Silat Melayu

In the world of the Malay Silat, the keris is the principal form of weapon for defense and offence. It is a deadly weapon unique to the Malay world, and in the centuries past, it was the dreaded weapon of the Malays, and normally carried around by the adult men especially for self-defense purpose.

In the old days, a keris once taken out of its sheath must "eat" or taste blood, as they say, and if not the enemy's, one's own blood. So, it is not a plaything -- it is a deadly weapon to be respected.

While the keris is the chief weapon of the Malays, there are other knifes or blades used in silat, such as the badik, tekpi (sai), tumbuk lada, kerambit (hooked dagger), parang (machete), sundang (swords), sabit (sickle), lembing (spear) and also sticks/bamboo.

Parang or Golok Pahang (or Pahang machete) is a weapon made by the Pekan people of Pahang. In the old days Pahang was famous for the manufacture of fine machetes or golok and it was recorded in the history books (in late 1490s) that Sultan Mahmud of Malacca sent a Pahang machete as one of his presents to the Pasai sultan.

Lading

The "lading" is a weapon used by the exponents of Silat Cekak Hanafi, which originated from the Malaysian state of Kedah Darul Aman. The shape of the lading is like a meat butcher's knife with a short handle and a wide and sharp blade.

The lading however is used only for defense purposes, and not for attack. It is consonant with the philosophy of Silat Cekak Hanafi that its martial arts form is only for self-defense purpose and that also includes the use of its main and unique weapon, the lading.

The "lading" is given as an honor and award to those Silat Cekak Hanafi exponents who have reached the highest level of the silat art.

And just like the keris whose effectiveness to the owner would depend on it being customized based on certain body measurements, the lading is also measured and custom-made based solely on the person using it.

Therefore it could not be handed down as a hereditary weapon to the son, for example, as its effectiveness is compromised.

Silat is now officially included as part of the sport game, particularly during the Southeast Asian Games.

Silat Federation:

• Malaysia: Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA).


• Indonesia: Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI).


• Singapore: Persekutuan Silat Singapore (PERSIS).


• Brunei Darussalam: Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB).


• As well as tens of silat organizations in US and Europe.