History

Silat in General

Silat (Minangkabau: silek) is a collective word for indigenous martial arts from a geo-cultural area of Southeast Asia encompassing most of the Nusantara, the Malay Archipelago and the entirety of the Malay Peninsula. Originally developed in what are now Indonesia, peninsular Malaysia, south Thailand, and Singapore, it is also traditionally practiced in Brunei, Vietnam and the southern Philippines. There are hundreds of different styles but they tend to focus either on strikes, joint manipulation, throws, bladed weaponry, or some combination thereof. Silat is one of the sports included in the Southeast Asian Games and other region-wide competitions. Training halls are overseen by separate national organizations in each of the main countries the art is practiced. These are Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI) from Indonesia, Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA) from Malaysia, Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB) from Brunei and Persekutuan Silat Singapura (PERSISI) from Singapore. Practitioners are called pesilat.

While the word silat is used by Malay-speakers throughout Southeast Asia, the art is more often called pencak silat in the Indonesian language. The clear distinction between Indonesian and Peninsular silat is a relatively recent one based largely on post-independence patriotic sentiments. The term silat Melayu ("Malay silat") was originally used in reference to Sumatra and the Melayu Kingdom, but is today commonly used for referring to systems created on the Southeast Asian mainland. Generally speaking, silat Melayu is characterized by fixed hand positions and today is often thought of as a slow dance-like art among non-practitioners. In Indonesia, pencak silat displays greater diversity and its use of high kicks, jumps and agile maneuvers are comparatively more well known among the public. While this generalization does not necessarily reflect the reality of silat's techniques, it has had a notable influence on the stereotypical way silat is portrayed in Malaysia and Singapore.

- Wikipedia

Silat Chakra-V (Silat Chakra Lima)

International Silat Combat System Chakra V Indonesia was founded by Mas Mochamed Amin (The only Son of Mas Marsidi of  DJoyotruno the 44th Grandmaster of Senopati Ario Bijennan - Madura) Founded on 21st september 1995. And became an official Organization on 27th May 2007

Pencak Silat Chakra V is a School which teaches the art of war of Senopati Bijannan. A knight during the time of King Socadiningrat III - Sumenep since 1413.

Grandmaster Mas Mochamed Amien Posing with his Celurit

Chakra Lima is a silat school originating from Surabaya, Indonesia, with deep roots in Madurese culture. According to historical accounts, this style is believed to have been passed down since the 14th century by a figure named Senopati Ario Bijjanan (1389–1487) as a form of protection for the rulers of the Madura Kingdom. Its defining characteristics are swift, abrupt movements with a strong emphasis on agile footwork. The techniques often rely on evasive maneuvers, low strikes, and efficient steps that serve both defensive and offensive purposes.

Unlike modern sports silat, Chakra Lima does not follow a formal grading system, does not participate in competitions, and does not impose religious requirements for membership. The focus lies instead on practical effectiveness—ensuring that techniques can be applied directly in real-life situations—while also fostering an appreciation for Madurese heritage, character development, and heightened awareness.

Training is conducted in modest spaces; in fact, records mention practice halls as small as four meters wide. Yet these spatial limitations sharpen practitioners’ sense of movement, positioning, and efficiency. Beyond Surabaya, Chakra Lima has also drawn interest in Singapore, where dedicated groups continue to learn and preserve the style. Institutionally, the school in Surabaya is affiliated with UTAMA International (United Teachers Association for Martial Arts), a recognized network of martial arts schools across Indonesia while in Singapore it is now an affiliate under Singapore Silat Heritage Federation 

At its core, Chakra Lima upholds silat as more than physical combat—it is a living expression of cultural identity and ancestral legacy. Students are guided not to chase external recognition through ranks or tournaments, but to refine their inner strength, awareness, and way of life. This approach strikes a balance between the beauty of traditional forms and the practicality of effective self-defense, making Chakra Lima a striking example of how silat can remain culturally authentic while adapting to the modern world.

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