4 Period of Historical Development of Indonesian Pencak Silat

Pencak Silat is a part of Indonesian culture evolved in line with the history of the people of Indonesia.
With a variety of geographical and ethnological situation and the changing times experienced by the people of Indonesia, Pencak Silat is formed by the circumstances.

Pencak Silat now we are familiar with the form and style that is diverse, yet has the same aspects.
Pencak Silat contains elements of the personality of the Indonesian nation possessed of Farmed hereditary.


Historical development of Pencak Silat briefly can be divided into 4 period, namely:

1. The development of Pencak Silat before the Dutch colonization in Indonesia
   Self-defense in these times which are mainly based on high personal ability, is the basis of self-defense systems, both in the face of life's struggle and in the defense group.
   
2. The development of Pencak Silat at the time of Dutch colonization
   Opportunities are permitted only in the form of art or arts development solely still used in some areas, leading to a performance or ceremony only.
   
3. The development of Pencak Silat at the time of the Japanese occupation
   The entire Java simultaneously established Pencak Silat movements are regulated by the Government
   
4. The development of Pencak Silat at the time of Indonesia's independence

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Pencak Silat in The World

Pencak Silat has grown rapidly during the 20th century and has been a sports competition under the control and regulation Persilat (Persekutuan Pencak Silat Between Nations, or the International Pencak Silat Federation). Pencak Silat is being promoted by Persilat in several countries across the 5 continents, with the goal of making martial arts became an Olympic sport. Persilat promoting Pencak Silat as an international sporting competition. Only members are allowed to participate Persilat recognized in international competition.

Now, some European national federations of martial arts along with Persilat has established the European Pencak Silat Federation. In 1986 the World Pencak Silat Championship first outside Asia, takes place in Vienna, Austria.


In 2002 Pencak Silat program was introduced as part of a performance at the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea for the first time. The last World Championship was in 2002 took place in Penang, Malaysia in December 2002.

Aside from efforts Persilat that make martial arts as sport games, there are many schools of traditional old martial art that develops with the name Silek and Silat in various parts of the world. It is estimated that there are hundreds of streams (styles) and thousands of college.

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