Different pathways that we pursue

My work within silat can be considered a niche, focused on a specific area of expertise. Some may ask why I do not fully pursue the traditional or sporting branches of silat. The answer is straightforward: many established schools are already dedicated to those paths. Rather than competing with them, I prefer collaboration.. sharing resources and supporting one another within the community.

My personal inclination has always been toward close-quarters combat (CQC), part of it largely influenced by the Control and Restraint (CNR) training I received during my National Service. When combined with silat, this proved to be highly effective. I was later guided by my late teacher, who emphasized practical self-defense. By nature I am pragmatic, so I pursued this knowledge with full commitment.

During my time in Surabaya, our activities centered on seminars and self-defense instruction. However, my teacher entrusted me with the responsibility of overseeing the Singapore branch. Inevitably, this required me to study the full breadth of the school’s curriculum. Representing a perguruan also meant learning its cultural and artistic aspects. It would not have been proper to stand as a teacher while being unfamiliar with the traditions of the school, especially when invited to formal gatherings. Thus, I resolved to learn the complete system.

After several years of training, I underwent the necessary selection, completed my khatam (final testing), and was given the responsibility of carrying forward my teacher’s mandate. This process formed part of my tarbiyah—a structured development that began with a focus on self-defense and gradually nurtured an appreciation for the artistic dimensions of silat as well. At one stage, I even expressed interest in taking a tariqah (formal spiritual path), but my teacher firmly reminded me: “Your duty is this: teaching!, and this is your path. Be a good teacher, and do not complicate matters unnecessarily.” It was a sharp lesson, yet one delivered with care. His philosophy was consistent: the foundation must always be self-defense, and only after that can other elements be integrated.

Thus has been my journey.. a progression from personal interest in practical application toward a fuller responsibility as a teacher and custodian. From this experience, I have drawn several lessons:

1. The study of silat is not solely about martial skill; it often imparts valuable lessons for life itself.

2. Every practitioner’s path is unique; not all journeys follow the standardized PERSILAT format. One’s direction is a matter of personal calling and providence.

3. Each of us contributes to silat in our own way, according to our strengths and responsibilities.

This photo shows a hand-drawn diagram in the shape of an open palm, used as a framework to represent the broad domains of Silat. Each finger corresponds to a major aspect: Seni (art) highlighting solo, massal, and cultural expression; Sports including one on one, fitness, conditioning, and regulated competition; Combat/Tempur focusing on buah pukul, beladiri, and applied drills; Senjata (weapons) covering pisau, golok, kerambit, and other traditional arms; and Ketenangan (spiritual and mental aspects) encompassing perseverance, discipline, mental development, religion, and healer or consciousness training. The open hand symbolizes how silat integrates multiple branches.. physical, cultural, martial, and spiritual all of which makes out into a single living art.