Pencak silat
Pencak silat is an umbrella term for indigenous martial arts originating in the Malay Archipelago. It combines strikes, locks, and throws with fluid, dance-like movement forms known as jurus.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Traditional
- ORIGIN
- Malay Archipelago
- PLAYERS
- 2 fighters
- EQUIPMENT
- Body protector, sash
- PLAYING AREA
- 8 × 8 m mat
- DURATION
- 3 rounds × 2 min
- GOVERNING BODY
- PERSILAT
- OLYMPIC
- No
Tanding Scoring System
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Punch / Hand Strike | 1 |
| Kick / Leg Strike | 2 |
| Takedown / Throw / Sweep | 3 |
| Parry / Block + Counter Strike | Bonus +1 |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 750 | Weaponry and combat stances depicted on Borobudur temple reliefs |
| 1948 | Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) established |
| 1980 | International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT) founded |
| 1987 | Pencak silat officially included in the Southeast Asian Games |
| 2018 | Debut as a full medal sport at the Asian Games in Jakarta |
| 2019 | Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list |
How a game works
Competitors engage in full-contact sparring on a circular ring inside an eight-meter square mat. Bouts consist of three two-minute rounds. Fighters utilize strikes, blocks, sweeps, and takedowns while maintaining continuous dynamic movement and stance changes.
Scoring in one line
Points are scored by landing clean strikes to the torso padding or executing valid sweeps and takedowns.
Where it came from
Developing across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, silat evolved from tribal fighting styles inspired by animal movements. Eighth-century stone carvings at Borobudur depict early practitioners carrying traditional weapons and executing defensive stances.
Pencak silat today
Governed internationally by PERSILAT, modern competitions feature both combat sparring (tanding) and artistic demonstrations (seni). The sport is a staple of the Southeast Asian Games and holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Run a Pencak silat tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 3 × 2 min.
FAQ
Is pencak silat in the Olympics?
No, pencak silat is not currently an Olympic sport, though it is contested at the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.
What is the difference between pencak and silat?
Pencak refers to the aesthetic, performative movements of the art, while silat refers to actual combat and self-defense techniques.
What equipment do fighters wear in competition?
Athletes wear a traditional black uniform, a waist sash, groin protection, and a padded chest protector for safety.