Frequently Asked Questions

Sendeng Teratai is largely self-funded and sustained through the personal contributions of our Guru as well as donations from well-wishers and individuals who believe in our cause. We do not receive any financial support from external organizations or institutions.

As a non-profit entity, our mission is to make Silat accessible to all, particularly those who may not have the financial means to train in martial arts. The dedication of our coaches, team managers, and volunteers—who serve without financial compensation—ensures that our resources go directly into sustaining and improving the learning experience for our pesilats.

We welcome and appreciate any contributions from parents and supporters who wish to assist in sustaining our efforts. These contributions help fund training equipment, venue costs, and other essential needs that allow us to continue providing quality training at minimal cost.

Sendeng Teratai remains committed to preserving and promoting Silat as both a martial art and a cultural heritage, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of those who help us keep this tradition alive.

All coaches and team managers in Sendeng Teratai are volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise purely out of passion for Silat and the community. None of them receive any financial compensation for their service.

Each of our coaches and team managers holds their own careers, personal commitments, and family responsibilities, yet they continue to contribute selflessly to the growth and development of our pesilats. Their dedication stems from a deep love for the art of Silat, a commitment to nurturing discipline and character, and a belief in the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Sendeng Teratai operates as a non-profit entity, with the primary goal of making Silat accessible to all, rather than for financial gain. Every training session, event, and competition is driven by a spirit of volunteerism and community service, ensuring that our students receive authentic and meaningful guidance from individuals who are genuinely committed to their growth.

We appreciate the support and understanding of our community in recognizing and respecting the sacrifices made by our volunteers, as they balance their professional and personal lives while continuing to give back to the art they love.

Sendeng Teratai is both a traditional and competitive Silat group, striking a balance between preserving the rich heritage of Pencak Silat and adapting to modern competitive formats.

At its core, Sendeng Teratai remains deeply rooted in traditional Silat, emphasizing self-discipline, character development, and cultural appreciation. Students are taught the philosophies, values, and techniques that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that the art is not only practiced but also understood in its historical and cultural context.

At the same time, Sendeng Teratai actively supports competition training for those who wish to test their skills in the modern Silat arena. Students have the opportunity to compete in national and international tournaments, where they can refine their techniques, gain valuable experience, and represent the art in a sporting environment.

Whether a student’s goal is to train in Silat for self-improvement, cultural enrichment, or competition, Sendeng Teratai provides an environment where both traditional values and competitive excellence are nurtured side by side.

Mastering Silat is a journey that demands patience, persistence, and dedication at every stage. Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace, focusing on mastering each technique before moving forward. By emphasizing proper form and precision during the foundational stages, students can build a strong foundation, avoid bad habits, and ensure their movements are both effective and efficient.

At the advanced stage, Silat practitioners refine their skills through meticulous practice. This involves enhancing reaction times, mastering intricate techniques, and integrating movements into fluid and dynamic sequences. The focus shifts to not only learning new techniques but also perfecting and seamlessly combining existing ones. This stage represents the pinnacle of Silat training, where practitioners deepen their understanding of the art and achieve higher levels of proficiency and mastery.

The timeline for progressing in Silat varies greatly depending on an individual’s physical abilities, mental focus, dedication, and the guidance of their instructor. Typically, it takes 1 to 2 years to reach the beginner level, 2 to 3 years for intermediate, and 3 years or more for advanced levels. Ultimately, each practitioner’s journey is unique, shaped by their commitment and consistent effort.

Yes, Sendeng Teratai offers trial classes. Your child may attend lessons for free for up to two weeks to experience our training environment and determine if it is a good fit.

Before attending a trial class, we kindly ask that you introduce yourself and speak to the Guru or coach so we can better understand your child's needs and ensure a smooth introduction to the training.

We welcome all interested students to come and experience the art of Silat, our training approach, and the supportive community of Sendeng Teratai.

Progression in silat, like any martial art, is a highly individualized journey. While it typically takes around six months for a child to progress from white belt to red belt, this timeline can vary depending on factors such as the child’s disposition, attitude, readiness, commitment, and attendance. It’s important to remember that the progression is based on your child’s personal development and readiness rather than a fixed timeline.

Higher belt levels often require even more time to achieve as the expectations grow, encompassing not only technical skills but also the development of discipline, focus, and other character-building traits. Parents are encouraged not to compare their child with peers, as every child is at a unique stage of their silat journey. No additional advantage nor disadvantage will be granted based on the child's ability, gender, race, or background.

That said, even if belt progression takes longer, parents can observe and celebrate other forms of progress. Participation in silat often nurtures valuable soft skills like discipline, respect, perseverance, and a positive attitude. These "value-added" attributes are foundational to a child’s growth, both within and beyond training.

Unlike most other martial arts group, Sendeng Teratai acknowledges that silat does not exist in a vacuum and is constantly evolving and adapting to changes over time. Cross training also helps practitioners develop a well-rounded skill set and improve their physical, mental, and tactical abilities. Cross-training can also provide insights into other martial arts cultures and traditions. This broadens a practitioner’s understanding and appreciation of martial arts as a whole, enriching their experience of Silat as both a physical and cultural practice.

Yes. Classes are mostly conducted in English.

Yes, Sendeng Teratai welcomes students who have previously trained with other clubs. However, all students are required to maintain exclusive affiliation with only one club at any given time. This policy reflects Sendeng Teratai’s dual role as both a cultural organization and a competitive sports entity that participates in national-level competitions and tournaments.

We encourage students to respectfully inform their current or former club of their intention to leave before joining Sendeng Teratai, where possible. This approach fosters a spirit of mutual respect and professionalism within the silat community, ensuring smooth transitions for all involved.

The Singapore Silat Federation (SSF) serves as the principal governing body for Pencak Silat in the country, overseeing a wide range of activities that contribute to the growth and development of this traditional martial art. SSF plays a pivotal role in managing silat-related activities, including coaching programs, talent identification, and the coordination of both national and international competitions. The Federation is also responsible for the technical officiating of tournaments, providing services such as Referee/Jury and Secretariat roles to ensure the smooth running of events. Moreover, SSF is dedicated to the cultural promotion of Pencak Silat, working closely with educational institutions, corporations, and communities to introduce the art to a broader audience.

Joining a group that is officially recognized by SSF ensures that you or your child receives expert guidance in the study of Pencak Silat, following standards that align with the traditional and competitive aspects of the art. Such recognition not only ensures the right pedagogical approach but also opens doors to participation in national-level competitions and tournaments. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to join and train with Singapore's National Pencak Silat Team, offering a pathway for those with exceptional talent and dedication to pursue the sport at an elite level.

For primary school-aged children, membership in an SSF-recognized group is particularly advantageous as it qualifies them to apply for post-primary school options, such as the Singapore Sports School, which offers specialized training for young athletes. Additionally, students can request a formal testimonial from Sendeng Teratai to verify their involvement in Pencak Silat, which can be used to gain Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) points or help them in their application to a school of their choice via the Direct Schools Admission programme. These points are valuable for educational and development opportunities, providing tangible benefits beyond the immediate physical and cultural aspects of martial arts.

At Sendeng Teratai, discipline and behaviour are just as important as technical skill. We uphold the traditional values of Pencak Silat, and students are expected to train with respect, humility, and dedication.

Key Expectations:

1. Respect for Teachers, Peers, and the Art

   • Students must greet and show respect to the Guru, coaches, and fellow pesilats.

   • Proper etiquette is expected both inside and outside of training.

2. Commitment and Effort

   • Consistent attendance and punctuality are important. Students should inform their coach if they are unable to attend training.

   • Training must be approached with focus and dedication—effort is more valued than natural ability.

3. Positive Attitude and Sportsmanship

   • Students must uphold good sportsmanship in both training and competition.

   • Negative behaviours such as arrogance, disrespect, or hostility will not be tolerated.

4. Discipline in Training

   • Instructions from the Guru and coaches must be followed at all times.

   • Students should train with self-control and avoid reckless behaviour that could harm themselves or others.

5. Responsibility and Leadership

   • Senior students are expected to guide and support junior students, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

   • Peer Support Leaders, marked by a yellow band at the tip of their belt, are held to an even higher standard of discipline and behaviour.

6. Representation of Sendeng Teratai

   • Students are ambassadors of Sendeng Teratai and must conduct themselves with dignity and honour in all settings, including public events, competitions, and social interactions.

   • Any misconduct that reflects poorly on the school or disrespects the values of Silat may result in disciplinary action.

Ultimately, Silat is not just about physical ability—it is about building character, resilience, and respect. Every pesilat is expected to uphold these values both in training and in daily life.

At Sendeng Teratai, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We take several proactive measures to ensure that training is conducted in a safe, controlled, and supportive environment.

1. High-Quality and Well-Maintained Equipment

• All training equipment is regularly checked and maintained to ensure it is safe for use.

• Students train with quality protective gear and materials, minimising the risk of injury.

2. Qualified and Certified Leadership

• Our Guru is a certified first aider, ensuring that immediate care can be provided in case of any minor injuries.

• He is also a People’s Association (PA) Trainer, registered under the National Registry of Coaches (NROC), and a National Referee-Juror, demonstrating his extensive knowledge of both technical safety and competition regulations.

3. Strict Adherence to Training Rules

• All students must follow the training rules and safety guidelines set by the Guru and coaches.

• Reckless behaviour, lack of control, or any actions that put others at risk will not be tolerated.

• Students are taught to respect their training partners and to practice self-discipline and control at all times.

By combining proper equipment, certified leadership, and strict adherence to safety rules, Sendeng Teratai ensures that all students can train confidently in a safe and supportive environment while learning the art of Pencak Silat.

If you or your child sustains an injury during training, please inform the coach or Guru immediately so that appropriate first aid can be administered. 

For students covered under personal accident insurance, parents may file a claim for medical expenses incurred due to training-related injuries. If you require assistance in submitting a claim, please contact us, and we will guide you through the process.

At Sendeng Teratai, student safety is our priority. We encourage all pesilats to follow safety guidelines, use protective gear correctly, and communicate openly if they are experiencing discomfort or pain during training.

Sendeng Teratai is passionately involved in community service, collaborating with various Non-Governmental Organizations, Self-Help Groups, and like-minded individuals. If you would like to work with us, you may drop us an e-mail at sendengteratai@gmail.com.

Our coaches welcome constructive feedback and appreciate insights on how we can improve. However, to ensure that all feedback is systematically logged, properly addressed, and accounted for, we strongly encourage parents and students to share their thoughts, concerns, or suggestions through our official channels.

Feedback may be submitted via email at sendengteratai@gmail.com or through the Feedback and Enquiry Form on our website. Utilizing these official platforms allows us to document and track feedback efficiently, ensuring that every concern is given due attention and that all comments can be properly reviewed, acknowledged, and acted upon.

This process also ensures that our coaches and officials remain fully focused on Silat training, allowing them to dedicate their time and energy to the growth and development of our pesilats, while we handle inquiries in a structured and organized manner.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping us maintain an effective, professional, and safe training environment.

Individuals or organisations who wish to support Sendeng Teratai’s mission may contact us directly via email at sendengteratai@gmail.com.

Ways to Support Us:

1. Volunteering – Individuals with a passion for Silat, community service, or cultural preservation are welcome to contribute their time and skills. Volunteers may assist in event coordination, training support, or outreach efforts.

2. Monetary Contributions – As Sendeng Teratai is a self-funded initiative, financial contributions from well-wishers help sustain our efforts in providing accessible Silat training, maintaining equipment, and supporting students in need.

3. Collaborations & Sponsorships – Organisations looking to partner with us for events, workshops, or community programmes are encouraged to reach out to explore meaningful collaboration opportunities.

Those interested in supporting our cause can also speak directly with the Guru to discuss how they can contribute in ways that align with their interests and expertise.

Your support helps keep the art of Silat alive, ensuring that it remains accessible to all while preserving its rich traditions and values.