Pencak Silat Traditional Minang society was based around matrilineal custom, so pencak silat was commonly practiced by women. As pencak silat became widespread in Srivijaya, the empire was defeated by the Tamil Cholas of south India in the 13th century. The Tamil stick fighting art of silambam is still the most common Indian fighting system in Southeast Asia today. During the 13th century, Ken Arok, a thug turned into a self made hero and ruler, took over the power from Kediri Kingdom and established the Rajasa Dynasty. This is pretty much reflected the "jago" (people's champion) culture of ancient Java, where a
Pencak Silat ("sikut"), knees ("dengkul" or "lutut"), shoulders ("bahu"), or the fingers ("jari"). Even basic attacks may vary depending on style, lineage, and regional origin. Some systems may favour punching with the clenched fist, while others might prefer slapping with the palm of the hand. Other common tactics include feints ("tipuan") or deceptive blows used as distraction, sweeping ("sapuan") to knock the opponent down, and the scissors takedown ("guntingan") which grips the legs around the opponent. Defense in pencak silat consists of blocking, dodging, deflecting, and countering. Blocks or "tangkisan" are the most basic form of defense. Because pencak silat may target