Singapore - Over the next three weeks, close to 700 Silat exponents will compete in the National Pencak Silat Championship.
The competition was officially opened on Friday evening and the first events will take place this weekend.
There will be various categories, including the pre-junior category, which is for those under-14.
The senior category is for those up to 40 years old.
Besides competitive matches, there will also be artistic matches where music and costumes will be used for a choreographed performance.
More than 30 clubs and affiliates that are part of the Singapore Silat Federation will be represented in the competition.
Silat is a martial art with roots in Malay culture.
It involves fighting using techniques of self defence.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (21 Juni 2007)