Pencak Silat Pencak Silat Pencak silat (; in Western writings sometimes spelled "pentjak silat" or phonetically as "penchak silat") is an umbrella term for a class of related Indonesian martial arts. In neighbouring countries the term usually refers to professional competitive silat. It is a full-body fighting form incorporating strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry. Every part of the body is used and subject to attack. Pencak silat was practiced not only for physical defense but also for psychological ends. The leading organization of pencak silat in Indonesia is "Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia" (Pencak Silat Association of Indonesia). The liaison
Pencak Silat styles have less frontal contact with the opponent, instead preferring to evade in a circular manner and attack from the side. In one form of training designed to practice circular evasion, victory is attained simply by touching the opponent's torso. Fasting and mantra were traditionally used to heighten the senses for this purpose. The oldest styles of penca were based on animals and movements of farming or tending the fields. IPSI recognises "Cimacan" (tiger style), "Ciular" (snake style), and "Pamonyet" (monkey style) as among the oldest existing pencak silat. Cimacan is said to have been created by a Buddhist monk.