The term Pentjak Silat refers to many martial arts traditions of Indonesia and Malaysia. Pentjak Silat encompasses thousands of different systems and styles, which can vary considerably. Some styles specialize in sweeps and throws, while others emphasize highly developed striking strategies called Pukulan (consecutive and concise hitting). Certain styles focus on close-quarters stand-up fighting, while others aim to take the fight to the ground as quickly as possible.

Traditional styles are often based on weaponry. In practice, this means that both unarmed and armed combat share the same strategic and tactical principles.

Silat Sera is a traditional style that integrates these elements with a deep understanding of distance, combative timing, and body mechanics. Therefore, training is challenging and requires patience and hard work. We do not compete, and we don't have belt ranks, uniforms, or formalities. The most important thing is the desire to progress, continuously challenge oneself, and help colleagues grow through sharing, respect, and forgiveness.

Our version's History

Pentjak Silat Sera has deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Sundanese and Dutch-Indo communities, originating from the rich martial traditions of Java, Indonesia. Over the years, this art has been carefully preserved, practiced, and passed down by dedicated practitioners who uphold its origins, traditions, and the values it embodies—particularly in Holland, where the art emigrated after the Second World War.

*

Mr. Hannu Hiltunen brought Silat to Finland from the USA in 1986. Since 1996, we have practiced it with Maha Guru Stevan Plinck. Our training group became closed to new students in 1998 when we switched from our previous style, Bukti Negara, to Sera.

*

However, as the world has changed and evolved, so has Sera in most places where it is practiced today. For example, when our teacher brought the art to Finland, he encountered a different teaching environment and the added challenge of seeing us only once a year. This naturally led to an evolution in the teaching pedagogy, adapting to the new situation while maintaining the core of what defines our art as he had learned it.

This evolution reflects not a watering down but a thoughtful and intentional adaptation.

It honors the essence of the original practice while allowing it to thrive in a new context. Our approach in Finland remains rooted in tradition, even as we adapt the teaching methodology—partly old school, as our teacher learned it, and partly experimental, informed by his experience in the US Army Special Forces' basic and advanced skills training programs.

We respect our art's origins and are proud to be part of a living tradition, committed to upholding the integrity and depth of Sera as a whole, in all its forms as practiced today.

Over the years, our group has progressed, (middle-)aged, and also shrunk in size. So it is time to open up a bit. Currently, we have practice groups and individual practitioners in the Capital Region, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Tampere, Turku, and Oulu. If you want to try Sera in a relaxed and informal setting, you are welcome to contact us.

PS: If you decide to write to us, we would appreciate it if you could tell us a little about yourself, any previous martial arts background, and why you are interested in Sera.

Thank you!