Pencak Silat for Children & Youth
A sport that offers more than just movement. Pencak Silat teaches children confidence, discipline, and respect, in a way that suits their age.
Find a School near youWhy Pencak Silat for children?
Self-defense
Learning techniques in a safe, controlled environment.
Focus & Discipline
Better learning to listen, concentrate, and persevere.
Self-confidence
Stand stronger on your feet, at school and beyond.
Teamwork
Respect, teamwork, and dealing with winning and losing.
Fittest Foundation
Coordination, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
What does a children's training look like?
At most Pencak Silat schools in the Netherlands, children are welcome from 6 years old. The training for this age group is playfully structured: focusing on basic coordination, balance, and simple techniques. Children learn through doing what it means to train together, listen to their teacher, and show respect to their training partner.
As children grow older, the emphasis shifts to more technical skills. The categories Singa (6-9 years) and Macan (10-11 years) have special safety rules, minimizing the risk of injuries. From the Pre-Teen category (12-13 years), the training becomes more intensive and children can participate in their first competitions if desired.
Schools with youth programs in view
Not every Pencak Silat school offers a separate youth program. Below, we highlight three schools that do provide specific training for children and youth, each with its own approach and in different regions of the Netherlands.
Merpati Putih Nederland, The Hague
SilatAcademy
One of the schools that specifically offers a youth program is Merpati Putih Nederland, located in The Hague. Their SilatAcademy focuses on children from 6 to 13 years old. The classes combine play forms with Pencak Silat techniques, allowing children to naturally develop their motor skills, self-confidence, and social skills.
Additionally, the perguruan has a competition program for members aged 13 and above: focused on Tanding (sparring), with training in technique, tactics, strength, and mental resilience. Athletes from Merpati Putih participate in national and international tournaments.
Pencak Silat PRSH, Amersfoort
In Amersfoort, Pencak Silat PRSH offers special youth classes for children aged 8 to 13. The complex techniques of Pencak Silat are broken down into understandable steps so that even the youngest members can participate with pleasure and at their own level. Training is on Friday evening from 19:30 to 20:15.
Children showing sufficient aptitude are given the opportunity to participate in youth competitions organized by the Nederlandse Pencak Silat Federatie (NPSF). The classes are taught by qualified instructors with extensive competition experience.
Perguruan Pencak Silat Pamor Badai, Diemen
Near Amsterdam, in Diemen, Perguruan Pencak Silat Pamor Badai trains here. Children are welcome from 6 years old. The youth training on Sunday (16:00-17:00) is specifically designed for the youngest members: during trial lessons, it is assessed whether the child has sufficient focus to participate. If not, it is advised to try again later.
Pamor Badai is a perguruan with international branches in Indonesia, Suriname, and Belgium. The membership fee for children aged 7 to 11 is €150 per season (including NPSF membership fee), making it an affordable option for families in the Amsterdam region.
Competition categories for youth (PERSILAT)
The following youth categories apply at official Pencak Silat competitions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Pencak Silat as an educational tool
Pencak Silat has been on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. But it is more than just culture: for children, it is a sport that builds character. The combination of physical effort, mental sharpness, and mutual respect makes it a powerful means for personal growth.
In the Netherlands, thousands of young people practice Pencak Silat at more than 80 perguruan (schools), spread across cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, and many other places. Whether your child wants to move, learn self-defense, or compete in tournaments later, there is always a school nearby that suits your wishes.
The best way to discover if Pencak Silat is suitable for your child is to book a free trial lesson. Most schools offer this without further obligations.
Ready to get started?
Find a Pencak Silat school near you and book a free trial lesson.