Since Silat is an umbrella term covering many styles, it is not possible to give a single history. Some of the arts are very old (1000 years?), and some were developed less than 50 years ago. Also, as with other arts, the history of Silat is somewhat unclear. There is a mixture of indigenous techniques along with techniques borrowed from Chinese Wu Shu and Indian arts such as Kalaripayit.

Silat practitioners will often prepare themselves mentally to take great punishment from sticks, swords and knifes. The spiritual training can go far beyond that and is intended to create harmony within the practitioner as well.

LINKS:

http://www.atlantamartialarts.com/styles/silat.htm

http://www.martialhub.com/whatis/whatis_pencak_silat.html

trust me it might say kickboxing but it has other martial art’s there including Silat.