MEPANTIGAN

Experience Bali's traditional martial art, Mepantigan, blending physical techniques with Balinese drama, dance, and gamelan music. Witness practitioners demonstrate strength and camaraderie in beach or village settings. Founded by Putu Witsen Widjaya, Mepantigan promotes compassion and respect, fostering human connection. Rules include traditional attire, pre-fight demonstrations, and post-fight gestures of respect.

A traditional martial art in Bali is Mepantigan but currently it is evolved out as a tourist attraction as well. This martial art includes similar physical technique that can be found in self defensive traditions around the world. But what makes Mepantigan different from other usual martial arts is its extension to Balinese drama, contemporary dance and gamelan music that are used to fuse with the performing arts and finally come out as a new cultural extravaganza. You can enjoy these cultural experiences while travelling with our Bali packages, and be sure to have a vibrant time exploring the rich heritage of this country.

When you witness this special art, you will see the practitioners with so much physical fitness and strength along with a strong friendship and sportsmanship created between all of them. Before the practitioners start indulging in this art from, they will wear uniforms that have traditional Balinese touch. Usually, the fight happens on the beach or in the rice fields or any kind of open space in the village.

Highlights: The founder and senior teacher of Mepantigan in Bali is Putu Witsen Widjaya who remarked that the students of Mepantigan will evolve as human being who demolish violence and create compassion. He believes that when the proper martial arts are developed with utmost strength, the presence of evil will be at bay forever and these arts will help to grow respect to others in a humongous way. Mepantigan is a celebration of the spirit, Witsen Widjawa insists.

Rules of the game: The general rules of the fight are somewhat similar to all the other martial arts yet unique. Before the original fight starts, performers are supposed to do some preliminary demonstration. Fighters are not restrained from throwing, sweeping, locking and creasing. Fighters should wear Balinese traditional dress and they are not allowed to wear shirt or T-shirt.

After the fight, fighters are supposed to bow your head each other or hug each other to show the respect and sportsman spirit. There are different scores according to the methods you follow to defeat the fighter.A special jury will be examining the fight. Also, there is a group of supporters for both the fighters.

Timing: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm. You should visit at around 01:00 pm to see the fights.

Price: USD 40

Location: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah No.93, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia.