Saturday, October 6, 2012

Malay Art of Defence-Silat Gayong


Silat is a term used to describe the martial art forms practiced throughout the peninsular Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore. The philosophy of gayong is strongly related to the Malay cultures and traditions, ‘adab’, and the teaching of religion.


Silat Gayong, is one of Malay’s martial art which normally associated with a series of movements of which 2 components demonstrate how to fence and defend themselves without the use of weapons in an extremely graceful manner. It is a defensive art, an art for neither stopping wars nor creating them. Silat Gayong is known as a tool to strengthen relationships among mankind, a great way to develop and increase physical fitness, flexibility, mental conditioning, discipline and self-confidence.

demonstration on Silat Gayong

As Silat Gayong was introduced to the Malacca court in the 15th century, it was taught only for selected people, which as a form of entertainment for privileged classes and eventually among rural classes until the days prior to the Japanese occupation in World War II. Then, Silat Gayong spread to other places such as the island of Seking, Bukum, Sekijang, Sembilan, Semakom and Damar island. Silat Gayong also spread throughout the Indonesian islands as a way to protect the villagers from pirates.



Today, Silat Gayong is widely practiced in Malaysia and Singapore. The art is being taught in school, colleges, armed forces and the Royal Malaysian Police. This martial art plays an important role for young generations. It is because; Silat Gayong has become a way to educate and introduce good character and discipline and encourages the Malaysia youth to appreciate the legends of our nation, culture and tradition.

reference: Silat Melayu
                Silat Gayong

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