History of Ular Sendok

Pencak Silat is an art self-defense that has been around for centuries. It was developed to defend against hostile people or tribes. Also against dangerous animals that shared their living environment. There are about a hundred Pencak Silat styles, most of which are influenced by the same animals.

Between the 11th and 16th centuries, Pencak Silat was most practiced by the Majapahit kingdom, who initially kept it secret. Due to trade with China, Pencak Silat was gradually influenced by Chinese martial arts. When the Majapahit kingdom ceased to exist, Pencak Silat became known to the common people. Pencak Silat came to the Netherlands in the middle of the 20th century.

Ular Sendok is the Indonesian name for Cobra, the animal on which the style is based. The style originates from the village of Sragen, near Yogyakarta on the island of Java.

In 1959, Mr. van Empel came from Sragen to the Netherlands. He had learned the Ular Sendok style from Guru Magon Maspakwiro. After about 15 years he passed his Ular Sendok style on to Mr. Brugmans in Nijmegen who founded the Ular Sendok school there. Michiel Geurtzen started training at this school, where he eventually began teaching as one of Mr. Brugmans’ assistants. In 1993 Michiel Geurtzen moved to Ulft where he started his own Ular Sendok school in 1994. Michiel tries to convey and preserve the style in the most original style, without commercial influences.

The Ular Sendok style is known for its low and very fast movements. The movements of the cobra can be found in almost every detail of the style. Ular Sendok is probably one of the most elegant Pencak Silat styles, but don’t be surprised by the friendly-looking movements! Please be aware that it takes many years to master the smooth and highly effective techniques.