What are tunggal, ganda and regu in pencak silat?
B · Beginner · Jurus · 5 of 5The jurus category has four events. In tunggal one pesilat performs the standard routine, unarmed then with golok and staff. In regu three perform the standard team routine in unison. In ganda two choreograph a realistic fight with weapons, and in tunggal bebas one performs a free routine with a traditional weapon, music allowed.
How it works
- Tunggal: one pesilat; the standard single routine; 3 minutes.
- Regu: three pesilat; the standard team routine, unarmed; 3 minutes.
- Ganda: two pesilat; a choreographed fight; 3 minutes.
- Tunggal bebas: one pesilat; free choreography with a weapon; 1 to 3 minutes.
- Each round: red against blue, after salutes and opening movements.
- Start: anywhere in the area, at the gong.
- Limit: at most two performances a day.
- No-show: out of that event, but not of others.
The glossary has the tunggal, the regu, the ganda, the tunggal bebas, the jurus round and the Jurus Tunggal Baku and Jurus Wajib Regu.
Tricky cases
Does a regu routine use weapons?
No. Regu is performed empty-handed.
Can a tunggal bebas routine use music?
Yes, live or recorded.
How does a tunggal routine end?
In the sempok position with the stick held behind the back.
How does a regu routine end?
Seated upright with the hands on the thighs.
Why the rule exists
The fixed routines test accuracy against a common standard. The choreographed events reward creativity in attack, defence and weapon play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tunggal and regu | Fixed routine | Art 1.2a, d |
| Ganda and tunggal bebas | Own choreography and synopsis | Art 5.12 |
| Pesta Sukan 2026 | Free solo called solo creative | PS 9 |
From the rule book
IPSF-PERSILAT, International Pencak Silat Competition Regulations Year 2026, Articles 1.2, 5.1 to 5.3, 5.10 and 5.21, and the jurus revision notes 4 and 5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the PERSILAT competition regulations, 2026 revision.