The Role Silek as A Source of Science

Silek is one of the local wisdom of Minangkabau society in the form of martial and performances arts. Learning and mastering silek is generally compulsory for every man in Minangkabau. Silek is considered capable of forming attitudes and behaviors that are effective in dealing with life. Silek is also a source of science for the Minangkabau society. Learning silek is the same as baraja malangkah (learn to walk) implies the importance of silek as well as walking in humans for the provision of life. The strategic role of Silek evokes a relevant comprehensive study of Silek. This paper attempts to explain the concept of silek as a source of science in Minangkabau. A qualitative method with an interpretive analysis approach is applied. The data were obtained through field and literature studies in order to obtain a holistic formulation. The results expose that silek as a source of sciencee can be explained based on the concept of baraja malangkah which consists of three types of silek steps namely langkah tigo, langkah ampek, and langkah sambilan, as well as scientific construction.


Introduction
Silek or Silat in Indonesian is the original form of local wisdom passed down from generation to generation by the ancestors of the Minangkabau people. Silek can be found in each nagari or village in Minangkabau. Mostly the name of the silek style refer to the name of the place or location such as silek lintau, silek sungai patai, silek pangian, silek sitaralak, silek pauh, silek luncua, silek koto anau, silek sungai pagu, silek sunua, silek pasisia, silek bayang, silek paninjauan, or silek gunuang. Some others refer to the natural characteristics such as silek kumango, silek harimau campo, or silek unggan, silek balam, silek buayo lalok, atau silek ulu ambek (Jamal, 1986;Utama, 2017). Silek is also referred to as a representation of Minangkabau customs and culture whose manifestations can be seen in all aspects of their life and are reflected in the attitudes and behavior of the Minangkabau people (Patih, 2021).
Formerly, silek was a compulsory subject for men as a provision in life. A silek tuo or guru silek usually teaches silek in the surau courtyard or the sasaran. Surau became a traditional education center where boys collected and studies many things. In the surau they learn the Koran, customs, silek, and traditional arts (Mason, 2016;Pauka, 1998;Utama, 2016). Silek is also a folk game called pamenan and has a function as entertainment whose form can be found in the form of pencak. Silek as a game displays agility competition in attacking and fending off attacks by using silek moves. Silek play are usually displayed in various events or alek nagari, which can be found in two cultural areas of Minangkabau, namely in luhak and rantau. (Ediwar, 2006(Ediwar, , 2019Mason, 2016;Muliati, 2012;Pauka, 1998;Utama, 2017). Therefore, silek can be found in almost every country nagari or villages in Minangkabau.
Nowadays, silek no longer popular among young generation since boys to no longer sleep in the surau and baraja silek (learning silek) at the sasaran as the implication of social changes (Natsir & Hufad, 2019). On the other hand, tuo silek as a guru silek mostly in their late age. Only few who are able to practice and understand the philosophy of silek. In the West Sumatran Tuo Silek Gathering, which the author participated in and held on June 4-6 in Payakumbuh, they revealed several issues related to the preservation of Minangkabau silek. These problems include: First, fewer silek figures are still alive and can explain the meaning and philosophy of silek in the life of the Minangkabau people; Second, the issue of silek regeneration where fewer children are interested in learning silek; Third, traditional silek training methods are considered no longer relevant to the times. A number of these problems threaten the sustainability of Minangkabau silek as local wisdom.
Meanwhile, several studies on silek reveal the strategic position of silek in Minangkabau society. Utama explained how silek underlies the development of performing arts in Minangkabau, particularly dance. In particular, Utama traces the origins of Minangkabau dance which is rooted in silek dance or pencak. This paper also explains how silek later became a reference for three Minangkabau dance figures, namely Hoerijah Adam, Gusmiati Suid, and Sofyani. in creating their works (Utama, 2016). In line with Utama, Asriati explains the concept of Minangkabau dance movements originating from silek which is also the identity of traditional dances that developed in Minangkabau (Asriati et al., 2019). Furthermore, Loravianti, et al. wrote about the creative process of dance creation based on silek. According to him, silek is a source of creativity in creating dance moves explored from the variety of Silek movements in Minangkabau. Therefore, Silek in the process of creating this work is a method of shaping the dancer's body and a source of artistic dance movements (Loravianti et al., 2019). The same thing is found in Muliati's writings which explain how Minangkabau silek became a source of inspiration in the creation of the Face dance by choreographer Hartati. In his work, Hartati gives birth to a bodily practice oriented to the creation of moments, a bodily practice born from the practice of silek (Muliati et al., 2017). Silek as a source of artistic creativity has spawned some Minangkabau dance figures at the national and international levels, including Huridjah Adam, Gusmiati Suid, Ery Mefri, Hartati, Susasrita Loravianti, and Ali Sukri (Minarti, 2014;Muliati et al., 2017;Sukri et al., 2022;Supriyanto et al., 2016;Utama, 2017).
From the perspective of cultural philosophy, Abdullah explains the uniqueness of the Minangkabau culture as a genetic heritage from ancestors who teach intelligence in shaping the mind. It is in line with the purpose of learning silek, namely to develop self-ability, to form a person with character so that it gives birth to a generation that is wise and wise (Abdullah, 2020b). Furthermore, Mason, in the article "Silek Minang in West Sumatra, Indonesia" looks at the relationship between silek and music, festivity, and the Minangkabau matrilineal family. According to him, baraja silek for the Minangkabau community is part of traditional education which not only teaches pride in identity and tradition, but also trains the body and self. Just as the talempong rhythm is open to improvisation, silek is also the same. A pasilek (somenone who mastered silek) is free to develop himself and his abilities in basilek (activity of silek) because there is no standard in silek. As part of identity and pride, silek always performed as a show in various local festivals, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Mason, 2016).
Meanwhile, the surau as the locus of Minangkabau silek development can be found in the writings of Natsir and Achmad Hufad. The surau is generally understood as a place to learn the Koran or religious science. However, in Minangkabau, the surau is a place of training to prepare the younger generation to be ready to navigate life in the future. At the surau, the younger generation learns about religion, customs, and culture (Natsir & Hufad, 2019).
The function of Minangkabau silek as a folk game is found in the writings of Muliati and Ediwar. Muliati explains silek Kurambic as a folk game in the Talang Babungo village located in the interior of Minangkabau. Silek kurambik, which has a peculiarity in using weapons in the form of a kurambik knife, is a folk game that is always displayed in the alek nagari event. Silek is played by children, teenagers, to adult men. The Silek Kurambic play shows skills in attacking and fending off attacks using moves silek with kurambik weapons (Muliati, 2012). Silek as a game is also found in Ediwar's writings which describe Luambek as a performing art consisting of randai luambek and luambek. This art is a pencak composition rooted in silek which male players in a circular formation play. In the context of baluambek, it is known that silek luambek is performed by two people facing each other, one as the attacker and one as the counter (Ediwar, 2006). On the other hand, Ediwar describes another form of silek game without using body language. According to him, basilek is not only a physical game, but also a word game between silek actors known as basilek kato (Ediwar, 2019).
Preliminary studies show that silek has the strategic role in the life of the Minangkabau people.
Silek is not only about martial arts and performance, but also a source of science among Minangkabau people. This article is intended to explain the concept of silek as a source of science. (p1a)

Methods
The research applied qualitative method with an interpretive analysis approach. Data is collected by using field and literature studies to obtain a holistic formulation. Field data were obtained through observation, interviews, documentation in two Minangkabau cultural areas, namely in luhak nan tigo and rantau nan duo, as the cultural domain of the distribution of Minangkabau silek. The observations aim to obtain data related to the current development of silek in the two cultural areas in question that are spread in several silek sasarans and surau, as well as silek performances in several cultural events. Words aims. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with informants with the capacity related to the research problem, such as fighters, tuo silek, anak sasian (student of silek), and traditional leaders. Furthermore, documentation is carried out to obtain data in the form of visuals and audio-videos by a set of recording equipment such as recorders, cameras, and video devices.

Baraja Malangkah: The Early Concept of Silek Learning
The t Silek is a martial art with a comprehensive scope. Learning silek is not limited to learning steps or fighting techniques but it is about wisdom in everyday life. Therefore, the real purpose of silek is to teach them to solve problems with intelligence: emotional, intellectual, and spiritual intelligence. This wisdom is trained while studying at the target with a method known as baraja malangkah.
Baraja malangkah (learning to walk) in silek begins with the human instinct to survive in life, an instinct that develops along with the experience that is passed in accordance with the culture or the natural environment, with a scientific basis that is strengthened by guidance, revelation and inspiration. On this basis, a martial arts concept called silek was developed. Silek steps are composed of an understanding of life to organize oneself with all situations and conditions in people's lives.
Step motion teaches about wisdom in life. A fighter will know when to move softly and when to move hard/hard.
Baraja malangkah is a traditional method that aims to train anak sasian to be a pandeka, smart or wise people. This expression also describes the core value of silek as the essence of authentic martial arts (selfdefense). Baraja malangkah is the initial stage of training carried out by anak sasian or silek students at the sasaran, who is guided by a to silek (Abdullah, 2020a(Abdullah, , 2020b. The sasaran is a place for maturation and character education for the Minang youth generation, as well as for Silek learning activities and other playing fields (Ediwar, 2019).
Mengaji dari alif mambilang dari aso (studying from the beginning, counting from one), thus the Minangkabau philosophy teaches wisdom to know something more deeply by looking at the origin or starting point of everything. The starting point for the baraja malangkah is when a child fulfills the requirements to become an anak sasian (student) of a tuo silek (guru silek). An anak sasian needs include: a chicken, a knife, limes, chilli, salt, gulo, betel nut, and a piece of cloth/ fabric. Each condition has its meaning, among others: • The chicken symbolizes the animal element that needs to be controlled.
• The knife symbolizes sharpness in the basilek.
• Lime symbolizes the cleanliness of the heart.
• Betel nut symbolizes the goal to be achieved; • kain sakabuang (a piece of cloth) is a tribute to the teacher who gives science. Fulfillment of the requirements also signifies the sincerity of a student in baraja silek (interviews Buya Zuari, 22 July, and Amri, 2 September 2022) After the fulfilling of the requirements, the tuo silek will perform rituals, including slaughtering a chicken by reading specific prayers so that the student's character can be known, as well as cooking and eating with chickens that have been killed as a means of strengthening the relationship between tuo silek and students. The initial learning given by tuo silek is etiquette and morals, because silek has principles: respect, upholding the truth, being responsible, and refining emotions. (Sati et al., 2022). The issue of etiquette becomes important because tuo silek always teaches that silek intelligence is not to be exhibited but to selfprotect and build friendships.
Furthermore, the training begins with step-by-step lessons for balance of motion exercises and recognizing self-ability, which will then develop according to abilities. The steps taught by the tuo silek at the sasaran become the starting point for the silek movement. There is no standard motion in silek because anak sasian can develop action according to their situation and conditions. The basic exercises that are taught are piunggue, step, balabeh, garak, garik, and raso. Proceeding of 10th International Conference on Nusantara Philosophy (ICNP) 4 Fig. 1 Baraja Malangkah, (Ediwar et al., 2022).
Silek training is carried out in pairs between two fighters. In silek practice, the tuo silek is a mentor who guides his anak sasian to practice walking. Sometimes, the tuo silek positions himself as a sparring opponent who provokes students to bring out their abilities to the fullest. In the exercise, the two fighters will compete with each other to lock the opponent's attack and bring down the opponent. Training is usually done in an open area that serves as a sasaran. Often the exercise is done at night with poor lighting. This method trains eye insight and intuition (figures 1, and 2).
The method of training carried out in baraja malangkah is explained by Maulana Arif (16), a teenager who is learning silek to several tuo silek in Solok Regency, as stated below: "The first thing the tuo silek teaches is baraja malangkah, which is done for six months to one year. The practice of malangkah is important because the tuo silek will guide us when it is right to move until we understand what is next. In practice, the anak sasian are sometimes told to duel. There is no specific physical exercise, but the tuo silek invites you to come down and cultivate the fields. For example, in the activity of mancangkua (preparing the soil), we'll sense the awareness of silek because the body will look for a synergistic or appropriate reaching position so that it does not feel panicky. A pasilek will embody body awareness in everyday life, such as how to control yourself. The tuo silek always gives advice such as: to be aware of Islam, practice five times pray, and read the Quran. After learning silek, I don't want to involve in a fight. If someone asks you to fight, it is better to avoid it." (Interview Maulana Arif (15), Solok 18 September 2022) The statement of Arif explain that the baraja malangkah method aims to make the student or anak sasian become a tenacious, patient, sensitive, faithful and virtuous man. During the training process, anak sasian learn to recognize themselves more deeply and self-abilities. With regular practice, they will be able to read the situation since te flow of their steps and the balance of energy. Furthermore, the students are indirectly taught to organize their mindsets, shape their personalities, and organize every inch of silek's movements to find the true nature of martial arts. Finally, the tuo silek will provide lessons from the movement's core to the stored meaning of each technique learned.

The Construction of Scienc
Silek plays an essential role in the life of the Minangkabau people because silek is not only about selfdefense, but also a collection of science as stated by Buya Zuary Abdullah below: "Silek is the way of life of the Minangkabau people because it is in silek they get various science since silek is the collection of all science formulated or manifested in the motion of steps as a shadow of the Minangkabau personality. It means that silek is a classical educational method or curriculum in Minangkabau which teaches various disciplines and science, which are provisions for undergoing science. All the science or material learned in the surau by the tuo silek will be practiced in sasaran by anak sasian. (interview Zuary Abdullah, Solok, 5 July 2022).
According to the Minangkabau tambo, a classical narration, silek was developed by one of the advisors to Sultan Sri Maharaja Diraja named Datuk Suri Dirajo or Ninik Datuk Suri Dirajo. In its development, silek has adapted to the natural environment of Minangkabau, which is inland with tropical rain forests surrounding three mountains, namely Mount Merapi, Mount Singgalang, and Mount Sago. Ninik Datuk Suri Dirajo then formulated and uniformed the science of silek which contained the Minang silek system and method, namely the Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, and Langkah Sambilan. (Abdullah, 2020a;Jamal, 1986) Silek as an ancestral work, a set of formulated science, is manifested in steps as a shadow of generational and civilization personality. Silek is a traditional work resulting from extensive expertise and a deep understanding of the universe and life, compiled in a formula with symbols strengthened by philosophy. Three main concepts are used as keys in collecting silek works; these three concepts are generated from various formulations of science that are understood in depth. It is necessary to recognize patterns, symbols, and multiple methods in the preparation of silek to understand and master silek as a whole, Silek is structured with the principle of balance resulting from an understanding of the universe in one bond, as described in the expression " lawik sacampak jalo ". The three concepts which are the main pillars in compiling the silek construction are inherited from the term; 1) Langkah tigo, 2) Langkah ampek, 3) Langkah sambilan. These three steps are related to each other. They are the key to compiling silek as a science construction established to protect oneself as a whole as a manifestation of the true nature of martial arts.
Silek as an ancestral work, a set of formulated science, is manifested in steps as a shadow of generational and civilization personality. Silek is a traditional work resulting from extensive expertise and a deep understanding of the universe and life, compiled in a formula with symbols strengthened by philosophy. Three main concepts are used as keys in collecting silek works; these three concepts are generated from various formulations of science that are understood in depth. It is necessary to recognize patterns, symbols, and multiple methods in the preparation of silek to understand and master silek as a whole, Silek is structured with the principle of balance resulting from an understanding of the universe in one bond, as described in the expression " lawik sacampak jalo ". The three concepts which are the main pillars in compiling the silek construction are inherited from the term; 1) Langkah tigo, 2) Langkah ampek, 3) Langkah sambilan. These three steps are related to each other. They are the key to compiling silek as a science construction established to protect oneself as a whole as a manifestation of the true nature of martial arts.

Langkah Tigo
Langkah Tigo (step to three directions) is the framework of silek. If silek compare to a building, the Langkah Tigo is the foundation of a building. Silek exists along with the existence of humans, starting from the human Proceeding of 10th International Conference on Nusantara Philosophy (ICNP) 6 instinct to defend oneself, where the nature of self-defense is enhanced with experience, science, revelation, and inspiration. The concept of Langkah Tigo is vast in scope, not just a matter of step technique or silek. The naming of the Langkah tigo Luhak Nan Tigo as the area from which Minangkabau society and culture developed, namely: Luhak Nan Tuo, Luhak Agam, and Luhak Lima puluh kota. The population distribution in the three luhaks was led by Datuak Nan Batigo, namely: Kuciang Siam, Harimau Campo, and Kambiang Bhutan.
Datuak Nan Batigo then developed the silek stream in the three luhaks, consisting of the Silek Kucieng silek, the Harimau Campo silek, and the Kambieng Bhutan silek (Abdullah, 2020b;Jamal, 1986). The flow of the Siamese cat that developed in Luhak Nan Tuo, is synonymous with silek which has a gentle flow as well as the character of a cat who has soft and light movements, with flowing movements. Meanwhile, the silek of the Campo Harimau stream, which developed in Luhak Agam, has a hard character and attacks like a tiger by pouncing right at the target point to paralyze the opponent. As for the Bhutanese Kambiang silek, which thrives in Luhak Lima puluh kota, it relies on intellectual intelligence and upper muscle strength. This silek has a stride technique that is difficult to predict, such as the motion of luring opponents to difficult places such as cliffs, like the expertise of a goat (Abdullah, 2020b;Jamal, 1986).
The concept of Langkah Tigo, which is analogous to the three luhaks can be explained as follows: 1) Luhak Nan Tuo is the upper part/cavity of the head as the center of the human mind, which must continually be developed/used. Common sense is used to find the ultimate truth; 2) Luhak Agam describes the cavity in the middle, the chest cavity as a spiritual center, which concerns faith, truth, and Islamic religious teachings as explained in the local aphorism "syarak mengato, adat mamakai"; 3) Luhak 50 Kota, describes the cavity below, the abdominal cavity regarding emotional intelligence which must be arranged so that it is balanced with intellectual and spiritual intelligence so that it gives birth to the wisdom that emerges from understanding as in the expression "raso dibaok naiaik, pareso dibaok turun." The pattern of Langkah Tigo describe in the statement "ka kida manjago jarak (step to the left to keep distance), langkah kasuok mancari aka (step to the right to give time to think) ka muko Langkah mamutuih (step forward to make a decision)." This pattern can be explained as follows: ka kida manjago jarak means we have to be aware of the conditions on the left; langkah kasuok mancari aka means we have to master concepts and situations; ka muko langkah mamutuih means determining the attitude for the action to be taken or making a decision. This pattern is learned to master the silek step itself. This movement must be applied so that various martial arts techniques are born that are flexible and able to paralyze opponents.
In this context, it is necessary first to understand the concept of motion, "Where does motion arise from"? Following the philosophy of silek, "lahienyo silaturahmi, batinnyo mangana diri," a pasilek must know his nature to master the pattern of silek steps that are developed. So the center of the movement emerges from within the self, which consists of three bits of intelligence: 1) Intellectual intelligence, 2) Emotional intelligence, and 3) Spiritual intelligence. All three must be in harmony and balance in man. So the concept of Langkah Tigo itself talks about the intelligence in humans, which then governs the moves or techniques used in a fight.
The study of the langkah tigo includes a variety of science with a basis on the occurrence of the universe, which consists of energy, properties and matter, all of which are in one principle of the attachment of the universe. In the study of silek, the langkah tigo is symbolized by tigo, the central cavity of the human body, which includes three bits of intelligence with the concept of the attachment of science. Jadi Langkah Tigo sesungguhnya adalah kerangka pengetahuan yang ada dalam silek Minangkabau.

Langkah Ampek
If Langkah Tigo is the framework of silek, then Langkah Ampek (step to for directions) is the completeness of silek which is described in the expression "ka kakida manjago jarak, ka kanan mancari aka, ka muko langkah mamutuih, ka balakang menyerak umpan." The statement ka balakang manyerak umpan (step backward to spread fish bait) means that a pasilek must be able to read the situation and condition while preparing a strategy to beat the opponent. If you compare silek to a building, the Langkah Ampek is the completeness of a building in the form of walls, windows, rooms, or a roof.
The langkah Ampek has the characteristic of movement that always continues without breaking following the direction of life like the flow of water in a river. This silek flow was widely developed by tariqat and sufism scholars in Minangkabau. The name Silek Langkah Ampek originated from the Minangkabau ancestors who believed that four main elements make up the universe: wind, water, earth and fire. The four elements are united in the unity of the universe with the principle of attachment. Each part has the same component and content but differs in form because an aspect dominates as the study of scientists found the same element in every element that exists. For example, hydrogen is found in soil, water, fire, and wind.
A basic introduction to the concept of Langkah Ampek has been given by tuo silek who provide an introduction to the four cardinal directions: east, west, north, south, or front, back, left, and right. Then, for students who want to continue their studies, the tuo silek usually introduce the concept of Langkah Ampek, which includes the three bits of intelligence as discussed above plus the fourth intelligence, namely social intelligence, the science that supports the realization of the four bits of intelligence into studies, to be able to give birth to a wise generation, which is stored in the expression "pandeka" which means a broadminded person, intelligent scholar, and bright. The concept of the langkah Ampek is one of the main pillars in preparing the silek construction.

Langkah Sambilan
The Langkah Sambilan is a union of silek, a perfect union of Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, completed by two other aspects: body and soul.
Silek Langkah Sambilan is about the perfection of the steps in a broad sense, the steps of life, including art as the pinnacle of science that exists and can be seen, enjoyed, and felt in beauty as a form of life that is harmonious in the universe. Silek langkah Sambilan is also called silek performances or pencak. Langkah Sambilan are carried out with rhythmic movements because this silek prioritizes the beauty of motion by not leaving the elements of silat movement. Therefore, the silek sidestep is also called the silek dance.

Fig. 3
Silek Performance in Nagari Talang Babungo, (Muliati, 2012). Figure 3 shows a pencak performance in the Talang Babungo village. Both fighters wore black clothes with colorful details and cloth tying the waist, making the costumes more concise and allowing them to move swiftly. In the silat play, the fighter displays dexterity and body agility in attacking and fending off attacks. The attack is focused on bringing down the opponent by catching the opponent using both hands (tangkok), locking the opponent's movements using the arms and elbows (kabek), or hooking the opponent's legs (sepai) when off guard. In the middle of the performance arena, the two fighters moved to fill the space, peering at each other with sharp eyes and an attitude of full vigilance, measuring the opponent's strength, looking for gaps to attack, and knocking down the opponent with rhythmic foot and hand movements. The show ends when one of the silat fighters is brought down. Thus creating a commotion among the spectators who gathered around the performance arena (Muliati, 2012). Proceeding of 10th International Conference on Nusantara Philosophy (ICNP) 8
Silek dance is also known as silek galombang or galombang dance. The silek galombang performance is more like a dance than martial arts because the movements are styled or arranged as beautifully as possible. The characteristic of this movement is the broad trajectory of the hands or feet, in contrast to the silek, which tends to be tight. The galombang dance is performed by men who appear in pairs and demonstrate rhythmic footsteps and hand movements, also known as Langkah Sambilan. The galombang dance is usually performed as the opening of a cultural event or to welcome guests of honor (Fig. 4). Sidesteps talk about the perfection of the steps in a broad sense, the steps of life, including art as the pinnacle of science that exists and can be seen, enjoyed, felt in beauty as a form of life that is harmonious in the universe (interviews with Amri and Zuary Abdullah, Pariangan, 4 September 2022). The understanding of Langkah Sambilan is a sign of the perfection of Minangkabau ancestral understanding of life and how they organize the soul with a complete model. Ampek, completed by two other aspects: body and soul.
Langkah tigo is a framework of silek. ka kida manjago jarak means we have to be aware of the conditions on the left; langkah kasuok mancari aka means we have to master concepts and situations; ka muko langkah mamutuih means determining the attitude for the action to be taken or making a decision The concept of Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, and Langkah Sambilan explains about the construction of science in silek. Each step cannot be separated since it is in line with the others.

Conclusions
Silek as a source of science shows the local wisdom of the Minangkabau ancestors, who passed down a learning system to navigate life in any situation and condition. Minangkabau silek as a source of science is manifested in the concept of baraja malangkah, as well as three types of steps, namely: Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, and Langkah Sambilan. Baraja malangkah, as the initial concept of learning silek teaches students to know themselves more deeply and recognize their abilities. Then, with regular practice, students are indirectly introduced to organizing their mindset, shaping their personalities, manage every inch of silek's movements to find the true nature of martial arts.
Meanwhile, the construction of science in Silek is manifested in the three steps: Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, and Langkah Sambilan. The three steps are related to each other. They are the key to compiling silek as a science construction established to protect oneself as a whole as a manifestation of the true nature of martial arts. The three steps teach the outer (garik) and inner (garak) aspects of silek. Langkah Tigo is the framework, Langkah Ampek is the completeness, and Langkah Sambilan is a perfect union of Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, completed by two other aspects: body and soul.
The formulation of silek in the concept of Langkah Tigo, Langkah Ampek, and Langkah Sambilan explains about the construction of science. Each step explains systematic ways of thinking: 1) Langkah Tigo as a framework; 2) Langkah Ampek as completeness; 3) Langkah Sambilan as perfection which is the culmination of a thinking structure. Each step cannot be separated since it is in line with the others. It means that silek teach about a comprehensive way of life. This construction teachs people not only how to think systematically but also how to survive in life.