Ramadhani

Although the debates are still ongoing, there is a certain belief that the martial art of silat came from the deep trenches of Minangkabau, West Sumatra. One humorous myth believes that silat or silek, which essentially means killing in a swift manner, originated from someone’s need to avoid a flying broomstick
launched by a mother’s anger. As time goes on, authentic silat is getting harder and harder to find.

Born and bred on the island of Java, 65-year-old silat artist Muhajirin Tanjung Imam Nan Basa was a student of warriors from West Sumatra. Imam learned the art of Silek Tuo at the age of 8. It was considered the mother of all silat disciplines in the region.

During his time serving in the military, Imam learnt a variety of martial arts from various countries. He found that silat was the most effective way to kill someone. He added that the Dutch struggled to defeat Pauh and Koto Tangah in West Sumatra’s Padang during the colonial era, as the area was home to tough silat warriors.

The Silek Tuo Langkah Ampek (Old Silat of Four Steps), Imam found, was aligned with the Islamic values he believed in. Therefore, silat was not something to be taken lightly. “Silat is a means to connect with fellow humans,” he said.

In 1987, he went back to his home town in Maninjau, West Sumatra. At the time, fights between warriors were not uncommon, although they were done secretly. People would know the winner simply by seeing who was still alive the next day.

No longer a young man today, Imam continues to delve deeper into silat. After retirement, he lived as a farmer as he believed the occupation required him to constantly exercise his mind and body. He found that silat was similar to a piece of timeless clothing he could always wear and renew.

With several students under his guidance, Imam is still open to those who want to learn silat. He said he believes the martial art is something to be shared as long as he is alive. In his every step, Imam preserves silat as it lives in his body and mind. (wng)