What are the events in pencak silat?
B · Beginner · The match · 1 of 5Pencak silat is a martial art of the Malay world, competed in two categories. In tanding, two fighters from the red and blue corners score with punches, kicks and drops. In jurus, competitors perform routines alone, in pairs or in threes, with and without traditional weapons, and are judged on skill and expression. Every event is a knockout.
How it works
- Governing body: PERSILAT, under its 2026 rules.
- Tanding: a match between two fighters, by weight category.
- Jurus: four form events: tunggal, tunggal bebas, ganda and regu.
- Competitors: called pesilat.
- Corners: red and blue, in both categories.
- Format: knockout, from qualifying rounds to the final.
- Principle: every technique starts and ends in the on-guard stance.
- Respect: salutes to officials and opponents open and close every bout.
The glossary has the pencak silat, the PERSILAT, the pesilat, the tanding, the jurus category and the knockout system.
Tricky cases
Is jurus judged on points or head to head?
Both. Jurors give each performance a score, and the higher of red and blue goes through.
Do jurus semi-final losers play for bronze?
No. They share the bronze medal.
Can one pesilat enter both categories?
The rules do not forbid it, and a disqualification in one jurus event does not affect others.
Is the art called silat or pencak silat?
Both names are used; the federation and its rules use pencak silat.
Why the rule exists
The two categories reflect the sport's two sides: combat and art. Knockouts in both make every round a direct contest between two sides.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 rules | Every jurus event a knockout | Art 5.1 |
| 2013 rules | Jurus in pools with scores | IPSA 10.2 |
| Single events | Organised under PERSILAT levels | Art 11 |
From the rule book
IPSF-PERSILAT, International Pencak Silat Competition Regulations Year 2026, Introduction and Articles 1, 4.2 and 5.1 to 5.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the PERSILAT competition regulations, 2026 revision.