In 1975, there were 265 styles of Silat in Malaysia, which in turn grouped into 464 different Silat associations throughout the country. Today, there are 548 associations or communities which actively practicing Silat in Malaysia. The 3 biggest organisations are stated below.
Seni Gayong is a style of silat from Malaysia. It was the first martial arts association to be registered in the country, and is now the biggest and most internationally known Malaysian silat discipline. Gayong is overseen by the Malaysian Silat Seni Gayong Organisation. Literally meaning "tiger joint silat", the system utilised the tiger claw technique to lock opponents' joints while also making use of a variety of weapons. Seni Gayong incorporates strikes, grabs, joint manipulation, and weaponry. Acrobatics are also included but are comparatively less than other styles of silat.
Gayung is a verb that describes the action of dipping into the well of the unseen, to draw out mystical power for use in this world. Seni Gayung is a composite style, incorporating both Malay Silat and elements from Bugis fighting styles. It is visually distinctive from other Malay styles of Silat due to its emphasis upon performance acrobatics, including flips, diving rolls, somersaults, and handsprings. The student learns to competently handle several weapons like the kris, parang and lembing.
Silat Cekak Malaysia is one of the original Malay martial arts that was practiced by the senior government commander in period in Kedah during the Sultanate era of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin II. It has only 21 subjects, of which it emphasizes on 99% self -defense and 1% attack. Silat Cekak is not only limited to learning silat, religious community activities and ceremonies are also emphasized to ensure that the noble values of religion and culture can be applied.
It is renowned for its series of buah (combat strategy) which have been influential in the development of more recent silat styles in Malay peninsula. Unlike most of styles of Silat, Silat Cekak is known for its non-ceremonious nature with no emphasis in graceful dance-like movements. It is a defensive-type of Silat that applies 99% defending techniques and only 1% attacking techniques. The style has no kuda-kuda stances commonly found in other Silat styles, and it does not utilize any evading nor side stepping techniques in mortal combat. As a result, it is hard to predict movements and counter-attacks of this style.
Silat Lincah is suitable as a martial arts organization that not only prioritizes the movement and fighting spirit of Hang Jebat, members are also inserted self-practices to strengthen their morals. Lincah means fast and aggressive which is the principle of the style, that emphasize aggressive movements both in defense and attacking techniques in punches and kicks. The style favors evasion with follow up sweeps, locks and chokes that do not relate to dueling techniques used with a kris.
Kuntau Panglima is an underknown silat first established in 2016 that used to be under Kuntau Selendang Merah. Unlike any other silat, Kuntau Panglima purely focuses on sparring and open handed fighting techniques. Weapon mastery is also taught to deciplined students. Like Silat Cekak, it does not incorporate any kuda-kuda stances or bunga (openings) . This art more closely resembles modern day Muay Thai and Boxing rather than conventional silat.
With hundreds of styles and dozens of 'aliran' schools , it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Take this short quiz to figure out what Silat organization is best for you.
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