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 traditional Indonesian dance. As with Korean taekkyeon, these movements are preparation for defending or reversing the opponent's attack. Musical accompaniment provides a metronome to indicate the rhythm of motion. For example, the beat of a drum might signify an attack. Those not aware of the combative nature of these moves often mistake the forms for dancing rather than the formalized training of fighting techniques. Pencak silat uses the whole body for attack. The basic strikes are the punch ("pukul") and kick ("tendang"), with many variations in between. Strikes may be performed with the fists, open palms, shins, feet ("kaki"), elbows