Recently, in the capital city of Malaysia, an astounding 12,393 people gathered together to take part in the Largest Silat lesson ever, occurring in conjunction with National Malaysia Day celebrations and held on the historic grounds where the country gained its independence in 1957 the same time of year.
Participants came from across Malaysia and the world to participate in the mass Silat lesson. Silat is the Malay art of self-defence practised as a martial art or accompanied by drums as a ceremonial display or dance.
The class was held in Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur and was directed by Grandmaster YM Syeikh Dr. Md Radzi bin Hanafi (Malaysia), the Pewaris Mutlak Silat Cekak from Persekutuan Seni Silat Cekak Pusaka Ustaz Hanafi Malaysia, alongside other qualified instructors.
The reason behind the attempt was to preserve Malaysia’s fascinating cultural heritage and promote Silat traditions.
Speaking of the amazing record triumph, Syeikh Dr Haji Md Radzi Hanafi said: “We are truly proud with the achievement this evening as it proves that Silat is relevant in the modern era”.
As required, each participant wore a Silat uniform (such as black trousers and a jacket), and drumming was played in order to assist the participant’s timing, in accordance to the traditional methodology of Silat.
Once the lesson concluded, official Guinness World Records adjudicator Fortuna Burke confirmed the record and presented a certificate.
