The 2023 Silat Festival held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Physical Education building in Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, was a vibrant celebration of the traditional martial art of Pencak Silat. Organized by the USA Pencak Silat Federation (UPSF), the festival drew a crowd of over 100 people from across the United States.
The event showcased a range of exciting Silat demonstrations, workshops, and cultural performances. Attendees had the opportunity to witness spectacular displays of Silat techniques and skills. These demonstrations were led by renowned Silat practitioners who shared their knowledge and expertise with the participants.
Among the presenters were Kai Lewis from Silat Panglipur based in Houston, TX, and Ed Greene from Silat Seni Gayong based out of Lawrenceville, NJ. Steve Braun, represented Pencak Silat Mande Muda in Columbia, MD, while Chris Robinson from Williamsburg, VA, offered insights into Silat Satria Fighting Arts. Eric Olea, a Maryland resident from Silat Suffian Bela Diri, also held a workshop at the event.
The festival also featured cultural workshops, including sessions on Angklung and Gamelan, traditional Indonesian musical instruments. Additionally, a Balinese dance workshop was conducted, providing participants with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia.
Indonesian Ambassador Rosan Perkasa Roeslani inaugurated the festival and commended the USPF for organizing the event. He extended greetings to the participating Pencak Silat schools and masters from across the country. The Ambassador expressed delight in witnessing the growth of the Pencak Silat community in the US through the establishment of numerous new schools. He also expressed gratitude to all Pencak Silat gurus and practitioners for not only providing an opportunity to experience the beauty of Indonesian traditions but also for fostering cultural understanding and strengthening the bond between Indonesia and the US.
The festival organizers ensured that there was a dedicated kids program to engage young attendees. This program aimed to introduce children to the principles and basic techniques of Silat in an interactive and enjoyable manner.
Overall, the 2023 Silat Festival served as a platform for Silat enthusiasts and practitioners to come together, learn, and celebrate the art form’s cultural significance. By showcasing various styles and facilitating workshops, the festival promoted cross-cultural exchange and furthered the understanding and appreciation of Pencak Silat in the United States.
