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Jurus Tunggal is an internationally recognized Pencak Silat form that consists of 100 moves divided into 14 sets or jurus and 3 sections. There is an empty hand section, one with a golok or machete and one with a rattan staff or toya. All 100 movements must be completed in exactly 3 minutes. Athletes are judged on the quality of movements and correctness of the moves. Points are deducted for incorrect techniques, improper attire, exceeding or being shy of 3 minutes, dropping of the weapon, or if there is excessive shouting or yelling during the form, or going outside of the boundaries.
In 1796, the Dutch government gained control over Indonesia and made training and studying Pencak Silat illegal. Training was to be done in secret and at night, which developed the need for black uniforms. Later, in 1942 Japanese occupied Indonesia, but allowed Pencak Silat to be practiced and further developed. In August 17, 1945, Indonesia proclaimed independence and began developing its own identity, which also meant uniting and formalizing the hundreds of Pencak Silat systems that were present across the region.
On May 18, 1948 IPSI, (Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia) or the union of all Pencak Silat in Indonesia was formed – making it one of the oldest national martial arts organizations in the world. IPSI and later formed PERSILAT the International Pencak Silat Organization in 1980, which included Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. They began the difficult task of standardizing Pencak Silat techniques for use in competitions.
Thus began the formation of Jurus Tunggal. “Jurus Tunggal” which means the “The Single or Solo Jurus” was also referred to as Jurus Tunggal Baku (or standardized solo jurus) and also as Jurus Wajib Tunggal (or the mandatory solo jurus). The technical expert team consisted of experts from various schools and schools of Pencak Silat. PERSILAT brought masters from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The team studied hundreds of rules and movements and then tried to put them together without losing the distinctive colors. They also standardized the attire required for Jurus Tunggal. The sarong or Ikat dan Kain Samping, is a cultural dress that was usually worn formally by royalty dignitaries and palace security guards – many of whom were Silat masters. It is now the formal attire for Pencak Silat practitioners and required for Jurus Tunggal.
It took over 3 years to finalize and complete Jurus Tunggal.
One of the most influential members of the team was Pak Rifai Sahib. Born in Jakarta, Pak Rifai studied Cimande silat in addition to a number of Betawi styles, mastering them all. An excellent performer, Pak Rifai worked extensively to promote and develop the artistic aspect of Pencak Silat across the world including in Switzerland, Germany, Australia and Yemen.
Pak Rifai would take moves from each of the masters and expertly weave them together into a fluid set of movements, known today as Jurus Tunggal. He also added his unique perspective as a Cimande expert into Jurus Tunggal. Pak Rifai passed away in 2014.
The first competition that had Jurus Tunggal category was at the Indonesian National Sports event (PON) in Surabaya in the year 2000. In 2001, Jurus Tunggal was competed for the first time Internationally at the South East Asian Games in Malaysia. Jurus Tunggal is now taught and competed in Pencak Silat school and tournaments around the world, including right here in the USA. In 2010, the first American competed in Jurus Tunggal at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. Although Jurus Tunggal is performed silently, without yelling or shouting during the form, it has become a tradition for Pencak Silat teams to cheer on their competitor while he or she is performing Jurus Tunggal, with the entire team yelling together at each strike. This brings excitement to the competition as well as making Jurus Tunggal even more interesting to watch.
By learning and mastering Jurus Tunggal you are preserving the heritage of all the Pencak Silat schools and masters that contributed to making Jurus Tunggal.
