My name is Muneeb Solomons, and I am a Pencak Silat Martial Artist.

Martial arts did not always interest me as I would see guys, who have practiced karate for many
years, getting robbed and killed because they were not able to defeat anyone in a street fight. I
thought to myself, Whats the point of learning self-defense if its not going to help you in the street
when you are in a life or death situation?

Three years ago I was introduced to the Martial Art form known as Seni Silat Pukulan Melaka. It was
by chance that I ended up at that class. Since then I have never looked back and never regretted one
day spent training. The guy who had convinced me to accompany him to the Silat introduction class
has never returned to Silat. However, I continued to attend classes as I found Silat to be unique and I
have had practical exposure to self-defense (Beladiri) from the art form:
Learning to evade attackers strike(s) to the face and body; counter attacks; evading a knife, stick or
any sort of weapon. We also learn to apply certain techniques, such as the buah pukulan 1, which
is a combination of blocking, evading and attacking simultaneously and then locking. If this
technique, the buah pukulan 1 for example, is applied correctly it would send an attacker onto the
ground, unconscious and immobilized.
This is one of the many things that kept me coming back to class. Holistically it improved me as an
individual. My fitness levels increased and my mental ability improved, making it possible for me to
adjust in tight situations and to always think about the next move.

Silat also has artistic (Seni), sporting (Olaraga) and spiritual (Isi/Ilmu) aspects. My favourite is the
spiritual aspect: When we begin our training we start off with reciting the Surah Fatiha, three Quls
and Salawat. We then blow into in our hands and wipe over our body. Afterwards we perform
Hormat, which is a set of movements that symbolize respect, strength and putting your trust in
Allah (swt).
What stands out the most in my Silat training is the Adab of my teacher, Abang Faheem Jackson. I
believe that whoever you learn from has to have good character as this will rub off on you as a
student.

The sporting aspect of Silat is what keeps me motivated to train very hard, hopeful that one day I will
be able to participate in the Silat world tournament and apply what I have learnt in class. Never in
my life have I experienced a tournament of this nature. I have always dreamed of representing my
country in a world tournament.
Alhamdulillah I am presented with the opportunity to represent South Africa in the Silat World
Tournament. It has made me train even harder, pushing my body to its limit so that I can be fit
enough to compete with the best. I intend to fight for gold insha-Allah, even though it is my first
time competing. With hard work and dedication, and not forgetting lots of DUA, nothing is
impossible!

My experience with Silat has been a very good one. I would recommend Silat to everyone searching
for friendship, spirituality, good character, and self-defense and being able to defend others.