Silat Pengantin Workshop

Rizman Hassan, 26, has always been interested in the traditional martial arts of silat since young. His interest turned into unbridled passion after he became an active member of ntusilat club and had since represented his university in many tertiary and national silat competitions during his undergraduate days.

So it was of no surprise when he mooted the idea of learning to perform the silat pengantin which is ubiquitously seen during the wedding ceremonies of Malay brides and bridegrooms. After discovering an article about silat pengantin in a local newspaper, he started to ask around among the ntusilat club members to gauge their interest in learning the art of silat pengantin too.

And so on a rainy night last Monday, 24 March 2008, ntusilat club organised its inaugural silat pengantin workshop for its members. A healthy turnout of 18 participants showed up in Activity Room 2 at around 7.30pm. The night turn into a reunion of sort with the appearance of ntusilat club alumni such as Darwis and Razali who took time off from their busy work to gain some knowledge about this artistic aspect of silat.

Razali, Darwis, Faizal Bulu, Badman and Raihan

The main instructor for the day was Paman Iskandar Muda Abdul Jalil Rais from Singapore Pencak Silat Performing Arts. Accompanying him were his three silat students as his assistants for the night. The night was a mix of theory and practical lessons, starting with a brief self introduction by Paman Iskandar and the rules and regulations of silat pengatin. The compulsory six ‘rukun’s were drilled into the participants as without any of them, the silat pengantin is incomplete. The meaning of each movement of the nine ‘rukun’s was explained in detail as they mirror the actions of a guest visiting the home of his host. Paman Iskandar managed to grab the attention of the participants throughout the night with his good sense of humour and witty comments.

As the night came to a close, Paman Iskandar reminded all the participants to continue practising the nine ‘rukun’s and the flowery movements diligently so that in the future their actions will be smooth and elegant. For sure Rizman will do as advised.

Paman Iskandar with the first ‘rukun’

Trying to wear the ’sampin’

Folding the ‘tanjaks’

Practicing the six ‘rukun’s

One for the night

For more photos, visit ntusilat flickr