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 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