How do you score in pencak silat?
B · Beginner · The match · 3 of 5A punch that lands on the trunk scores 1 point and a kick 2, if it is powerful and stable, unblocked and unevaded, and delivered from a proper stance using the pencak silat principle. The target is the chest, the abdomen above the navel, the ribs and the back. Three jurors score, and they must see the hit.
How it works
- Punch or elbow: 1 point.
- Kick: 2 points.
- Drop: 3 points.
- Target: chest, abdomen above the navel, ribs, back.
- Arms and legs: may be struck on the way but never score.
- Requirements: power, stability, firm stance, no grabbing, not blocked or evaded.
- Caught kick: still scores if it landed first.
- Repeats: the same punch on the spot scores only 1; the same kick without the foot down only 2.
The glossary has the technical score, the target area, the kaidah, the sikap pasang, the pola langkah and the jurors.
Tricky cases
A kick lands, then the opponent catches the leg. Does it score?
Yes. A valid kick still scores if it is caught afterwards.
A punch hits the opponent's arm as they block. A point?
No. A blocked attack does not score.
A pesilat kicks three times without putting the foot down. How many points?
Only 2, if the same technique is repeated.
Is a hit below the navel scored?
No. It is a serious violation.
Why the rule exists
Rewarding only clean, powerful hits from a proper stance keeps the sport true to the art. Limiting repeats stops flurries of light taps from piling up points.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 rules | Repeats capped at 1 or 2 | Rev T19, T20 |
| 2013 rules | Counter after a defence added 1 point | IPSA 9.6.7 |
| Scoring | Must be visible to the jurors | Rev T13 |
From the rule book
IPSF-PERSILAT, International Pencak Silat Competition Regulations Year 2026, Articles 4.5a, 4.5c, 4.5f and 7.5b, and revision notes 13, 19 and 20. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the PERSILAT competition regulations, 2026 revision.