Silat, also referred to as Pencak Silat (pen-jock see-lot), is a collective word for the traditional fighting arts that are indigenous to Malaysia, Indonesia and the Southern Philippines, and there are thousands of different systems and styles practiced throughout the Malaysian Archipelago. Silat can be traced as far back as the 8th century A.D. and the art was at the height of its efficiency during the 14th century. It was heavily used in military campaigns by two of Indonesia's vast, ancient powers—the Srivijaya and the Majapahit Empires. This ancient combat system is very fluid and dynamic. It focuses on strategies, tactics and techniques that were originally created for battlefield warfare but have been modified and adapted for modern self-defensive purposes. And while Silat is primarily a bladed art, there is an abundance of unarmed applications that are so effective that they are highly sought after by special law enforcement agencies and the military elite. Some of the characteristics of Silat include but are not limited to striking, locking, trapping, throwing and a plethora of breaking. One of the many specialties of these arts is the ability to maneuver around opponents and counter attack from behind.