Though Pencak Silat is one of the oldest and most well known martial art in the archipelago, the Majapahit empire that spread across Southeast Asia marked an important step in spreading the warrior arts across the region. Majapahit form of martial arts was first introduced by Mahesa Anabrang, an Admiral of the Majapahit Kingdom at that time to expand the territorial of its kingdom through an expedition called ‘Pamalayu’ up to the neighboring countries like the Philippines and the Malayan Peninsula.

Mahesa Anabrang had bequeathed Majapahit martial arts discipline to his nephew Adityawarman, king of Malayapura (Majapahit). The martial arts then spread out from the kingdom of Malayapura to its neighboring islands surrounding the Malay Peninsula, Riau, Bugis, Wajo and Sulu at the Mindanao, Philippines.

The distribution of Majapahit martial arts in the Philippines stems from the migration of Malays into the southern, central and northern Philippines in the 14th century, Mark V.Wiley said as quoted from the historia.id page. Unfortunately, Majapahit martial arts disappeared with the collapse of the Majapahit kingdom. While in a foreign country, Majapahit martial arts is developing rapidly in people’s lives. In fact, it continues to the present. This rich cultural heritage is at the core of Kali Majapahit martial arts today.

Sources: from many sources