Maphilindo Silat

Maphilindo Silat Brisbane

What is Maphilindo Silat?

Maphilindo Silat is a martial art that is essentially a counter-fighting style that incorporates empty-hand techniques and weapons such as the short-stick and sarong. It is combat-focused and was initially developed as an effective means of learning self-defence and how to neutralise an attacker quickly. Involving a sequence of brutal takedowns, throws, and finishing moves, Maphilindo Silat can be quite dangerous and is, therefore, not considered suitable to be regarded as a competitive sport.

A key goal in Maphilindo Silat is to manipulate and destroy a part, parts, or the whole of an opponent’s body in a minimal period of time. This goal is achieved by a flow of techniques and movement through the phases of entering, takedown, and finishing. The emphasis is on the concept of flow—the smooth transition through a series of movements or techniques. To achieve flow, a martial artist must have a high level of sensitivity to the energies employed by an opponent in a combat situation.

To the martial arts student, Silat’s ideas are straightforward, and the techniques are not overly complicated. However, continual practice is required to achieve the level of energy, sensitivity, and fluidity required for dominance in a range of situations. Training in Silat will, therefore, enhance a student’s control over their own actions and attain a high level of control over an attacker’s energy.

History of Maphilindo Silat

What is Silat? You may be wondering—and how does it differ from Maphilindo Silat? Silat is the overarching term for a martial arts style that originated in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Silat is a traditional Malay term but is referred to as Pencak Silat in Indonesia and many Western countries that practice the martial art.

We have the legendary martial artist and teacher Guro Dan Inosanto to thank for the creation of Maphilindo Silat. Inosanto, who trained under Bruce Lee for many years, developed Maphilindo Silat in the early 1980s after studying with numerous Silat instructors, including those from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, like Herman Suwanda and Edgar Sulite. The name itself, Maphalindo, can be broken up into Ma: Malaysia, Phil: Philippines, and Indo: Indonesia. These are the traditional styles from which Inosantowas inspired to develop Maphilindo Silat.

Inosonato went on to establish the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in California in 2006 to share his teachings and train those eager to deepen their knowledge of Maphilindo Silat. At PMAA, we have been fortunate enough to train with Inosanto and learn directly from his extensive experience, allowing us to integrate his techniques and philosophies into the curriculum at our own Brisbane-based martial arts gym!

Skills Taught

Although having a deeply traditional heritage, similar to various other martial arts such as Jun Fan and Grappling, Maphilindo Silat has evolved to suit more modern styles of combat. Today, Maphilindo Silat borrows many qualities and techniques from other counter-fighting styles like kickboxing, whereas traditionally, it heavily emphasised joint manipulation and the use of weaponry. Despite these adaptations, the core principles and techniques of Maphilindo Silat have remained mainly intact. In Maphilindo Silat, there are two main types of striking techniques:

Major Striking techniques:

Finger thrusts
Guntings
Elbow punches
Knee kicks
Headbutts

Major Striking Techniques:

Arm pulls
Head pulls
Head Turns
Leg sweeps
Knee Compressions
Arm breaks
Elbow levers
Chokes

Benefits of Learning Silat

If you’re considering practising Silat, you may be pleased to know that it is a great martial art that can have many benefits (both physical and mental) for those who practice it. We’ll explore these benefits below.

Full Body Workout

Maphilindo Silat provides a comprehensive full-body workout that enhances strength and cardiovascular endurance. The practice incorporates dynamic movements, intricate footwork, and various techniques that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, ensuring a balanced approach to maintaining good physical fitness.

Improves Self-Defence CapabilitiesImproves Self-Defence Capabilities

One of Maphilindo Silat’s core strengths is its practical application of self-defence. The techniques taught in Silat are designed to be effective in real-world situations, giving practitioners the skills needed to protect themselves, especially in empty-hand attack/combat situations. Through a dedication to continuous training, you’ll develop the confidence and skills necessary to protect yourself and others in various situations.

Positive Mental Health Effects

Just like any other form of physical activity, Maphilindo Silat can be a great stress and anxiety reliever. The need to focus intensely on your next movement, control your breathing, and master your strategy allows you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. This focused attention helps to clear your mind of everyday worries away from the matt, reducing stress and providing a sense of calm and mental clarity.

Development of Self-Discipline & Emotional Control

The journey through Maphilindo Silat is one of self-discovery and discipline. The martial art challenges you to push beyond your physical and mental limits while maintaining control and composure in practice and real-life situations. More specifically, at PMAA, we encourage persistence, patience, respect, and discipline when practising silat—all qualities that can translate to enhance self-discipline and control beyond the mat.

It's Fun!

Beyond its physical and mental benefits, Maphilindo Silat is genuinely enjoyable. Our classes are designed to be fun and engaging, offering a break from the routine pressures of daily life. It’s an exciting way to meet new, like-minded people and challenge yourself in a fun and supportive environment. This makes it easier to stay motivated and committed to your practice and ultimately become a better fighter.

Maphilindo Silat At Progressive Martial Arts Academy

At PMAA, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to train directly under the guidance of Maphilindo Silat master and renowned martial artist Guro Dan Inosanto. His expertise and insights have profoundly shaped our understanding of Maphilindo Silat, and we’re thrilled to bring this exceptional martial art to our Brisbane gym.

Our classes are designed to offer a comprehensive fighting experience, integrating Maphilindo Silat with Jeet Kune Do and Kali. This combination ensures that our members receive a diverse and well-rounded training regimen, enhancing their skills across different martial disciplines. By blending these arts, we aim to provide a dynamic and enriched learning environment

Join the PMAA Community!

At PMAA, everyone is a member of the family, and we are committed to helping each individual grow not only their technique but also their confidence in themselves. Through dedication and mutual support, our members can achieve their personal goals and excel both on and off the mat.

If you’re interested in attending one of our Maphilindo Silat classes or have any questions about our Brisbane-based martial arts gym, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We look forward to training with you!