2025 Pencak Silat Tanding Tournament

Get ready for the 2024 Pencak Silat Tanding Tournament. This tournament will only have Silat Sparring or Tanding and will be held on Sunday, March 3rd in Herndon, Virginia.

Registration is now open. Get a special discount if you register before June 1st and get a special discount. We will have tanding divisions, Pre-Teen (8-10yrs), Pre-Junior (11-13yrs), Junior (14-17yrs) and Adults (18 and up). Also we will have separate divisions for beginners, intermediate and advanced competitors. This way you will only be sparring someone at a similar level. (If there is no one in your division, we may combine divisions to make sure you have someone to spar).

Requirements:

1. Black Silat Uniform
2. Chest gear
3. Groin Protectors (male)
4. Mouth piece (optional)

Event Date and Location: Scheduled for Feb 23rd, 2025, the tournament will be held in Herndon, Virginia, which is conveniently located in the Washington D.C. area. This location offers accessibility for participants and spectators from various regions.

Tanding Only: The tournament will solely feature Silat Sparring or Tanding. This sparring form is a key component of Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art from Southeast Asia. It involves two competitors attempting to outmaneuver and score points against each other, showcasing both physical skill and strategic thinking.

Basic Rules for Tanding:

1. 1 Point for Punches: A punch that successfully lands on the opponent scores 1 point. This encourages competitors to use hand strikes effectively.
2. 2 Points for Kicks: Kicks are valued higher, with each successful kick scoring 2 points. This reflects the greater difficulty and risk involved in executing kicks.
3. 3 Points for Sweeps and Takedowns: The highest scoring techniques are sweeps and takedowns, each earning 3 points. These high-value techniques can quickly change the dynamics of a match, making them crucial for a competitor's strategy.
4. Multiple Rounds: For older competitors, there will be 3 rounds each 2 mins. There is a 1 minute break between rounds.
5. One-Hand Grab Rule: Competitors are allowed to grab their opponents'vest with only one hand. This rule adds a layer of complexity to the grappling aspect of Tanding, requiring more skill and control.
6. No Strikes to the Face: To ensure safety and sportsmanship, strikes to the face are prohibited. This rule highlights the emphasis on control and precision in Pencak Silat, differentiating it from some other martial arts that allow facial strikes.

Digital Scoring System: The event will utilize a digital scoring system. This modern approach to scoring is likely to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of point tabulation, providing a transparent and fast-paced competition environment.

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Divisions: The tournament will cater to a range of skill levels by having separate divisions for beginners and advanced practitioners. This structure ensures that competitors can face opponents of similar skill levels, making the matches fairer and more competitive.

Separate Male and Female Divisions: To ensure equity and fairness, the tournament will have separate divisions for male and female competitors. This separation acknowledges the physical differences and allows a more tailored competition for each group.

Ruleset: The tournament will be governed by the latest 2024 PERSILAT Ruleset. PERSILAT, the International Pencak Silat Federation, regularly updates its rules to reflect the evolving nature of the sport. Competitors and coaches should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance and strategic planning.

This event promises to be a dynamic showcase of Pencak Silat skills, appealing to both martial arts enthusiasts and those new to the sport. With its organized structure and adherence to international standards, the 2025 Pencak Silat Tanding Tournament in Herndon, Virginia is set to be a significant event in the martial arts calendar.

Host or Publisher USA Pencak Silat Federation