The DNA of Silat is a multi-layered concept that includes several key components:
1. Core Principles (Spiritual and Philosophical Framework):
Silat is much more than just a martial art; it is deeply tied to the spiritual and philosophical elements of Malay culture. It often embodies concepts like adab (etiquette), adat (traditions) and nilai (virtue).
The core principles can be seen as the “genetic code” of silat, passed from teacher to student, and infused into each individual’s practice. These principles create the foundation of the martial art and are often rooted in Islamic practices.
The spiritual framework emphasizes the importance of purity of heart, discipline, and self-awareness during training, shaping the practitioner’s inner self as much as their outer martial prowess.
2. Techniques (Physical Manifestation):
The physical techniques of silat, such as strikes, blocks, sweeps, and joint locks, are encoded in the art’s forms or “buah”. These movements are passed down like a tradition and are part of the “DNA” in the literal sense.
What makes this unique is how these movements are adapted and personalized by each practitioner, often becoming an embodiment of their individual essence, skill level, and internal energy. The techniques are practiced, refined, and passed down through direct transmission (oral and physical) rather than through written records, making them mutable yet still tied to the core structure of the art.
This personalization of the art has been seen as a kind of evolutionary adaptation, where the technique changes with each generation but still retains its original genetic blueprint.
3. Cultural Embodiment (Transmission through the Bloodline):
The notion of genetic inheritance in silat goes beyond physical traits and extends to the transmission of martial arts knowledge. It is believed that certain families or lineages have a stronger connection to the original form, which could explain why certain styles or schools are preserved more strongly within specific bloodlines.
4. Training Methodology and Pedagogy (The Learning Process):
The teacher-student relationship is one of the most important aspects of silat’s DNA. The method of learning—based on oral transmission, direct physical teaching, and personal connection—ensures that the true essence of silat is passed on. Unlike Western approaches to martial arts, which often rely heavily on literature, videos, or manuals, silat’s oral tradition preserves its authenticity and direct application.
Through this close, personal transmission, the essence of the art stays intact. This method is akin to genetic transmission in biology, where knowledge and practice are transferred not just through words but through actions, behavior, and even energetic connection between teacher and student.
5. Adaptation and Evolution (External Influences):
The DNA of silat is not static. It evolves over time as it interacts with different cultures, philosophies, and practical needs.
Over the course of generations, silat has adapted and changed according to regional needs, local conditions, and new influences. These changes are analogous to the mutation process in genetics, where the core structure remains but the outer expressions of the art evolve.
6. Symbolism and Rituals (Cultural Identity):
Much like how DNA carries the blueprint of life, the rituals, symbols, and cultural expressions that accompany silat training contribute to its identity. The rituals could be a combination of spiritual practices (prayers, meditation) and martial discipline (warm-ups, stretching, and combat sequences).
These rituals preserve silat’s identity and reinforce its cultural significance. Over time, these practices ensure that the “genetic” core of silat remains intact, even as the art itself evolves to meet the needs of modern practitioners.
Article by Teungku Nara Paduka, Founder, Director at Nara Martial Arts Academy
