The Al-Azhar martial arts school is committed to excellence in teaching and the highest quality instruction in martial arts and fitness. The Al-Azhar school has been in existence for close to 40 years and has held classes in the VA area for over 10 years.  The instructors Kak Terra Kurnia and Kak Abdul-Malik Ahmad are world title holders in forms, weapons, sparring and breaking. Although there are over 100 students in the school, Al-Azhar silat is committed to quality instruction in the martial arts and many of its students have received first place in local and national tournaments.

Al-Azhar Silat’s methodology is to have youth develop a superior level of spiritual,  physical and mental fitness. Students are motivated to learn in a positive and safe atmosphere of encouragement and fun. Discipline is taught through in a firm but loving manner. Students who participate in the program have increased also self-confidence, focus, discipline and physical fitness. Students are rewarded for mastering Silat techniques as well as accomplishments in school, etc.

Pencak Silat or Silat (pronounced pen-chak see-lot) which means “fighting by using techniques of self-defense” is a Southeast Asian martial art rooted in Islam and the culture of the Malay people. This art is widely known in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore but can also be found in varying degrees within countries such as Thailand and the Philippines amongst others. It is estimated that there are hundreds of styles and thousands of schools. Many of the styles find their origin in the observation of wild animals fighting. “Harimau” (Tiger) and “Garuda” (Eagle) are some examples. There are four main aspects to Pencak Silat:

• The “Mental-Spiritual” (mental and spiritual) aspect: Pencak Silat builds and develops the personality and noble character of oneself
• The “Bela Diri” (self-defense) aspect: Self-confidence and perseverance are very important.
• The “Seni Budaya” or “Bunga” (culture, art) aspect: Culture and performing the “art” of Pencak Silat is very important.
• The “Olahraga” (sport) aspect: This means that the physical aspect of Pencak Silat is important. We try to have a sound mind in a sound body. Competitions are part of this aspect. There are full-contact fights, as well as form demonstrations.

Pencak Silat has a wide variety of defense and attacking techniques. Practitioners may use hands, elbows, arms, legs, knees and feet in attacks. Common techniques include kicking, hitting, tripping, sweeps, locks, takedowns, throws, strangles, and joint breaking. The Silat practitioner also practices with Jurus. A Jurus is a series of meta-movements used as a guide to learn the applications.