Pak Herman Suwanda

Pencak Silat Mande Muda in the west is left to a lucky few who had contact with the late Guru Besar Herman Suwanda. Herman Suwanda was a man who greatly affected many people.  It has been a few years since his tragic demise on March 22, 2000, but his spirit still lives in the Pencak Silat we do.

Herman Suwanda was the first son born to Pak Uyuh Suwanda on February 10, 1955. 

Pak Uyuh’s first son, Herman Roberto Suwanda was born to the world backwards.  He came from his mother’s womb upside down.  At this time Pak Uyuh had established quite a reputation as a master and leader of men.  He commanded a great number of men who were his students and his rebel fighters during wartime.  Herman was to be his successor.  Pak Uyuh began to teach his son Silat at age five.  Herman was a reclusive boy and did not want to train Silat.  Uyuh was a hard man and often hurt Herman during training.  Nevertheless, Herman learned Silat.  Pak Uyuh also sent him to other masters to develop his fighting skills.  Once, while still a young boy at eight years old, Herman refused to continue training.  His father tied his hands together and hung him from the roof.  Herman could not come down until he was ready to train.  After spending the night hanging, Herman was released and his father immediately made him practice Silat. 

Often, Herman was not allowed to attend school, and he was