Adam Pereira, an accomplished martial artist, made history by winning the first silver medal for the United States at the World Pencak Silat Championships. In addition to Pencak Silat, Adam studied various martial arts styles, including Tang Soo Do, Japanese Jujitsu, and wrestling, for most of his life. His father, a skilled martial artist and Olympic hopeful, taught him proper techniques from a young age.
In addition to his training in the United States, Adam also frequently travelled to Indonesia to visit his mother’s family and study Silat Tiga Berantai. This dedication to his craft paid off in 2016 when he won a bronze medal at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Bali, Indonesia. During that tournament, he faced tough competition from fighters from Turkey, India, Germany, and Malaysia.
In 2018, Adam won another impressive achievement by taking home the silver medal in the Tanding men’s division for weight Class D at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Singapore. He secured his first win due to an injury from the favored Indonesian opponent and continued to dominate, defeating fighters from the UK and the Netherlands. This led to a finals match against Uzbekistan, which was historic as it was the first time two non-Southeast Asian countries had ever faced off in the finals.
Adam’s success can be attributed to the guidance and coaching of his father Alpha Pereira and veteran USA coach Richard Subaran. Their expertise and support helped Adam reach his full potential and secure this important victory for the United States.
The first American to compete in a Pencak Silat World Championship was Abdul-Malik Ahmad. He was also the first American to be a wasit/jury at an international Pencak Silat tournament – paving the way for Adam’s own success. In 2018, Abdul-Malik’s daughter Sakina Ahmad won the first international gold medal for the United States at the Belgium Open Pencak Silat Tournament. Abdul-Malik also helped coach Adam Pereira leading up to the World Pencak Silat Championships.
The victory at the World Pencak Silat Championships is a significant milestone for the United States in this sport and shows the dedication and hard work of Adam and his coaches. Their achievements will inspire future generations of martial artists and serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and commitment. Adam Pereira’s win of the first silver medal for the United States at the World Pencak Silat Championships is a proud moment for both Adam and the country. His journey, from learning from his father to facing top international competition, showcases his exceptional skills and the power of teamwork. With the continued support and development of the sport, there is no doubt that the United States will continue to produce outstanding martial artists and secure more victories on the world stage.
