in South Jakarta area. Agil is currently member of ASAD Padepokan Lenteng South Jakarta and has been giving brilÂliant achievements after winning sevÂeral times in Pencak Silat competition since 2014 until he became the first champion at Pencak Silat ChampionÂship Cup in 2016, prepared by SMI. Agil,the early teens always cheerful when someone takes his picture. AlÂmost every day this smiling teen likes to eat dumplings.
In its development, Pencak SiÂlat now emphasizes the elements of art and the beauty of the movement’s appearance, while silat is the core of teaching martial arts in the fight. CurrentÂly, Pencak Silat in Indonesia already has hundreds of students in some countries like in EuÂrope and America. Keep practicing this lovely Martial Arts Agil and you will find a true martial arts that can take you flying carrying naÂtional identity to the whole world as your dream to become a Pilot, flying through the air like a bird that flies with dashing and flapping its wings in the sky.