How long is a pencak silat match?
B · Beginner · The match · 2 of 5Seniors, juniors and pre-juniors fight three rounds of 2 minutes, with a minute's rest; younger and older groups fight shorter rounds. Before the match each pesilat salutes and shows 5 to 10 movements from their school. The referee starts with "Mulai" and stops with "Berhenti", and the clock stops when the fight does. Coaches may advise only in breaks.
How it works
- Seniors to pre-juniors: 3 rounds of 2 minutes.
- Singa, Macan, pre-teen: 3 rounds of 90 seconds.
- Masters: 2 rounds, of 90 seconds (A) or 1 minute (B).
- Rest: 1 minute; a clapper at 50 seconds calls pesilat back.
- Before the match: salute, then 5 to 10 school movements, then a handshake.
- Commands: "Bersedia" (ready), "Mulai" (begin), "Berhenti" (stop).
- Clock: stops whenever the referee stops the fight.
- Coaches: up to two, advising only between rounds.
The glossary has the match rounds, the competition commands, the opening movements, the hormat, the coach box and the referee (tanding).
Tricky cases
Can a coach shout advice during a round?
No. Instructions are allowed only in breaks, and talking with outsiders is a light violation for the pesilat.
Does the school's greeting count among the 5 to 10 movements?
No. It is not counted.
Who else may be in the arena?
No one but the referee and the two pesilat, unless the referee asks.
When does a round start and end?
At the gong, struck by the timekeeper.
Why the rule exists
The opening movements and salutes keep the art and its respect at the heart of the sport. Stopping the clock keeps every round its full length of fighting.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-junior to senior | 3 x 2 minutes | Art 2.4b |
| Youngest groups | 3 x 90 seconds | Art 2.4a |
| Master B | 2 x 1 minute | Art 2.4d |
From the rule book
IPSF-PERSILAT, International Pencak Silat Competition Regulations Year 2026, Articles 2.4, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5b. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the PERSILAT competition regulations, 2026 revision.