Silat - Malaysian Martial Art

Less well-known that Thai kickboxing, Japanese karate and Chinese kung-fu, Malay silat is nonetheless an incredibly athletic and gracefully dangerous martial art. Here is a video showing some of the stunning moves. There’s an interview in Malay with one of the experts in-between the action shots - bear with it and the demonstrations are impressive.

There’s an international Malaysia Silat website if you’re inspired to find out more. It explains:

“Silat Gayong, or correctly referred to as Silat Seni Gayong, is a Malay art of self-defense; a fighting art, the art of stopping wars. The art is not merely about self-defense, it is also for the development of the self (belajar mengenal diri); becoming a better person so that you may serve humanity. It is a great way to develop and increase physical fitness, flexibility, mental conditioning, discipline and self-confidence. The philosophy of Gayong is strongly related to the Malay Adat Istiadat (Malay cultures and traditions), morals, adab (respect) and the teaching of religion. Religion is the inspiration, motivation and guidance for high quality behavior. It is a mark of peace and harmony.”

The following video shows the techniques for dealing with an attacker wielding a kriss - the Malay jagged dagger - complete with sweaty, muscly torsos and an exotic local setting.