Silat is a Malaysian form of martial arts that is used for both combative and ceremonial purposes. Knives and other traditional weapons are used when danced ceremonially.

Silat is an umbrella term used to describe the martial arts forms practiced throughtout the Malay Archipelago. A combative art of fighting and survival, Silat has evolved in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam civilizations for centuries into social culture and tradition. The distinctive forms of silat with other Asain martial arts, such as kung fu, tae kwon do, or karate, lie in the cultural aspect. Silat is not only for combative purposes, but can also be transformed into a folk dance with the addition of traditional musical instruments.

The goal of silat is to perform the martial art as a combative form, or as a an element of traditional folk dances.

Silat spread throughout the Malay Archipelago since the 7th century CE, but its origin is still uncertain. However, silat has been acknowledged as a genuine Malay art. Malay people that have inhabited coastal cities of Sumatra island and Malay peninsula, from Aceh in the north to Kelantan, Kedah and Riau archipelago in the south, were the people who practiced silat. Silat was gradually refined into the specialized property of sultans, panglima (general) and pendekar (warriors) during the Malacca Sultanate, Majapahit and Srivijaya empires. It was the time when silat spread through Malay peninsula, Java, Bali, Sulawesi and Borneo. Malays, in particular in Malay peninsula, considers the legendary story of Hang Tuah of the fourteenth century as the father of silat.

Silat shares the same history in Malaysia (incl. Singapore and Brunei) and Indonesia during the colonization era as a form to liberate from foreign authorities.[4] During post colonization era, silat has been evolved into formal martial arts. National organizations were formed, such as in Malaysia: Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA), in Indonesia: Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI), in Singapore: Persekutuan Silat Singapura (PERSIS), in Brunei Darussalam: Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB), as well as tens of silat organizations in US and Europe. Silat is now officially included as part of the sport game, particularly during the Southeast Asian Games.

Long Blades
Short Blades
Traditional Folk Instruments

As with any physical activity, the risk of physical injury is always present; this can include muscle strain and fatigue. When weapons forms are being practiced, the chance of injury is increased.

Training for beginners in silat martial arts must first learn basic elements that serve as the foundation of the form. When these elements are mastered, more elements are added including advanced elements and weapons forms. There are also particular forms that are used in traditional folk dances.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silat