ORIGINAL STREAMS
Regional traditions such as Cimande, Cikalong and Sera carry methods identified with their places and communities of origin.
OUR STORY / THE ORIGINS OF THE WAIEVERY JOURNEY
EVERY JOURNEY
BEGINS WITH A QUESTION.
Why do some of the world’s richest fighting traditions remain little known beyond the communities that carry them?
THE WAI / INDONESIA & BEYONDSCROLL TO DISCOVER ↓
There is more
to discover.
When most people think of martial arts, they think of Japan, China, Thailand or Brazil. Few realise that Indonesia possesses one of the richest and most diverse martial cultures in the world.
Across the Indonesian archipelago, warrior traditions evolved to meet the needs of different communities, landscapes and ways of life. Many remain little known outside the places where they live.
The WAI was created to help change that.
LEARN WHERE THE ARTS LIVE01 / FIELD STUDY
Preserve with respect.
Learn with humility.
Teach with purpose.
The WAI documents, preserves and shares Indonesia’s martial heritage through respectful collaboration with people who continue to practise these traditions today.
Our work combines direct study with teachers, cultural research, documentary filmmaking, practical training and long-term relationships with Indonesian communities.
These arts deserve to be understood within their cultural context, not simply copied as collections of techniques.
A PERSONAL JOURNEYFour decades.
Four decades.
One continuing journey.
Founded in 2012 by Johnny Silmon, The WAI grew from more than 25 years of study, repeated travel through Indonesia, training with teachers of different traditions and enduring friendships.
The work continues through direct practice, documentation and a deeper appreciation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
A LIVING MARTIAL HERITAGEHISTORY / PRACTICE
Many streams.
Many ways of moving.
Silat’s history stretches across the cultures of the Indonesian archipelago. Trade, kingdoms, community needs and generations of teachers have all shaped the arts practised today.
SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT
Schools bring together training ideas and methods under a teacher or institution. Their value lies in the depth of the practice and the understanding of those who carry it.
WHAT MAKES THE WAI DIFFERENTOUR APPROACH
01
DIRECT LINEAGE
Knowledge gained through long-term relationships with recognised teachers.
02
FIELD RESEARCH
Learning where the arts were created, not only from secondary sources.
03
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Understanding traditions through training as well as observation.
04
CULTURAL RESPECT
Recognising that martial arts cannot be separated from the communities that created them.
WORDS FROM THE COMMUNITYTESTIMONIALS
“His knowledge of the tradition is deep and wide.”
“He is generous and open-hearted.”
“His knowledge is exceptional.”
Every teacher retains
their own voice.
The WAI brings together training, films, research, seminars and published magazines. Each project helps share living knowledge while respecting its source.