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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Pencak Silat Cikalong from West Java, founded by Raden Haji Ibrahim in the 19th century, is a highly influential Sundanese Silat style famous for close-range tactile sensitivity (Rasak). The 6-level hierarchy (Murid Dasar to Guru Besar master) evaluates Main Rasak sensitivity trapping, Kunci joint locks, takedowns, and Golok machete.

1st Level – Murid Dasar

Murid Dasar CikalongRank #1

Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Kuda-Kuda stances, first 10 Jurus Cikalong forms, and forearm parries.

Symbolism & Meaning

Royal Sundanese Pencak Silat from Cianjur founded by Raden Haji Ibrahim in 19th century.

2nd Level – Murid Lanjutan

Murid LanjutanRank #2

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Mastery of Jurus 11-28, touch sensitivity Rasa in close range, & Langkah steps.

Symbolism & Meaning

Developing subtle reactive sensitivity under pressure without brute force.

3rd Level – Pelatih Cikalong (Instructor)

Pelatih CikalongRank #3

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Instructor certification. Golok machete drills, Pisau knife combat, & teaching.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official trainer authorized to teach traditional Sundanese lineage manuals.

4th Level – Pendekar Muda (Senior Master)

Pendekar MudaRank #4

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Wavy Keris dagger combat, weapon disarms standing/ground, & joint snapping.

Symbolism & Meaning

Red sash representing relentless combat maturity of Sundanese warrior.

5th Level – Pendekar Cikalong (Full Master)

Pendekar CikalongRank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Full master. Tenaga Dalam internal energy mastery, bone healing, and leadership.

Symbolism & Meaning

Pendekar = Respected national guardian of Silat Cikalong tradition.

6th Level – Guru Besar (Grandmaster)

Guru Besar CikalongRank #6

Typical gap since previous grade: 72 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Highest spiritual authority of Raden Hj. Ibrahim lineage. Head of Cikalong.

Symbolism & Meaning

Guru Besar = Living legend and grandmaster of Sundanese Silat Cikalong in Cianjur.