Sejarah silat Beksi

Summary

Beksi is a martial art with mysterious origins, rooted in the 19th century in areas around Batavia (now Jakarta). Two main versions of its creation exist, both involving skilled fighters learning techniques from supernatural sources, particularly a White Tiger spirit. Over generations, Beksi spread through notable figures, including Kong Ghazali and Kong Nur, expanding to areas like Bogor, Bekasi, and Karawang. Today, it is organized into a formal system, although it remains outside Indonesia’s official silat associations due to its dangerous, full-contact nature. The art combines physical discipline with spiritual practices, emphasizing respect, purity, and strength in its training.

Takeaways

• 😀 Beksi silat originated in the 19th century in the outskirts of Batavia, now Jakarta, with two key origin stories.
• 😀 The first origin story involves a Chinese landowner, Tuan Tanah Kedaung, who organized a challenge to defeat his corrupt enforcer, Ki Kenongo. The winner, Gizi, introduced the Beksi martial art after learning it from a mystical White Tiger spirit.
• 😀 The second origin story revolves around Raja Bulu, a martial artist with a mute son who secretly learned silat from the White Tiger spirit in the forest and later developed his own unique style.
• 😀 Beksi silat spread throughout regions such as Tangerang, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi, and Karawang, with influential figures like Ki Marhali and Kong Ghazali helping to teach and popularize it.
• 😀 Kong Ghazali, a key figure in the development of Beksi, became a Lurah during the Indonesian Revolution and played a significant role in protecting his village and promoting Beksi martial arts.
• 😀 Kong Nur, born in 1901, was another prominent figure who not only mastered silat but also integrated religious teachings, such as Islam, into his practice of Beksi.
• 😀 Kong Has, born in 1923, was known as a key disciple of Kong Ghazali, helping to expand Beksi silat to more regions and contributing to its continued growth.
• 😀 The Beksi martial art is characterized by strong stances, rigorous physical practices (such as stomping), and spiritual rituals known as 'Rasul' to invoke strength, protection, and discipline from Allah.
• 😀 The 'Rasul' ritual is a key part of learning Beksi, involving prayers, recitations of Islamic verses, and physical practices that are believed to improve the student's strength, discipline, and connection to their teacher.
• 😀 Despite its growing popularity and over 5,000 members, Beksi silat is not yet officially recognized by the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI), mainly due to its full-body contact techniques and potentially dangerous movements.
• 😀 Beksi silat is continuously evolving with a new generation of practitioners, including influential figures like Abdul Aziz and Farid Bustomi, who are helping to organize and structure the practice more formally.

Q & A

What is the origin of the Beksi silat?

Beksi silat originated in the mid-19th century, with two main versions explaining its origins. One version attributes its creation to a fight between a centeng named Ki Kenongo and a challenger who learned the art from a White Tiger spirit. The other version involves Raja Bulu and his mute son learning silat from a White Tiger spirit in the forest.

Who were some of the key figures in the early development of Beksi silat?

Key figures in the early development of Beksi silat include Ki Kenongo, Gizi, Kong Ghazali, Kong Nur, and Kong Has. They helped spread and refine the techniques, with Kong Ghazali playing a significant role during the Indonesian revolution.

How did Beksi silat spread to different regions in Indonesia?

Beksi silat spread through the efforts of various masters such as Ki Cengok and Ki Marhali, who taught in areas like Kampung Dadap, Tangerang. The art then reached Jakarta, Bogor, Bekasi, and Karawang, and continued to expand with figures like Kong Ghazali and Kong Has.

What is the significance of the 'Rasul' in Beksi silat?

The 'Rasul' is an important ritual in Beksi silat, involving prayer and blessings from religious figures. It is believed to grant the practitioner strength and protection, and it is said that skipping the Rasul ritual can lead to negative consequences like blindness, broken bones, or conflicts with the teacher.

What role did Kong Ghazali play in Beksi silat?

Kong Ghazali, born in 1891, was a prominent figure in Beksi silat, having learned from Ki Cengok and Ki Marhali. He helped spread Beksi silat, especially during the Indonesian revolution, where he also became a village leader to protect the community from bandits.

What is the 'kuda-kuda' stance in Beksi silat, and why is it important?

The 'kuda-kuda' is a stance in Beksi silat that must be both strong and flexible. It helps the practitioner remain grounded while being able to evade attacks. A strong 'kuda-kuda' also contributes to the practitioner's ability to deliver powerful strikes and absorb blows.

How does Beksi silat training relate to discipline and respect?

In Beksi silat, discipline and respect are crucial. Practitioners must follow strict rules, including maintaining personal hygiene and being respectful towards their teachers. Disrespect or lack of discipline can result in the teacher withholding further instruction.

What is the significance of the 'sayembara' (competition) in the history of Beksi silat?

The 'sayembara' was a competition held by a Chinese landowner in Tangerang, where fighters were challenged to defeat Ki Kenongo, his corrupt bodyguard. Gizi, who participated in the competition and defeated Ki Kenongo, became famous for his silat skills and is associated with the development of Beksi silat.

How is Beksi silat organized today?

Today, Beksi silat has evolved into a structured and organized martial art. It has a membership of over 5,000 people spread across the Jabotabek area and other parts of Java. Despite its popularity, Beksi silat is still not officially recognized by the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) due to its dangerous and deadly techniques.

Who are some notable modern-day practitioners of Beksi silat?

Notable modern-day practitioners of Beksi silat include figures from the fourth generation such as Abdul Aziz, Farid Bustomi, and Haji Imron. These practitioners continue to preserve and promote Beksi silat, ensuring its survival and growth into the future.