URBAN

SILAT GAYONG SHAPING A GOOD PERSONALITY

Tuesday, 20 December 2022
By Aliah Ishak

The rising popularity of silat gayong, which is particularly well-liked among young people, is not restricted to Malay only.

This martial art provides benefits to its members in terms of physical, and mental besides shaping a good personality.

The culture of silat gayong will be revived through the practice of this martial art, which will also promote sports and foster a spirit of brotherhood and goodwill among its practitioners.

This is one of the best reasons for the Chinese and Indians to participate in Silat as it is able to develop their personal character.

According to Berita Harian, silat martial art has been included on the representative list of the nation's intangible cultural heritage by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In Malaysia, there are 240 registered silat associations with 84,000 silat members, with the state of Selangor registering 766 new silat members, including 744 life members, 11 direct members, and 11 annual members.

The majority of members of Silat Gayong are Malay, and both the youngest member, who is just 7, and the oldest member, who is 68 years old, are still actively participating in the group.

Rosman Ismail stated that martial art should be preserved.

(Source: Rosman Ismail)

A member of Lembaga Penapis dan Penasihat Waris Zuriat (ADMAR), Rosman Ismail stated that in the constitution of the art of Silat Gayong Malaysia, all Malaysians regardless of race are welcomed to become members of Silat Gayong.

"We are always seeking new members, particularly from the Chinese and Indian communities, as they should be interested in what Silat Gayong has to offer.

“Among the methods of encouraging them to participate is practicing the martial art in an open court by the side of the road so that people can watch and become interested in it,” he said.

Saiful Mustapa affirms that Gayong Silat Association is not rigidly restricted to certain communities.

(Source: Saiful Mustapa)

According to the Secretary of Persatuan Silat Seni Gayong Negeri Selangor, Saiful Mustapa, there is no obstacle to their participation in the art of silat gayong organization, as religious aspects are not a necessity.

"Silat Gayong are also able to encourage foreigners to learn about Malay culture through the manners and etiquettes that are portrayed in the martial art.

"Even in Silat Gayong, there are members from foreign countries who join the Silat Gayong Art Association solely because of their interest in Malay culture,” he said.

Members of the Silat Gayong Art Association from different countries are undergoing a training session.
(Source: Facebook USGF Malaysia)

The art of Silat Gayong applies the teachings of Islam by reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, Surah Al-Ikhlas and blessings on the Prophet.

The Chinese and Indians, on the other hand, are not required to read the surah but must respect it by remaining silent while it is being read.

Hence, as mentioned, despite several religious elements being practiced in the martial art, they are not being imposed on Silat Gayong members of different beliefs

Like the article? Share it now!