Definition of Silat

Every nation has the knowledge of martial arts or self-defense knowledge, where the Malays called Silat. Before the word of 'silat' appeared, the Malay martial art known as 'ilmu hulu balang' or hulu balang knowledge and also known as valiant knowledge who became a hero costumes where in it contains secret knowledge of the art of war Malay tradition where rules of knowledge about martial arts or self-defense knowledge is part of it.

Word of silat is the combination of two syllables of Si and Elat. Si is the an alternate name to the person doing any work, behavior or physical characteristics such as Siputih (whitener), Situkang (Craftsman) or Sipenipu (cheater). Elat means trick, intrigue, deception, misleading or deceptive (Tuan Ismail Tuan Soh, 1991). 

To be more specific, silat is actually the name of martial art for malay people. Silat is a person who is exhibiting, practicing, playing martial arts. 'menyilat' or 'menyilap' means act to avoid, deceptive or attached to the incursion of counter-attack. Speed and agility movement likened to martial arts flash or flashes of light that can cause glare or misleading view.

For more information, please visit our official website Silat Malaysia Official Website