On Saturday 12th September 2026, Pencak Silat took centre stage at CelebrAsia, a celebration of South East Asian culture held at Battersea Power Station in London. PSF UK brought together four of its member clubs: Gerak Ilham, Silat Seni Gayong UK, PSHT UK and Kuntao Matjan. Together they shared the Indonesian-Malay martial art with festival-goers through a live stage performance and an open, hands-on workshop.
Each club trains in its own tradition, and the clubs prepared together at a joint rehearsal at the Indonesian Embassy the week before. On the day, they shared one stage.
On Stage
The demonstration opened with a joint performance of the Pola Langkah, before each club took its turn to show what makes its style unique.
The audience saw the full breadth of the art: solo Jurus forms, synchronised trio and team routines, weapon work with the Golok (machete) and Toya (staff), and fast-paced Ganda, a choreographed two-person sequence of attacks, defences and counters. Gerak Ilham's set also featured Tunggal and Regu, two of the artistic categories contested at international Pencak Silat competitions.
To close, performers from Gerak Ilham and Silat Seni Gayong UK came back together for the final movements of the IPSI Pola Langkah, bringing the show full circle.
Try Pencak Silat
Later in the afternoon, the audience got the chance to try it for themselves. After an introduction to Pencak Silat from Pak Philip of Kuntao Matjan, the four clubs each took a corner of the arena and welcomed members of the public in.
Participants learned how to block, counter and retaliate before moving on to kicking pads and finishing with some light Tanding (sport sparring).
The day was warmly received by members of the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) and by the visitors who joined in, several of whom left asking where they could start classes.
Inspired to give it a go?
Pencak Silat is open to everyone, whatever their age or background, and complete beginners are welcome. Find a PSF UK club near you.
