The United States had the honor of hosting Denny and Wewey, Indonesian Pencak Silat champions whose martial arts prowess and global recognition have brought them to the forefront of their sport. The idea to bring them to the USA originated from American Silat instructor Abdul-Malik Ahmad, who had met the duo during a trip to Indonesia. Recognizing the opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge in the sport aspect of Silat, he played a pivotal role in organizing their tour, which was sponsored by the USA Pencak Silat Federation. Their journey across the country was packed with seminars, cultural excursions, and profound interactions, leaving an indelible mark on every community they visited.
Denny, a seasoned competitor, has a remarkable history of achievement in the world of Silat. During his competitive years, he clinched multiple titles including the ASEAN Student Sports Week (POM) gold medal in men’s class B (50-55 kg) in Vientiane, Laos in 2012. He also secured a bronze medal at the SEA Games in Palembang, Indonesia a year earlier, showcasing his skill and determination. Wewey Wita is known worldwide for her lightning-fast sidekick that brought down her opponent at the 2018 Belgium Open Pencak Silat tournament. This electrifying moment went viral, gaining millions of shares, including coverage by ESPN. Wewey was crowned world champion in 2012 and 2015, and although her journey to SEA Games gold was challenging with two previous attempts, she triumphed in 2017 in class B 50-55 kilograms. Her crowning achievement came at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, where she won gold in Tanding, further solidifying her status as a top martial artist.
Upon their arrival in the USA, Denny and Wewey were warmly welcomed and started their tour with several visits to the renowned Silat Martial Arts studio in Herndon, Virginia. The Silat students surprised Denny and Wewey with a Silat performance, donned in proper Silat attire, representing the rich culture of Nusantara. This heartfelt display of skill and cultural pride deeply moved the couple, bringing them immense joy to see young Pesilat in America embracing and promoting their heritage.
Their focus on promoting female participation in martial arts was demonstrated by their visit to a Silat class specifically for girls. This engagement highlighted their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment within Pencak Silat. Their days were balanced with personal and communal activities, including attending Jummah Prayers at the ADAMS mosque, which reflected their dedication to maintaining their spiritual practices while on tour.
The centerpiece of their visit was a series of intensive two-day seminar in Virginia, where martial arts enthusiasts gathered to learn from the world champions. This seminar was not just demonstrations of skill but also deep dives into the technical aspects and strategy required to excel in sport Silat. The couple’s approachability and expertise greatly enhanced the learning experience, fostering a sense of community and shared passion among the participants.
In their final visit to the Herndon studio, Denny sparred several of the students, including Abdul-Malik Ahmad, the head instructor of the Silat school. This session not only demonstrated Denny’s continued prowess but also allowed for meaningful exchange and learning among participants. Wewey refrained from sparring as she is expecting her 2nd child. Their first child Aziel accompanied them during the trip and made many friends along the way.
Their visit to New York City was highlighted by an exploration of the city alongside renowned Silat Master Benny Rahardja. This gave them an opportunity to connect with local martial artists and absorb the city’s vibrant culture. Their diplomatic engagements were also significant, with a pivotal meeting with Ambassador Pak Sade at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC to discuss the promotion and development of Silat in the USA.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Silat Academy in Maryland, where they observed traditional Silat teachings under Kak Wona Sumantri and his partner Richard Subaran. This experience, witnessing a more traditional, combative form of Silat, offered them insights into the diversity and depth of Silat as both a sport and a martial art.
As they concluded their tour and returned home, Denny and Wewey left behind a legacy of inspiration and international friendship. Their visit not only elevated the profile of Silat in the United States but also demonstrated the profound impact cultural exchange can have on sports diplomacy. Their journey was a testament to the power of martial arts to transcend boundaries and unite people across different backgrounds in shared respect and admiration.
