Pak Dadang Gunawan

Pak Dadang Gunawan is the husband of Ibu Rita Suwanda. From early childhood, Pak Dadang has had a rich and diverse education in Pencak Silat. At eight years old, he learned basic Pencak Silat from his father, training in Cikalong and Timbangan style.

At 10 years old, he began to study Rikesan and Usik with Pendekars from Garut and Cianjur (West and East ends of West Java). Pak Dadang's training continued at the age of 12, with Pak Suherman, a contemporary of Uyuh Suwanda who greatly influenced Mande Muda.  From this renowned instructor, Pak Dadang studied Maenpo.  Maenpo is an art that focuses strictly on self-defense and effective combat techniques. In addition, Pak Dadang has had significant training in other styles, including Cikalong, Usik, Rikesan, Timbangan, Benjang, Syahbandar, Sera, Liliwatan, Ulin Pa Macan, Limbuhan, Golok and other typical West Java weapon styles.

In 1968, at the age of 17, Pak Dadang became a student of Pencak Silat Mande Muda. In addition to Mande Muda, he studied Cimande and other styles under Pak Uyuh Suwanda. In 1969, Pak Dadang became a Pencak Silat champion, after competing in a tournament in West Java. He joined a delegation of competitors, following National championships all over Indonesia. He traveled throughout Indonesia, winning National level competitions in Surabaya and East Java.