Attire and equipment needed for Silat

Image credit: SportSG

The four different silat categories each have different attires and weapon regulations that competitors must adhere to.

Tanding event contestants are required to don their own black costumes and a white belt (this must be taken off while competing), with the badge of his or her association attached to the left side of the chest and the international silat governing body’s (PERSILAT) badge on the right. His or her national flag may be worn on the left arm, with a sponsor logo on the right. The sponsor logo must not be bigger than the PERSILAT badge. The contestant’s country name may be worn across the back. No other accessories are allowed during the match.

A trunk protector, usually provided by the organizers of the competition, should also be worn for safety reasons during a Tanding competition. These are black armour-like suits that cover the upper half of the body (excluding the limbs), with a coloured sabuk/bengkung (belt/sash) for identification purposes. The sabuk/bengkung may be red or blue, depending on the teams’ respective corners. Male contestants should also put on a plastic groin guard while in the arena; females may do so if necessary. Each contestant may also wear joint guards. Unless a medical reason is provided, these joint guards should only be made from thin materials.

Tunggal contestants must wear a plain costume, without any added designs. However, they are allowed to decide on the colour(s) that they wish to wear. They may also wear a headband and kain samping (a cloth wrapped around the body from waist to knees) of any colour and/or design. Badge and other costume adornment regulations are identical to those specified in the Tanding category.

Weapons are also used in Tunggal rounds. Contestants may use a metal golok or parang, which are types of machetes, and a rattan tongkat (stick). The golok or parang must not be too sharp, and must measure no shorter than 30 centimetres and no longer than 40. The tongkat, on the other hand, must measure between 150 to 180 centimetres, with a diameter of 2.5 to three centimetres. Both weapons must be produced for examination and qualification before the competition begins.

Ganda match competitors adhere to the same costume and weapon regulations as those established for the Tunggal category. However, in addition to the golok/parang and tongkat, they may also use another weapon, such as the keris (dagger) or celurit (sickle knife).

A standard black costume, similar to that of the Tanding category, is to be worn by each Regu contestant. A white belt should also be wrapped tightly around his or her waist. The same regulations for badge and costume adornment apply here too. Regu events do not permit the use of weapons.

The World Pencak Silat Championship 2018 will be happening from 13 to 16 Dec. Click here for more info.

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