The Legend of Silat

Silat encompasses more than 200 martial arts styles. Each has it's own unique training method and secret combat strategies. While some Silat styles imitate the mannerisms of the snake, elephant, birds of prey and even the bat, one of the most popular styles is Harimau, which copies the movements of the tiger.

Popular folklore tells the story of Bersilat, a peasant woman, who set out one morning to fetch some water. Upon arriving at the stream, she watched a battle between a tiger and a large bird, that lasted for several hours, with both animals dying at the end of the fight. A short while later, several drunken villagers appeared and attacked the woman.

Copying the movements fo the bird and tiger, she skillfully evaded her assailants. Later, when the alcohol and displaced aggression of her attackers had worn off, she began instructing the villagers in her new found defensive art.

Interestingly, young Indonesian and Malaysian women are encouraged to begin martial training at an early age. Living tribute to the impact this legendary female founder of Silat, had on the introduction of combative arts in the region.

And That's "About The Art"............

-Check back every week for a new article on the Art of the week.