The PSF UK took part in the 15th Belgian Open Championships in Schoten from 5–6 May 2018, and came back with a Gold medal. The Belgian Open is the biggest annual Silat championship in Europe, open to clubs as well as national teams from all members of PERSILAT across the world.
The Opening Ceremony began with awe-inspiring performances from IPSI's Demonstration Team, followed by speeches by H.E. Mr Yuri Thamrin, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Belgium, PSF UK President Mr Aidinal Alrashid (in his role as President of the European Pencak Silat Federation), and Mr Ludo Pieters, President of the Belgian Pencak Silat Bond.
Competitors came from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, and the USA. The competitions were held in Tanding categories for Men, Women, Boys, Girls, and Masters (those over 35 years).
Competition Report
Burak Yusmak drew his first fight against Indonesia and, despite being up against an experienced South East Asian competitor in his weight class, managed to win points in each round. However, he was taken down several times and his opponent went on to win the match.
In Male Class E, Hasan Choudhoury was up against Komang Harik of Indonesia — a fighter who had recently beaten a competitor at the South East Asia Games Test Event. Hasan showed no sign of being intimidated. Although he eventually lost on points, he gave a performance he could be proud of.
Djibrill Aoudou was drawn against Garrush Hamza of PSHT France in the Open weight category. From the outset, Djibrill was in control of the match, taking down his opponent in each round while resisting being taken down himself. He went through to the Finals, where he faced Ben Smit of Dutch club Parahyangan, and won a unanimous verdict from the Jury — Gold for the UK.
