MEMBERS of the Black Panther Salaknib-Gasaido Pencak Silat, proud Angelenos, won three international silver medals and one international bronze medal in the recently concluded Indonesia Open International Virtual Tournament.

The international tournament was held in celebration and commemoration of the 75th Indonesia Independence Day on August 15-17, 2020. It was participated in by 445 athletes from 73 martial arts clubs from 11 different countries.

The Black Panther Salaknib-Gasaido Pencak Silat is one of 10 clubs from the Philippines that joined the big gathering of contact sports practitioners that was shown live on YouTube.

The Black Panther Salaknib-Gasaido Pencak Silat medalists Asean Youth Games medalist Charles Darwin D. TIglao (Junior Category Internation Silver Medal); Rae Kim Chen D. Bangayan( Junior Category - Internation Silver Medal); Rued Angel Ceasar D. Bangayan (Pre-Junior Category - Internation Silver Medal); and Roderick Von T. Elman, Jr. (Pre-Junior Category - Internation Bronze Medal).

The Black Panther Salaknib-Gasaido Pencak Silat were joined by Trainer Roderick Von C. Elman and Coach Ana Chenly D. Bangayan.

Pencak Silat is a full-body fighting form incorporating strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry. Every part of the body is used and subject to attack. Pencak silat was practiced not only for physical defense but also for psychological ends. (PR)