About

Silat Institute of Virginia is an institution dedicated to martial arts through the structure and heritage of Pencak Silat, a dynamic art from South-East Asia. We offer multiple curriculums where students can learn the art of Pencak Silat according to their age and interest. In addition to the traditional aspects of Pencak Silat, aspects that include culture, self-defense, weapons, inner power, and the artistic aspect, we also have a strong foundation in modern Silat (sport Silat (Olahraga), grappling and MMA. We are an affiliate of the USA Pencak Silat Federation.

Our Silat martial arts program has been in existence for close to 40 years and has held classes in the VA area for over 10 years. We teach a unique style that has influences from several schools of Silat including Perisai Diri, Al-Azhar, Tapak Suci and also styles or alirans such as Cimande, Silek Harimau and others.

Who We Are

Over 20 Years Of Silat Instruction

Silat Martial Arts of Virginia is committed to quality instruction in the martial arts and many of its students have received first place in local and national tournaments. In addition to this, our students have excelled not only physically and athletically , but have also achieved highest honors in their academic endeavors. Our students have been accepted to top universities and continue to excel in many areas.

Watching our international tournament videos, featuring our very own USA Team. Be inspired by the USA Pencak Silat Federation team’s dedication and prowess, as they represent our nation’s talent and spirit in this fascinating martial art.

Our Pencak Silat program, a cornerstone of martial arts in the Washington DC area, has flourished for nearly 40 years, initially under the tutelage of Kak Sentosa (Ocenk) Basri and Kak Tony Makmun. Prominent early students like Kak Wona Sumantri and Kak Alex Tobing have been instrumental in this journey. Kak Alex began teaching at a local Muslim community center in Maryland (MCC), where he inspired students, including Abdul-Malik. Abdul-Malik’s training progressed at the Embassy of Indonesia, under the guidance of revered instructors such as Kak Ricky Usman, Kak Francis Soetopo, Kak Richard Subaran and Kak Poppy Budhiastuti, along with continued learning from Kak Alex and Kak Wona.

Kak Wona Sumantri, with his deep Silat roots and over 25 years of experience, has been a vital link in connecting the Indonesian and American Silat communities. His dedication to the art is evident in his efforts to unify curriculums and his regular training trips to Indonesia and to Europe to train with masters in Pencak Silat. We also take pride in our affiliation with the USA Pencak Silat Federation (UPSF), which further strengthens our connection to the broader Silat community and provides our students with opportunities for national and international exposure. This partnership with UPSF not only elevates our training standards but also aligns us with the evolving global Silat scene, ensuring our legacy continues to grow and our students receive the best of both traditional and modern Pencak Silat teachings.