The people of the Minang Kabau of West Sumatra are said to be one of the founding groups of the martial art of Pencak Silat. According to their history, Pencak means artistic movements of the body for self defence, Silat stands for the real fighting. Characteristic for Pencak Silat is the integration of regional concepts. A style coming from a coastal region is using different, larger postures than a mountain style. It is said, that each region, even each village has its own style, kept secret from foreigners.

In times of oppression Pencak Silat was hidden as a dances to survive, which also greatly influence many traditional dances over the centuries. Today Pencak Silat is shows at celebrations and other festive events in a soft and aesthetic way. Training and presentations are often accompanied by traditional instruments like drums, gongs or flutes.