Silat Martial Arts Academy is an institution dedicated to preserving and growing the ancient art of pencak silat through education and tutelage. We offer a full curriculum where students can learn the art of pencak silat. It is our intent to teach you traditional pencak silat from all aspects that includes culture, self-defense, weapons, inner power, and the artistic aspect.
Each our our instructors have a minimum of 20 years experience in pencak silat. They travel to Indonesia regularly for training, conduct local seminars, perform pencak silat demonstrations, coached the US Silat Team to international silat competitions.
Instructors
Wona Sumantri, BS, MIS
Head Instructor
Kak Wona Sumantri has been studying pencak silat for over 30 years and comes from a family of pencak silat practitioners. His native roots are of Sundanese ethnicity of West Java. He was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and raised in the USA. He was exposed to pencak silat through his father who trained in a traditional West Javanese pencak silat called Cimande. His knowledge of the technical aspects of pencak silat draws respect from pencak silat practitioners from different styles. Over the years he has studied various pencak silat systems that includes Al-Azhar Seni Bela Diri, Bangau Putih, Cimande, Harimau Singgalang, Maung Lugay, Panca Sakti and Satria Fighting Arts (SFA). Kak Wona travels frequently to Indonesia and has an understanding of both Indonesian and American cultures. He frequently performs demonstrations at various local events and gives seminars. He currently trains and teaches SFA and is a certified SFA instructor.
Richard Subaran
Senior Instructor
Kak Richard Subaran joined pencak silat Al-Azhar in 1985. He was one of the first Americans to join pencak silat Al-Azhar. He obtained his instructor level under a former Al-Azhar head instructors Kak Ocenk Basri and Kak Tonny Makmun. He coaches the US Silat Team and has helped the team win gold, silver, and bronze in international silat competitions. He had traveled to indonesia on multiple occasions and continues to train and hone his abilities with the intention of being a better instructor.
Rendy Sumantri, BS, MIS
Senior Instructor
Kak Rendy is the younger brother of Kak Wona Sumantri. He has studied pencak silat in Indonesia and obtained his instructor level with Kak Wona. Kak Rendy and Kak Wona have created a dynamic team that perform pencak silat regularly at demos in the Washington, DC area and teaches at the academy weekly. Rendy is the youngest of the active instructors but never ceases to dazzle onlookers by his agility and knowledge of pencak silat. He currently trains and teaches SFA and is a certified SFA instructor.