In February 2023, a small team of Silat athletes from the United States embarked on a journey to Sarawak, Malaysia, to compete in a prestigious international tournament. Coach Abdul-Malik Ahmad brought two athletes from his school Silat Institute: Ammar Aftab and Omar Daken. Since this was an open tournament (not representing the USA national team) Coach Malik jumped on this incredible opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and represent their organization on an international stage.
The journey to Sarawak was long, and the team arrived in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, eager to explore the local culture and prepare for the tournament. They were greeted warmly by the local organizers and transported to their hotel, which was conveniently located around 15 minutes from the tournament venue.
The tournament itself was intense, with competitors from all over Southeast Asia showcasing their skills in Silat, a traditional martial art form that originated from the region. The atmosphere was electric, and the team was focused on giving their best performance. They competed against Silat athletes from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, and gained valuable experience from observing and interacting with their opponents. Coach Malik also was given permission to compete in Jurus Tunggal against an experienced competitor from Sarawak despite being above the age limit.
Although the small team did not come home with any medals, the experience gained from participating in the tournament was invaluable. They had the opportunity to learn watch Silat practitioners from around the world and learn from them. These interactions with other Pencak Silat teams gave the students insights into the techniques and philosophies of Silat, and allowed the team to develop their skills and knowledge.
During their stay in Sarawak, the team had the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and explore some of the city’s landmarks. They visited the Kuching Waterfront and the Sarawak Cultural Village, where they experienced the diverse traditions and lifestyles of the Sarawakian people. They also indulged in the local cuisine near their hotel.
Overall, the trip to Sarawak was a journey of growth and learning for the American Silat athletes. While they did not come home with any medals, they gained a tremendous amount of experience and appreciation for the art of Silat and the cultural diversity of Sarawak. The journey was a reminder that sometimes the greatest victories come not from winning medals but from the lessons and experiences gained along the way.
