History of Silat

There are three main associations that uses Silat Gayong as their curriculum. They are all led by Dato' Meor's closest followers who wear the sixth degree black belt, the highest a student could attain. The biggest is Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia (PSSGM) which is led by the grandmaster's daughter Cikgu Kalsom. Others are Pertubuhan Seni Silat Pusaka Gayong Malaysia (PSSPGM) which is led by Cikgu Majid Mat Isa, Silat Seni Gayong Pasak Singapura (SSGPS) by Cikgu Hussain Kaslan and Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Warisan Serantau Malaysia (PSSGWSM) by Cikgu Mat Nanyan. Other associations that teach Silat Gayong as brought by Dato' Meor are PERWANIT in Singapore and Gayong Amerika (colaboration of PSSGM and PSSPGM).

The governing body of PSSGM (crest at the banner) is headed by Cikgu Mohd Razali Mohd Salleh, the chairman. Initially registered in 1962, it is probably the oldest silat association in Malaysia. Each state has its own branch in which they govern their own curriculum as outlined by the central headquarters. Hence to obtain a white belt in Selangor is not the same as obtaining one in Johor due to the specialization of certain masters in those regions. For instance PSSGM Selangor once invited a master from Pahang to give a javelin seminar since he was the renown expert.

PSSPGM, also known as Gayong Pusaka, was founded following the sacking of Cikgu Majid as the chief instructor of PSSGM in 1978. It recognizes Dato' Meor as the grandmaster although all activities are self-regulated. Gayong Pusaka has an almost identical belt system to PSSGM's but the curriculum for each belt is different. They are famed for producing world champions in silat seni tournaments such as Jebat, Zulkarnain and Mat.

In Singapore SSGPS is the main body that regulates the study of Silat Gayong. Cikgu Hussain Kaslan, the chief instructor, was one of the earliest student of Dato' Meor when Silat Gayong was first being introduced in Singapore. Some of the masters in PSSGM even went for their black belt grading with SSGPS.

Another breakaway from PSSGM is Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Warisan Serantau Malaysia (PSSGWSM). Is was established in 1992 and currently being led by Cikgu Mat Nanyan. PSSWSM has its headquarters in Alor Setar and active mostly in the northern states. The main training center is in Kampung Kepayang, Ipoh.