Inti Ombak Pencak Silat

 

Silat (pronounced "see-laht" ) is a general term to refer to the wide variety of martial arts that is indigenous to several island nations including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Pencak Silat (rough pronunciation "pen-chalk see-laht" ) is used as a unifying term which combines pencak, a word common in central and east Java, with silat, a word common in Sumatra and Malaysia. 

 

Silat was adapted over hundreds of years and over a wide variety of environments and conditions, so there is no single, definitive silat style. Due to the shared history and culture of the region, there are several common traits which include emphasis on bladed weapon use and defense, strikes, joint manipulation, and evasion. Combined, these traits come together in a fluid and surprisingly effective form of fighting. 

 

Inti Ombak (Inner Wave) Pencak Silat is a combination of two different styles of silat. One style from Madura is traditionally practiced by fishermen who used low, wide stances for stability on boats, and one style from Central Java (Mataram) which was traditionally taught only to members of the royal family, and emphasizes defense and inner power. The Mataram style use high stances, flowery hand motions which allow for strong and fast striking, as well as extensive langkah patterns or footwork. The name Inner Wave is a reflection of these styles working together. High and low. Internal and external. Physical and mental.