Paul Finn – Ibu Rita perhaps you could begin by explaining a bit about the origins of Pencak Silat Mande Muda.
Ibu Suwanda - Mande Muda Penjak Silat originates from West Java (Bandung) Indonesia. There are literally thousands of islands, many different languages and millions of people across the Indonesian Archipelago and therefore unsurprisingly there are recorded hundreds of different styles of Pencak Silat throughout Indonesia.
Each style often highly individual and stylistic often highly influenced from the area of its origin the indigenous population, their own local customs and characteristics.
Mande Muda Pencak Silat originates in Bandung in West Java where the people are relaxed and friendly.
During Indonesia’s war of independence there were many developments in the fighting styles of Indonesia. It was at this time of change and conflict that Mande Muda Pencak Silat was conceived.
The system originally comprised of blended techniques from several Indonesian Silat styles, including most notably Rikesan (the joint breaking system); Chikalong; Chimande & Subundhar. Pencak Silat Mande Muda was officially established in 1951, by Guru Besar Uyuh Suwanda (my father). With the help of my mother Ibu Mimi Suwanda (a skilled Chimande practitioner), Bapak Uyuh developed the style, earning recognition and respect from the major governing Silat bodies.
After my fathers death, Mande Muda passed onto my late brother Guru Besar Herman Suwanda. Herman taught Mande Muda throughout the United States and Europe and the Art was growing in recognition and following when tragically my brother Herman and his wife, Shannon, and two of his students died in a car crash in Germany in March of 2000.
Shortly after this tragedy I was named Guru Besar of Pencak Silat Mande Muda. I hope to continue the growth of our family system where my late brother left off and as a legacy to him and my father. I continue to travel globally and most recently to the United Kingdom to propagate and share the knowledge and techniques of Mande Muda.
