- Melee weapons
- Chabang / Tekpi
Literally meaning branch, the chabang is a truncheon or knife with three prongs. Called cabang in Indonesian and tekpi in Malay, early evidence suggests that it was first developed in Indonesia based on the trisula. Chabang are traditionally paired and can be used in striking, locking or throwing techniques. The two outer prongs are used for trapping the weapon or breaking the opponent's weapon. Among silat practitioners, the chabang is known as the king of weapons because of its usefulness when defending against blades.
The kipas (literally means fan) is a folding fan which people used to keep themselves cool in Southeast Asia's tropical heat. Although created in China (where it is known as tieshan), the fan is common to many Asian cultures, as can be seen in traditional Indonesian-Malay dances. As a weapon the fan should be able to open and close easily with one hand, particularly if two are being wielded at once. Usually made of bamboo, more combat-worthy kipas are constructed from harder wood or iron. The smallest fans measure only six centimetres in length but some are quite large and can reach as many as fifty centimetres long.
- Perisai / Jebang
The perisai is a shield. Shields in silat are generally round bucklers made of rattan, typically paired with a spear or javelin. However, the indigenous tribes of Malaysia and Indonesia commonly wield the jebang, a long hexagonal wooden shield.
- Samping / Chindai
The samping is a wearable sarong usually tied around the waist or draped across one shoulder. Related weapons include the linso or kerchief, and the chindai or Sindhi waist-sash made of silk. Students first use it for practicing hand movements but in advanced stages it is applied as a weapon. Samping techniques include locks, grabs and choke-holds. It can also be used to trap the opponent's weapon or attacking limb. The samping is particularly useful against bladed weapons since the wrapped cloth provides some protection from cuts.
