Silat Melayu, a martial art deeply rooted in the Malay world, is undergoing a powerful transformation—one that bridges tradition with innovation, heritage with technology, and local pride with global recognition. At the heart of this movement is Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, who, together with his research teams from UiTM, is leading three groundbreaking academic products under the banner of iMAN25 (Pertandingan Inovasi Alam Melayu Antarabangsa 2025).
These innovations—Silat EVO, Silat For Beginners, and Silat Tempur—represent a strategic effort to elevate Silat as a heritage-based discipline that is relevant in education, sport, and international cultural diplomacy.
🔹 SILAT EVO – The Evolution of Silat into Professional Cage Combat
Silat EVO is a modern combat sport that reimagines Silat within a professional cage format. With structured rules, scoring systems, and age-based categories, it offers a competitive platform that retains the soul of Silat while appealing to global martial arts audiences.
Led by Dr. Nizam and supported by Muhammad Faizal Kutip, Adam Alif Mohamad Azmi, Muhammad Zakwan Nural Azhan, and Mohd Azim Nural Azhan, the team has developed a format that integrates traditional techniques with sports science, making Silat EVO a potential contender on the world stage alongside MMA and judo.
🔹 SILAT FOR BEGINNERS – A Digital Gateway to Malay Martial Arts
Silat For Beginners is a pioneering online learning and certification platform designed to introduce Silat to learners of all ages. With interactive modules, video tutorials, and structured assessments, it democratizes access to Silat education.
This initiative is powered by Dr. Nizam, Coach Muhammad Salehin Ramli, Dr. Mohamad Razeef Shah Mohmad Rafik, Nor Azila Ab Razak, and PM Dr. Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin. The platform is ideal for schools, universities, and international learners seeking to understand Silat not just as a martial art, but as a cultural philosophy.
🔹 SILAT TEMPUR – Combat Sports Education for Children
Silat Tempur is a child-friendly combat sports model that introduces Silat techniques in a safe, educational format. It focuses on physical literacy, discipline, and anti-bullying values, making it suitable for primary school integration.
The team behind Silat Tempur includes Dr. Nizam, Coach Muhammad Salehin Ramli, TS Nasru Syazwan Nawai, PT Master Hazim Samsudin, and PM Dr. Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin. Their work ensures that Silat becomes a tool for character development and youth empowerment.
All three innovations are supported by the publication of the Monograf IMAN25, published by Penerbit UiTM, which documents the academic journey and impact of these products. Together, they reflect a bold vision: to position Silat Melayu as a global discipline that is academically rigorous, culturally rich, and socially transformative.
Dr. Nizam’s leadership in iMAN25 is not just a personal achievement—it is a national statement. It affirms that Malaysia’s martial arts heritage can evolve, inspire, and lead on the world stage.
