Silat Defence Techniques E
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Silat Stance·Pencak Silat Canada
This is a summary of Basic Silat Defence techniques from a resting position (not a fighting position) although they can …
Silat Stance
Familyシラット・スタンス(Shiratto Sutansu)
descriptiveTranslation: Pencak Silat fighting positions
Overview
Silat Stances (kuda-kuda and sikap pasang) are the foundational fighting positions of Pencak Silat, the martial art of the Malay Archipelago. [1] Unlike the upright guards of boxing or karate, Silat stances are characterized by low centers of gravity, wide or asymmetric bases, and constant transitional movement between levels — from standing to deep crouch to ground. [1] The stances serve as the launching platform for Silat's distinctive combination of strikes, sweeps, locks, and throws, and they are designed for the uneven terrain and close-quarters combat environments of Southeast Asia. [2] Each Silat aliran (style) maintains its own set of named stances, but common principles include: weight distribution for rapid direction change, a bladed body angle to minimize the target area, and hands positioned to both guard and redirect incoming attacks. [2] The family includes animal-inspired stances such as Harimau (tiger), which fights from ground level, as well as more conventional standing guards. [1],[2]
Kuda-KudaSikap PasangLangkah StanceSilat GuardPencak Silat Stance
History & Origin
Silat stances derive from the indigenous fighting systems of the Malay Archipelago — primarily Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the southern Philippines. [1] Each regional style (aliran) developed stances adapted to local terrain and combat needs: Minangkabau styles developed the low Harimau (tiger) stance for mountainous terrain, while coastal Malay styles maintained higher stances for fighting on boats and in water. [2] The stances were formalized through the jurus (forms) and buah (combat applications) training systems that have been passed down through oral and physical lineage for centuries. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
Silat stances provide excellent stability and multi-directional attack capability due to the low center of gravity. [1] The constant level-changing makes the Silat fighter unpredictable and difficult to strike. However, the deep stances demand significant leg conditioning and are less practical for fighters without specific Silat training. [2]
Lineage
Pencak Silat lineage: indigenous fighting systems of the Malay Archipelago — transmitted through regional aliran (styles) and guru (masters) across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the southern Philippines. Minangkabau lineage for Harimau style from West Sumatra. [1]
Competition Record
Used in IPSF Pencak Silat tanding (match) competition. Pencak Silat was featured as a medal sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. Regional Silat tournaments are held across Southeast Asia. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing a stable base with a low center of gravity for multi-directional movement and attacks
Joints Involved — Deep hip and knee flexion (low stance), ankles (balance), spine (forward lean or upright depending on style)
Force Vector — Varies — stances enable strikes, sweeps, and takedowns in all directions
Key Principle — Constant transition between stance levels (standing → crouching → ground) rather than holding a static position
Position & Entry
From neutral standing — Lower the center of gravity by bending the knees and widening the base into the appropriate kuda-kuda
From a retreating step — Drop into a low stance to evade a high attack and prepare a counter-sweep
From langkah (footwork) — Step patterns naturally flow into specific fighting stances
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
These are guard positions, not attacks. Risk of knee strain from deep stances during training.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
IPSF Pencak Silat— stances are the foundation of all competition technique {...
Unified MMA— all stances permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFTraining Notes
✓Build leg strength and flexibility progressively — Silat stances demand deep knee flexion
✓Practice langkah (footwork patterns) to develop smooth transitions between stances
✓Every stance should enable immediate attack or defense — never hold a dead position
✓Train on varied surfaces (grass, sand, slopes) as Silat stances were designed for natural terrain
✓Low stances require strong ankles — supplement with balance exercises
Common Mistakes
!Holding stances statically — Silat stances are meant to be transitional
!Keeping the center of gravity too high — loses the evasive advantage
!Neglecting the hands — both hands must guard and prepare for redirection
!Not training transitions — moving between stances is more important than any single stance
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Langkah entry (footwork) → settle into kuda-kuda → launch sweep or strike from low base
2Standing exchange → drop to Harimau stance → sweep standing opponent's legs
3Defensive retreat → drop level into sikap pasang → counter-attack from low angle
Sources & References
Primary Source
Draeger, D.F. (1972). Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia. Tuttle Publishing.
1BookDraeger, D.F. (1972). Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia. Tuttle Publishing.
[1] Draeger, Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia (1972), chapters on Pencak Silat stance systems and regional styles
2Bookde Bordes, J. (2002). Pukulan Pencak Silat: Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals. Paladin Press.
[2] de Bordes, Pukulan Pencak Silat (2002), sections on kuda-kuda and sikap pasang
3CitationDraeger, D.F. (1972). Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia. Tuttle Publishing.
[1] Draeger, Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia (1972), chapters on Pencak Silat stance systems and regional styles
4Citationde Bordes, J. (2002). Pukulan Pencak Silat: Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals. Paladin Press.
[2] de Bordes, Pukulan Pencak Silat (2002), sections on kuda-kuda and sikap pasang
Community
Athletics
Requires
strong legs for deep knee flexion, flexible hips, good ankle stability
Favours
lower body strength, flexibility
Key muscles
quadriceps, gluteus maximus, hip adductors, calves, core stabilizers
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is positioning behind my opponent important in Silat stance?
According to Pencak Silat Canada instructors, positioning yourself towards your opponent's back gives you a significant advantage because they can only see with one eye and lose situational awareness, making them easier to control.
What should beginners focus on when learning Silat defense techniques?
Pencak Silat Canada recommends that beginners stick to basic techniques and avoid advanced variations until they have more experience, emphasizing that mastery requires consistent practice and speed development.
How do I defend against a straight punch versus a hook in Silat?
Pencak Silat Canada teaches that against a straight punch you can move inside or outside, but against a hook you are already caught inside and must use different defensive mechanics to escape danger and move to your opponent's back.
How does the Silat Stance work?
Silat Stances (kuda-kuda and sikap pasang) are the foundational fighting positions of Pencak Silat, the martial art of the Malay Archipelago. Unlike the upright guards of boxing or karate, Silat stances are characterized by low centers of gravity, wide or asymmetric bases, and constant transitional movement between levels — from standing to deep crouch to ground.
Where does the Silat Stance come from?
Silat stances derive from the indigenous fighting systems of the Malay Archipelago — primarily Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the southern Philippines. Each regional style (aliran) developed stances adapted to local terrain and combat needs: Minangkabau styles developed the low Harimau (tiger) stance for mountainous terrain, while coastal Malay styles maintained higher stances for fighting on boats and in water.
Is the Silat Stance legal in competition?
IPSF Pencak Silat: Legal: legal — stances are the foundation of all competition technique; Unified MMA: Legal: legal — all stances permitted
How dangerous is the Silat Stance?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — these are guard positions, not attacks. Risk of knee strain from deep stances during training.
How do I set up the Silat Stance?
The standard setup chain: Langkah entry (footwork) → settle into kuda-kuda → launch sweep or strike from low base → Standing exchange → drop to Harimau stance → sweep standing opponent's legs → Defensive retreat → drop level into sikap pasang → counter-attack from low angle.
How do I defend against the Silat Stance?
Standard counters include: Low kicks — attack the deeply bent lead knee / Pressure forward — close distance to prevent level changes / Takedown from above — use the low position against the fighter by sprawling on top.
What are the variants of the Silat Stance?
Common variants: Kuda-kuda depan (front horse stance with weight on the lead leg); Kuda-kuda belakang (rear-weighted stance for defensive positioning); Kuda-kuda samping (side horse stance with lateral weight distribution); Sikap pasang (ready position (specific to each style)); Harimau (tiger ground stance (see child entry)).
How effective is the Silat Stance in competition?
Used in IPSF Pencak Silat tanding (match) competition. Pencak Silat was featured as a medal sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
What are common mistakes when doing the Silat Stance?
Top errors to watch for: Holding stances statically — Silat stances are meant to be transitional / Keeping the center of gravity too high — loses the evasive advantage / Neglecting the hands — both hands must guard and prepare for redirection / Not training transitions — moving between stances is more important than any single stance.
What are other names for the Silat Stance?
The Silat Stance is also known as Shiratto Sutansu, Kuda-Kuda, Sikap Pasang, Langkah Stance, Silat Guard.