On October 10–12, 2025, the 2nd US Open Pencak Silat Tournament & Festival was held in Herndon, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Though the US Open had already established itself as a growing international tournament for Pencak Silat, this edition marked a landmark moment: the first time ever that a U.S. national team fielded Regu teams (three-person synchronized forms) in both the male and female divisions in an international competition.
Coach Abdul-Malik Ahmad, the vice-president of the USA Pencak Silat Federation (UPSF) which organized the event, captured the moment best:
“A momentous occasion, as never before has a Regu team from the USA competed in an international tournament!”
That declaration was no exaggeration — the USA’s entry into Regu competition on this scale signals both the maturity and ambition of the U.S. Silat community.
USA Regu Teams Make History
In their debut appearance, the USA men’s Regu team earned a gold medal, marking an important first for the nation. Although they were the only competitors in their category, their participation represented a pioneering step — setting a foundation for future U.S. teams to compete internationally in this highly technical artistic division.
The female Regu team, however, faced a true test of skill, going head-to-head with the seasoned Singapore national team. Delivering a poised and dynamic performance, the U.S. women captured silver, while Singapore secured gold. Their strong showing against one of the world’s most accomplished Regu teams demonstrated that American Silat athletes are closing the gap and ready to stand among global competitors.
Beyond Competition: A Festival of Culture, Learning & Exchange
The US Open was not just a sporting event. It was also a cultural festival — a celebration of Silat tradition, Southeast Asian heritage, and cross-border fellowship. The schedule included workshops, performances, exhibitions, and seminars by Silat masters from across the U.S., as well as international guests.
Workshops, Seminars & Cultural Programs
Throughout the festival:
- Silat masters from around the country taught across styles and levels, covering self-defense techniques, traditional weapon forms, and creative movement. Instructors included Darren Felsot, Kai Lewis and Wona Sumantri.
- A vibrant Angklung performance brought traditional Indonesian bamboo music to life, engaging the audience in rhythmic harmony.
- A Batik show and demonstration entitled “Strikes and Stitches” showcased Indonesia’s renowned textile artistry, underscoring the cultural depth behind Silat’s aesthetic forms.
- Interactive seminars and panels gave practitioners space to discuss the philosophy, training, and growth of Silat within U.S. communities.
Together, these elements transformed the event into a living exhibition of art, culture, and martial tradition.
VIP Guests & Diplomacy
A highlight of the weekend was the attendance of His Excellency Dr. Indroyono Soesilo, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the United States, whose presence underscored the cultural and diplomatic importance of the event. He was honored to open the tournament with remarks and the ceremonial striking of the gong, a gesture that symbolized the official start of the competition and the spirit of unity it represented. His participation further reflected Indonesia’s support for Silat’s growing presence abroad and affirmed the U.S. Open’s role as a bridge between nations through shared tradition and sport.
Global Competition, Digital Innovation & Live Broadcast
The 2nd US Open drew competitors from Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States, fostering international exchange and sportsmanship. Matches followed official PERSILAT rules, and the event embraced modern innovation with digital scoring technology that provided real-time accuracy and transparency.
For the first time, the tournament was also livestreamed on YouTube, allowing audiences around the world to witness the energy, artistry, and sportsmanship of Silat in America. This broadcast marked a key milestone in expanding the sport’s visibility and inspiring new generations of practitioners.
Significance & Legacy: A New Chapter in U.S. Martial Arts
The 2nd US Open Pencak Silat Tournament & Festival represents a pivotal milestone in the evolution of martial arts in the United States — especially for Silat practitioners.
Breaking Barriers: From Niche to International Contender
Silat, once practiced mainly within small diaspora communities, is now emerging as a recognized competitive sport in the U.S. The debut of both men’s and women’s Regu teams — and their success on the international stage — signals the beginning of a new era for American participation in global Silat.
Building Infrastructure & Community
By combining high-level competition with cultural programming, the event strengthened connections across schools, instructors, and regions. New relationships formed between local practitioners and international guests, helping to lay the groundwork for future training programs, workshops, and collaborative events.
Raising the Bar with Technology & Media
The use of digital scoring and live streaming reflected the professionalism and forward-thinking mindset of U.S. organizers. These advancements not only improved judging fairness but also expanded the reach of Silat to new audiences.
Cultural Diplomacy & Heritage Preservation
Featuring Batik art, Angklung music, and the participation of the Indonesian ambassador, the festival affirmed that Pencak Silat is more than a martial art — it is a living cultural legacy that unites people across continents.
Looking Ahead
The 2nd US Open has laid a powerful foundation for the future. As the United States continues to invest in training, youth programs, and international partnerships, its Silat athletes will only grow stronger.
Wona Sumatri, the president of the UPSF, sumed up the spirit of the event:
“This was more than just a tournament — it was a historic step for Silat in America.”
The 2nd US Open Pencak Silat Championship & Festival was proudly sponsored by AICEF — the American Indonesian Cultural & Educational Foundation, whose support helped make this landmark event possible.
