The effort O'ong Maryono has made to compile a book on the development of pencak silat, is, in itself, commendable. This integrated presentation provides for a better and more comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of pencak silat. As well as discussing the historical aspects of pencak silat, O'ong Maryono also examines current issues in pencak silat. In other words, a retrospective and prospective view of pencak silat. I hope that this book will be widely read, and provide a 'lively' and substantial critical analysis that will improve the quality of discourse on pencak silat as a whole.