Laying the Foundations: From Coach to Cultural Strategist
My formal journey in Seni Silat Melayu Asli began in 1997, when I was officially appointed as a Professional Silat Coach under the Seni Gayung Fatani. These formative years were dedicated to:
- Training young athletes in authentic Malay martial techniques
- Refining combat instruction with pedagogical structure
- Promoting discipline rooted in adat Melayu and silat values
Institutional Development (2002–2007)
Between 2002 and 2007, I served as the Managing Director and International Silat Coach at Pusat Cemerlang Silat Malaysia, an elite talent development centre under Seni Gayung Fatani. My leadership focused on:
These initiatives were supported through strong partnerships with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), and state-level sports bodies. Together, we laid the groundwork for what would later become Malaysia’s national silat coaching framework.
From Grassroots to Global Vision
This decade was more than just about teaching self-defence—it was about:
Building silat institutions
Mentoring the next generation of champions
Reclaiming silat as a vehicle for education and national identity
In 2007, this legacy culminated in my selection for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of my academic transition and global silat research journey.
It was during these foundational years that I understood silat not just as a practice—but as a mission. A mission to educate, empower, and elevate a legacy.
Scholarship and the Silat Renaissance
From 2008 to 2013, my professional journey entered an academic and international phase marked by scientific inquiry, educational innovation, and strategic reinvestment into Malaysia’s silat education system.
Academic Pursuits in the United Kingdom
I pursued my PhD in Sports Coaching at the Cardiff School of Sport, University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), United Kingdom. As an Academic Associate, I conducted groundbreaking research in:
- Combat sports performance with a focus on Silat athletes
- Youth development and peak height velocity (PHV) in martial arts
- Applied sports science in movement analysis and kicking velocity
During this time, I presented papers at global conferences, representing Malaysia in academic platforms and paving the way for Silat to be recognized within international sports science discourse.
Reintegration and Local Impact
In 2012, I returned to Malaysia and began academic engagement as a Part-Time Lecturer and Consultant at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM). There, I pioneered:
- The integration of Silat as a university course in sports science and martial arts curriculum
- Development of structured modules for traditional martial arts in higher education
- Outreach training workshops combining modern coaching and traditional wisdom
Bridging Research and Heritage
This phase bridged my transition from coach to scholar. I remained rooted in the values of Seni Silat Melayu Asli while positioning it as a subject of academic credibility and global interest.
Key Milestones (2008–2013)
- First Malaysian researcher to publish silat-based sports science articles in indexed journals
- Delivered silat presentations in the UK, Portugal, and Asia
- Formulated evidence-based frameworks for Silat coaching methodology
This period was about proving that Silat not only belongs on the mat but in the library, the lecture hall, and the scientific journal — paving the way for the academic martial artist I continue to become.
Research, Recognition, and Global Silat Leadership
Beginning in 2014, my career entered a transformative era defined by academic leadership, international collaboration, and institutional innovation in Seni Silat Melayu Asli. This period witnessed the growth of my contributions to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and my elevation to key global roles in martial arts education and research.
Academic and Administrative Leadership
- Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor (2013–2021): Promoted based on research output, postgraduate supervision, and national curriculum innovation in Silat and combat sports.
- Deputy Dean (Research & Industry Linkages), UiTM (2022–2024): Spearheaded strategic research collaborations, notably with UNESCO ICM and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.
- Programme Coordinator (PLK/PDRM), Ranking Champion, and MyRA Coordinator: Contributed to UiTM’s research metrics and postgraduate programme success.
International Roles & Affiliations
Throughout this period, I was appointed to key global bodies:
- Board Member of the International Martial Arts and Combat Sports Scientific Society (IMACSSS).
- Panel Expert (Silat) for the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development (UNESCO ICM).
- Presenter and Speaker at international congresses in Poland, Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia and Malaysia (2014–2025).
Publications & Research
I authored and co-authored over 30 SCOPUS-indexed journal articles and several books, including:
- Sports Science in Silat (2020)
- Manual Kejurulatihan Seni Silat Malaysia Vol. 1 & 2 (2022)
- Unity in Diversity – IMACSSS Book (2024)
Key research themes included biomechanics in silat, martial arts tourism, coaching models, silat pedagogy, and youth development through combat sports.
Silat Promotion & Cultural Advocacy
- Led PASSMAL (Malaysian Organization of Authentic Malay Silat Arts) cultural performances at high-profile events including SMC 2025.
- Organized and presented Silat showcases at IMACSSS Congress and UNESCO ICM Seminars.
- Actively involved in curating the Silat curriculum for international martial arts recognition and academic integration.
Highlights & Recognitions (2014–2025)
- Recipient of national and faculty-level academic excellence awards.
- Recognized in international media and scholarly networks for silat advocacy and cultural diplomacy.
- Appointed as lead researcher for multiple FRGS and UNESCO-funded projects related to Silat and combat sports.
This decade has redefined Silat not only as a martial art but as a bridge between heritage, research, and international recognition—strengthening Malaysia’s voice in the global martial arts landscape.