Silat

Silat is a Malay martial art form and is now becoming popular throughout the world. A demonstration of silat is usually done as a performance accompanied by music consisting of drums, a gong and a traditional Malay flute. Two opponents display their skills, sometimes using the traditional Malay weapon, the keris, in a series of dance-like graceful and precise movements that tempt the other to respond with a first attack or defense. There are many forms of silat movements, depending on their origins throughout the Malay Archipelago. A silat performance is usually held during festive occasions such as a wedding or an official welcoming ceremony.