The Malay term “Silat” means “Kung Fu”: it is designated to define the exceptional ability to perform a hard job, that is also meticulous, refined.
Silat basic Principles
Malay Silat is a Martial Art originating in Malaysia, whose principles are based on the harmony of the body: movements in Silat are inspired by animals and they are often performed along with Malaysian traditional music.
Silat, being originated from the Malay archipelago, is very similar to Chinese Kung fu, due to the great migrations that took place from south of China hundreds of years, bringing different styles of the so called “Kung Tao” (Gong Dao, “The Way of the Fist”).
Just like other styles of Martial Arts, such as Taiji quan, Malay Silat is a soft style that is strongly based on taking advantage of the opponent’s power as it is based on the Yin and Yang principles.
Silat Tari: the traditional Silat Form
Tari is very similar to a dance, it is often performed along with Malaysian traditional music and is intended to provide harmony between body and mind while strengthening bones and joints. Siat Tari is a technique that is inspired by the characteristic defensive movements of some animals such as the Tiger (Harimau).
Silat fighting style
Sparring in Malay Silat is performed with bare hands, even against weapons, without any sort of protection. Kicks, elbow strikes, knee fists, joint locks, breakings, scissor kicks  and ground combat are also used.
Weapons in Malay Silat
Silat introduces weapons like the Karanbit (characteristic curved dagger), Golok (machete), Keris and short sticks.
Silat Uniform and traditional Martial attire
In some moves Silat makes use of some of the traditional daily-based clothing such as the Sarong, the Ikat Kepala (a bandana), scarf and belt.
Silat Basic Training.
Silat Basic training consists in three basic practices, based on a series of Base Kuda-Kuda stance (also known as Ma-bu stance in Traditional Kungfu).
Combat Techniques
Malay Silat is famous for having a soft and sensitive approach to sparring:
- Akar (strong roots)
- Long (flower)
- Buah (fruit) techniques to become mature.
