Real Pencak Silat Fighting Techniques (That Actually Work)

If you want to learn more about Silat fighting techniques, keep reading. We'll give you an overview of the style and how it's different from other styles of martial arts.

Silat is a unique martial art that combines elements of physical fitness with self-defense. It's also used in combat training by the armed forces of several Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.

Silat is known for its weapon-based fighting techniques—its practitioners learn how to use anything from knives to staffs as weapons—as well as its emphasis on leverage and timing over brute force.

You probably already knew that. What you might not know is that Pencak Silat also teaches weaponless techniques. Takedowns, empty hand striking, and joint snaps are all part of the arsenal.

The art has been practiced for centuries, but it wasn't recognized as a distinct style until pretty recently. An Indonesian martial arts organization called Perisai Diri helped play a part in this.

Perisai Diri Promotes Pencak Silat

In the mid-20th century, a group of Indonesian martial arts practitioners formed Perisai Diri to promote the practice of Silat. The organization was started by Radèn Mas Soebandiman Dirdjoatmodjo its founder and lifelong martial artist.

The video below shows a few short examples of what an average class taught at Perisai Diri might look like.

Silat With (and Without) Weapons

Silat is a type of unarmed fighting style that focuses on short but precise movements. These movements are referred to as flow or "alur", and they form the foundation of Silat fighting techniques. Flow refers to the way the moves are linked together, flowing naturally from one strike or block into another.

As mentioned before, Silat features a wide range of techniques that include weapons and empty hand techniques, much like Kali and other Filipino fighting styles, but there are some distinct differences. One of the things that makes Silat so effective is its simplicity; it's based on principles that any person can learn.

It's also versatile enough that you can use it in many different scenarios such as street altercations in open spaces or confined spaces like rooms inside of a small restaurant or café.

Psychological and Physical Training

In Silat, the techniques are divided into five groups: physical force techniques that include punching, kicking and elbow strikes; body manipulation techniques that use the practitioner's movement to throw an opponent off-balance; seizing techniques such as catching and locking; psychological techniques that use feinting to trick an opponent into moving incorrectly; and spiritual techniques that develop a state of mind where defeat is not an option.

The Importance of Efficiency and Position

Silat almost looks like a dance because of its beautiful movements and choreography, but it's important to understand that this martial art was designed for combat purposes only—not entertainment—and its practitioners are taught how to fight for their lives during training sessions.

As with any other martial art, Silat requires precise movement so that you can attack your opponent without losing balance or putting yourself in danger; this means that good form matters most when fighting with moves like kicks or punches (although some punches are illegal in competition).

Make Your Opponent Unbalanced

  • Kicking and punching can be used as distractions to unbalance an opponent.
  • Use your footwork to move around an opponent, keeping your hands free to defend yourself and attack when the opportunity arises.

When you’re ready to strike, keep your fists up and hold your arms straight out at an angle of 45 degrees. The idea is to keep your opponent’s hands off of you while ensuring that they can’t hit you easily.

Angles and Rotational Techniques

Silat's in-fighting techniques, particularly the rotational techniques, are some of the most powerful weapons in its arsenal. Angles and rotational techniques are used heavily in Silat as a way of creating openings for strikes and throws.

Angles can be created with your own body, or by using your opponent's body against them to create an opening for a strike or takedown. Like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Pencak Silat practitioners are taught techniques designed to snap joints. (Of course, in training, their partners tap before their limbs break.)

Rotational techniques include spinning attacks like kicks and punches (such as crescent kicks) but also include sweeps and throws where you use your momentum to unbalance your opponent before completing an attack on them. The most important thing when practicing these types of attacks is maintaining balance and control throughout each movement - otherwise you might end up eating pavement instead!

Use Aggression, Force and Drive

The level of aggression, force and drive that you use can change your effect on an opponent. If you use too much force, it will tire out your body and leave you open to counter attack. But if you use too little force, your opponent will not be impressed and may even disrespect you for it.

"This lessens the chance of him coming back at me" is one of the quotes that stands out from the video below demonstrating some of the principles guiding the mindset behind Silat.

There is a delicate balance that you must strike in order to properly intimidate your opponent. It is through this balance that you will achieve the desired effect.

Always Defending Yourself, Even While Attacking

  • Always be on the defensive.
  • Always be aware of your opponent's intentions.
  • Always be aware of your own intentions.
  • Have a plan for how to defend yourself, just in case things don't go as planned (which they never do).

A good fighter is always prepared for the worst case scenario. This means you should have a plan in place to defend yourself if things go wrong, such as with a gun or knife. You can't rely on your opponent being a nice guy and not trying to kill you, so it's a good idea to have a contingency plan.

Practice With a Responsible Friend or Training Partner

We hope you enjoyed learning about Silat fighting techniques and that you get the chance to try some of them with a responsible friend or training partner. Silat is one of the most fascinating martial arts out there, as it combines both Eastern and Western styles of fighting while also being rooted in Indonesian culture.

Studying Silat is a great way to learn an ancient martial art and develop a more mindful approach to life. It will help you stay calm in stressful situations, as well as improve your confidence and self-discipline. Silat also teaches you how to be more aware of your surroundings at all times so that you can avoid conflict or danger when possible.