By Anne Das, Owen Lee & Balqis Azahar (video)
Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art rooted in both physical mastery and inner strength. While it shares some similarities with Tai Chi, such as controlled movement and mental discipline, Silat stands apart with its explosive strikes, low stances, and animal-inspired techniques.
Every motion tells a story. Some of those stories go back centuries.
In Ipoh, a growing number of children and adults are learning these movements not just as a form of defence, but as a way of life. The weekly Silat Seni Gayong classes pulse with energy. Little ones in fitted uniforms mirror their instructors with quiet determination.
What they are learning goes far beyond the mat. Founded by Mahaguru Dato’ Meor Abdul Rahman bin Uda Mohd Hashim, Silat Seni Gayong traces its lineage to the legendary Hang Tuah and his comrades. First introduced to the public in Taiping, Perak, the art blends rigorous physical technique with deep spiritual and philosophical teachings.
It is rooted in ancient belief systems like kejawen and expressed through seni belian, a mystical transformation said to channel the tiger spirit through the body of a dukun.
With structured training that includes strikes, locks, throws, and the use of traditional weapons, Silat Gayong is not just about combat. It is about control, respect, and cultural continuity. Movements are taught with purpose, and over time, students are gradually exposed to the deeper spiritual layers behind them.
Ipoh chapter’s chief is Mohammad Hafidzul bin Mohamad Azam, a third-level black belt known as Harimau Pelangi Hitam Cula Sakti III who has spent the last 16 years immersed in the practice. As Secretary of the Perak state Silat Seni Gayong association, he now leads a community of 200 members ranging from schoolchildren to working adults.
“Silat gives more than just protection,” Hafidzul tells Ipoh Echo. “It builds self-discipline, mental strength, and confidence. I always encourage parents to send their children, especially those who are shy or easily influenced.”
He is not doing it alone. With a tournament coming up in August, Hafidzul is rallying community support, calling for sponsors, volunteers, and everyone in between. The dream is to build silat champions who stay rooted in tradition even as they compete on modern stages.
One of his longest-standing team members is Zulqarnain Abu Hassan, 34. He joined as a teenager after feeling overlooked by peers and wanted something to ground himself.
“Personally, I would say people thought I was vulnerable and took advantage of that,” he shares. “That was the reason I took up Silat in the first place. It gave me confidence and the ability to protect myself.”
Another senior member, Raja Muhammad Irfan, began his training at ten years old. Now 27, he has racked up 17 years of experience and has his sights set on becoming a full-time silat coach.
“I want to go as far as I can. Teaching silat professionally is the goal,” he says with quiet conviction.
While modern trends may favour gym routines and global fitness brands, Silat Seni Gayong remains intact. The students wear black uniforms with coloured sashes to signify rank. Lessons begin with a bow, continue with movement, and end with reflection. The spiritual elements, including the tiger symbolism, are introduced over time, never rushed or diluted.
“It is part of the tradition,” Hafidzul says simply. “We teach it with respect.”
Classes are currently held in schools, community halls, and open fields around Ipoh. And no, you do not have to be Malay or Muslim to join. What matters is your discipline and willingness to learn.
At the end of each session, the energy lingers. Kids gather their gear with flushed faces and quiet pride, while instructors pack up weapons and wipe down sweat. Tradition, here, is not something frozen in history. It is alive, breathing, and being passed forward.
In a world where culture is often watered down or reduced to social media content, Silat Gayong stands its ground. It is not for show. It is taught with effort. With grit. With care.
To learn more or join the next intake, visit Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia on Facebook @PertubuhanSilatSeniGayongMalaysia or contact +6013 590 9407.
