Pentjak Silat (Indonesian Martial Arts)

Pencak Silat is the form of martial art that originated in Indonesia. Legend attributes the origin of this martial art to a woman named Rama Sukana. After witnessing a tiger engage in a fight with a large bird, Sukana developed Pencak Silat through mimicking the animal’s movements. Pencak Silat became popular throughout the Indonesian archipelago, and different variations evolved from the different regions of Indonesia. Pencak Silat, in its different variations, maintained popularity throughout Indonesia until the present, and was used by the ‘freedom fighters’ in their struggle against the Dutch colonists. After Indonesia won Independence, Pencak Silat was brought to Europe by the Indo population who emigrated from Indonesia. One such prominent figure who popularized Pencak Silat in Europe is Paatje Phefferkorn. thanks : http://amerindo.berkeley.edu