Ancient martial arts
CAPTIVATING images of two Indonesian males practising the ancient sixth-century martial art of Pencak Silat have been snapped.
High-energy images show the fighters dressed in traditional clothing and headdresses.
One fighter is raised up in the air performing a flying kick while the other lays on the ground in a defensive pose.
Other pictures show the fighters practising with knives, and in another, a fighter is being thrown to the ground.
This martial art is said to have originated in sixth-century Indonesia as a means of self-defence and encompasses a variety of fighting styles originating from Indonesia.
It has since turned into a competitive sport practised in many South Asian countries.
Pencak Silat involves, striking, grappling techniques, and throwing, fighters are also allowed to use certain types of weapons.
The martial art involves full-body fighting, where any part of the body can be used and any part of the body can be attacked.
These images were captured by photographer Yan Hidayat (44), from West Sumatra, Indonesia.
“Pencak Silat has existed in Indonesia since ancient times and I have always been curious about this fighting style,” he told mediadrumworld.com.
“Historians reveal that pencak silat was first found in Riau province during the Srivijaya kingdom in the sixth century.
“At that time, Pencak Silat was still simple, in the form of hand and foot movements.
“I was beyond excited when I got the opportunity to photograph the men performing silat live and learn more about this art form.”
ENDS.