Sabeni, The Legendary Martial Artist From Betawi, Indonesia

Disclaimer, English version, dapet dari website Jakarta Post. beberapa poin saya tambah.
saya praktisi silat sabeni. Sorry for bad english.. hahaha
For Indonesian Version Please Click Here

Sabeni's Symbol

In Batavia (Now Jakarta), Indonesia, under Dutch Colonial Rule, in Tenabang (now Tana Abang), lived one of the greatest martial arts legends, and arguably the greatest fighter, to ever live, Engkong Sabeni. GGM Sabeni was, in the terminology of his day, a Jago. He was responsible for the safety, security, and Pencak Silat training of those in his neighborhood.

Sabeni's fame spread as he defeated other local martial artist and acquired a reputation. He continued teaching the other Betawi in his neighborhood of Tenabang Seni Beladiri (silat), or the art of self defense. His is a variety of Silat Betawi, known for its lighting fast strikes. deadly joint and neck locks and throws, and brutal golok (machete) techniques, completely adapted to life on the mean streets of Tana Abang in that day.

The Dutch colonial regime was sorely displeased with GGM Sabeni's teaching Pencak Silat to the commoners, as they felt it threatened their control over the people.So The Dutch colonial regime pay local Martial Artist to defeat Sabeni, but failed. Dutch colonial regime re-challenged Sabeni to face againts Boxing Champion and Kungfu Champion from China. And again, sabeni managed to beat them.

when Sabeni was already old the Japanese military government ask sabeni to teaching martial arts (silat) for Japanese Soldier, but, for protecting his nation and his tradition, sabeni refused. Japanese sent a Japanese Karate, Judo, and Sumo champion to challange the elderly grand master sabeni. Their plan backfired, however, when Great Grandmaster Sabeni felled the Japanese champion instead.

This victory, difficult as it may be to believe, was no fluke, as he subsequently defeated a Japanese judo champion and karate champion as well.

The world was shocked when, at the age of 44, George Foreman won the world heavyweight boxing Championship. Sabeni, however, was nearly twice this age, and was not just in a sport fight, but in brutal combat with no rules.

Sabeni is still widely revered and respected for this accomplishment, especially in the Pencak Silat and Betawi communities. There is even a street in Jakarta named in his honor (left).

Sabeni's Tomb In Jakarta