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 prefers the latter. Prominent Sunda weapons include the "toya" (staff), "cabang" (forked truncheon), long-bladed "parang" (machete) and heavy "golok" (cleaver). The advanced weapon is the "piau" or throwing knife. Among the Betawi people of Greater Jakarta, the pencak silat tradition is rooted in the culture of the "jagoan" or "jawara", local champions seen as heroes of the common people. They went against colonial authority and were despised by the Dutch as thugs and bandits. Silat Betawi is referred to in the local dialect as "maen pukulan" or "main pukulan", literally meaning "strike-play". The most well-known schools are Cingkrik, Kwitang, and