Pencak Silat for Children & Youth
A sport that offers more than just movement. Pencak Silat teaches children self-confidence, discipline, and respect, in a way that suits their age.
Find a School near youWhy Pencak Silat for children?
Self-defense
Learn techniques in a safe, controlled environment.
Focus & Discipline
Learn to listen better, concentrate, and persevere.
Self-confidence
Stand stronger in your shoes, at school and outside.
Cooperation
Respect, teamwork, and dealing with winning and losing.
Fitte Basis
Coordination, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
What does a children's training look like?
Most Pencak Silat schools in the Netherlands welcome children from 6 years old. The training for this age group is playfully designed: working on basic coordination, balance, and simple techniques. Children learn through experience 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 optionally participate in their first competitions.
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 young people, each with their 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, based in The Hague. Their SilatAcademy focuses on children aged 6 to 13 years. The lessons combine playful forms with Pencak Silat techniques, so children naturally work on their motor skills, self-confidence, and social skills.
In addition, the perguruan has a competition program for members from 13 years old: 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 lessons for children aged 8 to 13 years. The complex techniques of Pencak Silat are broken down into understandable steps, so even the youngest members can participate with joy and at their own level. Training is on Fridays from 19:30 to 20:15.
Children showing sufficient talent are given the opportunity to participate in youth competitions organized by the Dutch Pencak Silat Federation (NPSF). The lessons are given by qualified teachers with extensive competition experience.
Perguruan Pencak Silat Pamor Badai, Diemen
Near Amsterdam, in Diemen, Perguruan Pencak Silat Pamor Badai trains. Children are welcome from 6 years old. The youth training on Sundays (16:00-17:00) is specifically designed for the youngest members: during trial lessons, it is assessed whether the child has enough focus to participate. If not, it is recommended to try again at a later time.
Pamor Badai is a perguruan with international branches in Indonesia, Suriname and Belgium. The contribution for children from 7 to 11 years old is €150 per season (including NPSF team contribution), which makes it an affordable option for families in the Amsterdam region.
Competition categories for youth (PERSILAT)
Official Pencak Silat competitions have the following youth categories:
Frequently asked questions
Pencak Silat as an educational instrument
Pencak Silat has been on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. But it's more than just culture: for children, it is a sport that shapes character. The combination of physical exertion, mental sharpness, and mutual respect makes it a powerful tool for personal growth.
In the Netherlands, thousands of young people practice Pencak Silat at more than 80 perguruan (schools), spread across cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, and many others. Whether your child wants to move, learn to defend themselves, or participate in competitions in the future, there is always a school nearby that suits your wishes.
The best way to find out if Pencak Silat fits your child is to book a free trial lesson. Most schools offer this without further obligations.
Ready to start?
Find a Pencak Silat school near you and book a free trial lesson.