Guardian Girls Pencak Silat Hold First Instructor’s Course

Following the historic global launch of the Guardian Girls Pencak Silat (GGPS) initiative on May 18, 2026, Guardian Girls International, International Pencak Silat Federation, and Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia successfully hosted the first official GGPS Instructor Course at the renowned Padepokan Pencak Silat Indonesia in Jakarta.

Widely recognized as the spiritual and cultural center of Pencak Silat in Indonesia, the Padepokan Pencak Silat complex at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) was established to preserve, promote, and host major national and international Pencak Silat events. The venue has played a historic role in advancing Indonesia’s traditional martial art, which was officially inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.

The instructor course marked an important next step following the official global launch reception held at the Official Residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia in Jakarta, where GGI and IPSF-PERSILAT signed their historic global agreement to expand the Guardian Girls Pencak Silat initiative worldwide through national Pencak Silat federations.

The training program brought together women Pencak Silat instructors from across Indonesia to participate in foundational GGPS instruction focused on women’s empowerment, leadership, safeguarding, and community-based self-protection education through Pencak Silat.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Benny G. Sumarsono, Executive Chairman of IPSF-PERSILAT and IPSI, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the important role of women instructors in advancing the future of Pencak Silat nationally and internationally.

“Pencak Silat is not only a martial art, but also an important part of Indonesia’s cultural identity and values,” said Mr. Benny G. Sumarsono. “Through Guardian Girls Pencak Silat, we hope to strengthen the role of women in our sport while sharing the philosophy and spirit of Pencak Silat with communities around the world.”

Additional opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Shin Koyamada, Secretary General of GGI, who highlighted the importance of strengthening international collaboration to empower women and girls through traditional martial arts and sports-based education.

“We are honored to work together with IPSF-PERSILAT and IPSI to launch this important initiative from Indonesia, the birthplace of Pencak Silat,” said Mr. Shin Koyamada. “GGPS is more than a sports program. It is a global movement to empower women and girls through culture, education, leadership, and community engagement.”

Following the opening session, participants received introductory instruction in Pencak Silat-based techniques and GGPS educational methodologies before successfully completing the course and receiving instructor certification.

In conjunction with the program, senior leadership from IPSF-PERSILAT, IPSI, GGI, and Guardian Girls Indonesia convened strategic meetings to discuss the long-term development and international expansion of the GGPS initiative in Indonesia and worldwide. Discussions included future instructor certification systems, national implementation strategies, partnerships with women’s organizations and educational institutions, and the international promotion of Pencak Silat as a platform for women’s empowerment and cultural diplomacy.

The strategic discussions were led by Mr. Benny G. Sumarsono, Executive Chairman of IPSF-PERSILAT; Mr. Teddy Suratmadji, Secretary General of IPSF-PERSILAT; Mr. Shin Koyamada, Secretary General of GGI; and representatives from GGNC Indonesia and IPSI leadership.

The initiative also aligns with the broader international vision of Prabowo Subianto, who serves as President of IPSF-PERSILAT and has strongly supported the continued internationalization of Pencak Silat, including ongoing efforts toward future Olympic recognition. Through the GGPS initiative, GGI and IPSF-PERSILAT aim to further strengthen the global visibility of Pencak Silat while advancing gender equality, women’s leadership, and the prevention of violence against women and girls through sports, tradition, and education.