Kuntao (拳 Kun 道 Toh) = Silat ? A hidden treasure of Sumatran martial art


My late Chinese grandfather who emigrated from Chaoshan 潮汕 to North Sumatra was a kuntao practitioner. 

Among the martial arts of Indonesia, Kuntao stands as a captivating fusion of cultures, history, and combat expertise. Its name may be rooted in the Medanese Hokkien Chinese term 拳 Kun 道 Toh , or “Way of the Fist.” Brought to Sumatra centuries ago by Chinese migrants, Kuntao evolved into something distinctly Indonesian, blending Chinese martial philosophy with the adaptive bela diri (self-defense) of the local fighting traditions.

But what makes Kuntao truly fascinating is how it differs from Minangkabau Silat, the hallmark of West Sumatra’s indigenous Minangkabau culture. Where Kuntao speaks of directness, power, and upright stances, Minangkabau Silat focuses on fluidity, low stances, and movements inspired by the natural world. 

Here's a quick showcase of Kuntao pukulan (series of hits and elbows). 

A Tale of Two Traditions

Kuntao: Kuntao’s Chinese origins are unmistakable (Draeger D 1992, 2020). It thrives on explosive strikes, circular movements, and upright postures—hallmarks of its Chinese lineage. Kuntao may be less about ritual and more about practicality, focusing on close-quarters efficiency and adaptability.

Minangkabau Silat: In contrast, Minangkabau Silat is inseparable from the cultural identity of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra. With its roots deeply embedded in adat (cultural customs), it embraces low, grounded stances and fluid transitions. It’s as much a performance of resilience and adaptability as it is a martial art. As Draeger observed in his follow-up studies, Minangkabau Silat’s footwork and strategic use of terrain reflect a deep connection to its Sumatra's mountainous and cultural landscape. Check out this video in which a Minangkabau style Silat practitioner shared knowledge with Kang Cecep Arif Rahman of the Panglipur Aliran. 

Why Kuntao Deserves Your Attention

While Minangkabau Silat carries the weight of cultural ritual, Kuntao presents a raw, distilled approach to combat. Its techniques prioritize power and precision, making it both efficient in application. For martial arts enthusiasts, Kuntao is an opportunity to experience a unique fusion of Chinese martial philosophy and Sumatran ingenuity—a blend of imported knowledge and local adaptation.

Martial arts are living histories, shaped by the cultures and environments that imbued them. In Kuntao and Minangkabau Silat, we can see not just the diversity of Indonesia’s martial traditions but also the dynamic ways in which they’ve grown and thrived through the centuries.

At BloomIndoSilat, we honor these origins and incorporate both Kuntao and Minangkabau style Silat in our practice. 

References:

  • Draeger, Donn F. (1992) Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia. Tuttle Publishing.
  • Draeger, Donn F. (2020) The Martial Arts of Indonesia. Tuttle Publishing

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