Syamsul Ariffin (left) with UTM Pencak Silat Club members. — Courtesy photo
ONCE viewed primarily as a traditional martial art, Pencak Silat is re-emerging in schools and universities as a powerful tool for developing discipline, resilience and self-respect.
For many students, the practice is also becoming a shield against bullying.
Pencak Silat coach Syamsul Ariffin Abdul Muid witnessed this transformation while teaching at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor.
“Silat is not about aggression. It teaches patience, respect and how to stand tall without hurting others,” said the 44-year-old former police sergeant.
He added that when students embraced its philosophy, they would become calmer and more confident individuals who were less likely to bully or be bullied.
Syamsul Ariffin, who retired last July after 24 years with the force, has mentored dozens of athletes at UTM’s Pencak Silat Club since 2011.
He said the surge in youth interest was partly due to the film Mat Kilau, which renewed pride in Malay martial arts.
“After the movie came out, students started joining not just for competitions but also to understand the culture,” he said.
“Some schools even set up silat clubs for co-curricular points, but the bigger reward is in how it shapes manners and mindset,” Syamsul Ariffin said.
UTM Sports Science senior lecturer Dr Hadafi Fitri Mohd Latip said silat offered critical balance between strength and ethics.
“Silat teaches practitioners how to be brave without being violent and to win without humiliating others.
“It builds emotional control, discipline and empathy. Those qualities reduce bullying behaviours,” he said.
Hadafi added that students training in silat often performed better academically and socially.
“They are more focused, more respectful and more grounded, because silat develops both the body and the character.
“It teaches time management, humility and teamwork,” he said.
UTM plans to expand its silat activities by collaborating with Johor Sports Council and Johor Education Department.
The university is aiming to fully integrate martial arts into co-curricular and volunteer programmes, and plans to apply sports technology like motion analysis to training.
“Our dream is to make silat part of every student’s journey, not just as a sport, but as a way of building character and resilience,” Hadafi said.
