While it can be argued that silat is fundamentally a ritually empowered traditional practice of violent mayhem - a prominent silat guru once referred to it as 'the art of killing and maiming'- it should be noted that these arts also manifest themselves in healing, in play, sport, and dance, and, as ceremonial supplication to and invocation of divine and supernatural forces. In post-revolutionary times ' pencak silat' was reinvented and adopted as the official 'national sport' of Republik Indonesia.

During the colonial era and the Indonesian revolution silat fighters, known by such terms as satria, pendekar, jago, or jawara, were involved in sporadic acts of violent resistance to European authority and in the guerrilla warfare, pemuda movements and military campaigns that led to the eventual expulsion of the Dutch colonial forces. Training in the martial arts was, and often still is, regarded as requisite bekal or provisions for the journey through life. Malay/Indonesian martial arts have for centuries enjoyed significance in the indigenous educational realm particularly, but not exclusively, for men. The dunia persilatan or 'silat world' of post-colonial Southeast Asia mirrors the diffusion of Malay language and extends like a net transcending contemporary national boundaries and drawing together the Indonesian Republic, Malaysia, Singapore, Southern Thailand, Brunei, and the Malay-speaking isles of the Southern Philippines. The term silat, however, does not seem to have been used in significant measure before the 20th century as it does not appear in pre-print age literary works. Related knowledge and skills are commonly taught in non-formal schools and include oral traditions and expressions such as greetings, philosophical phrases, rhymed poems, advice, as well as songs and techniques to play the instruments.Silat is the most common generic term for martial arts in the modern Malay speaking world.Р’В Malay/Indonesian martial arts, and, at times, martial arts in general, are most commonly referred to as silat, pencak silat, ilmu bela diri (national and international) pencak, (West Java), sile, silek (Sumatra), ngelmu digdaya (Java) and bersilat (Malaysia). The practice strengthens comradeship, maintains social order, and provides entertainment for ritual ceremonies. Pencak Silat practitioners are taught to maintain their relationship with God, human beings, and nature, and are trained in various techniques to deal with attacks or other dangerous situations based on principles to protect themselves as well as others, avoid harming the offender and build comradeship.

In addition to local terms, each region has its own moves, styles, accompaniments, music, and supporting equipment, which includes costumes, musical instruments, and traditional weapons. The term РІР‚ВpencakРІР‚в„ў is better known in Java, while the term РІР‚ВsilatРІР‚в„ў is better known in West Sumatra, describing a group of martial arts with many similarities. The moves and styles of Pencak Silat are strongly influenced by various elements of art, involving a unity of body and movement fitting the accompanying music. In addition to their sporting element, Traditions of Pencak Silat also encompass mental-spiritual, self-defence and artistic aspects.

Pencak silat styles