Perguruan Pencak Silat Walet Puti di Kota Kisaran (1970-2015)

Abstract

This study discusses the history and development of the Walet Puti Pencak Silat School in Kisaran City from 1970 to 2015. The school was founded by Sofyan Ratta on August 16, 1970, in Sidomukti, Kisaran, North Sumatra. In addition to serving as a platform for martial arts education, the Walet Puti Pencak Silat School is also known for its traditional blood acupressure therapy method developed by its founder. The aim of this study is to analyze the establishment process of the school, the development of its organizational structure, its expansion into various regions, as well as its role in preserving pencak silat and traditional healing practices. The key concepts employed in this study include Martial Arts School, Pencak Silat, Pencak Silat School, Walet Puti Pencak Silat School, and Traditional Medicine. The research method used is the historical method, which includes heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Data were collected through interviews, archival documents, and references from previous studies. The findings reveal that the Walet Puti Pencak Silat School experienced significant growth both nationally and internationally, with branches established in several provinces across Indonesia and abroad, including Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Morocco. The school has faced various challenges, such as declining interest among younger generations, limited government support, and competition from other pencak silat schools. Nevertheless, the Walet Puti Pencak Silat School continues to make meaningful contributions to the preservation of pencak silat culture and traditional health practices.