However many believed that Philippines fighting systems have strong historical roots from Malay martial arts such as silat which was arrived earlier than 19th century.
According to history Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in 1521 by forces of the Mactan tribal who used as silat as their fighting systems.
It is also believed that the ninth century Tang dynasty brought goods to the Philippines from East Asia and Malay peninsula. This countries’ combat methods of Kuntau and silat had a great influence on the development of Kali, the mother art of the Philippines.
According to Moro people, it is a malayan word which means offensive and defense with bladed weapon. It is also refers to actual combat. In Philippine the term of silat means ‘kilat’ or lighting referring to the speed of execution.
The silat utilizes hand and foot strikes, throws and locks and attacks to vulnerable points in the body. The Filipino type of silat is often label as kuntau silat.
The silat lessons here are considered top secret by both teacher and students and not everybody can witness the exercise and play.
Silat in Southern Philippine
