Bali is not really synonymous with “martial arts” and while terms like capoeira and BJJ dominate the MMA discussions in the wider world, Bali does have a martial art and it’s called Mepantigan.
While it’s unlikely to ever be a huge draw for crowds outside of the island this unusual form of mud wrestling is, perhaps, unique in that violence has no place in Mepantigan.
Here’s what you need to know about this fascinating local tradition.
What Is Mepantigan?
The name “Mepantigan” means “to throw” in traditional Balinese. It’s one of the strangest martial arts on Earth.
As the purpose is not for self-defence or conquest but rather this Balinese martial art is meant to instil an understanding of the natural world, empathy and discipline.
The Values Of Mepantigan
Putu Witsen Widjaya was one of the founders of this art, and he says that learning this art among the muddy rice fields creates Mepantigan practitioners who avoid violence, dwell in respect for the three harmonies of Bali and prioritize empathy above all else.
The Opening Of A Mud Wrestling Duel
The duel begins with a prayer to Dewi Sri the Hindu Goddess of prosperity. Then, comes Gamelan Music, dancing and religious chanting (no battle cries) and everything must be based in respect.
Performers begin by embracing each other and they dress in kamen sarongs and have traditional headwear.
Men who take part in Mepantigan wear no shirt, and women wear a t-shirt for modesty’s sake.
The Rules Of Mepantigan – Bali
The rules of Mepantigan are quite strict and the Balinese martial art allows no inflicting damage on the opponent.
Thus, there is no biting, no hair pulling, no punching and no kicking. Instead, one match is won or lost by using a set series of techniques to throw the opponent without hurting them.
Failure to follow these techniques means failing to score. You can’t just push an opponent over into the mud.
The judges provide a score for each Mepantigan match and tradition dictates that there are points awarded for the attitude of each competitor.
A match lasts for exactly 3 minutes (the time is kept on a bamboo clock) and it ends as it begins, with a hug between the “opponents”.
Where To See Mepantigan – Bali Venues
Pondok Mepantigan Bali, Batubulan Village, Gianyar
There’s only one place to see Mepantigan in Bali and that’s Pondok Mepantigan Bali in the Batubulan Village of Gianyar Regency just outside of Ubud.
Things To Do Near Batubulan Village
If you’re going to stop in Batubulan to see the mud wrestling then you will be pleased to know there are plenty of other things to do nearby including:
Kebon Vintage Cars – if you love old classic cars, you’re going to love this place. We like the QR code system for looking up details on each car.
Kertalangu Cultural Village – a very popular park for jogging and there’s a giant gong in the centre.
Bali Festival Park Padang Galak – this is a former amusement park left to run ruin. Bali Festival Park is one of a number of sites said to be haunted on the island.
Bali Bird Park is a wonderful place with a great collection of birds. It’s also right next door to Bali Reptile Park.
Bagus Fruit Carving – a newly opened gallery specializing in fruit carving, it has to be seen to be believed.
Where To Stay Near Batubulan Village
There are plenty of nice places to stay in this part of Bali, including:
Katan-Katang Guest House – a very cozy guesthouse with rooms filled with plants and surrounded by nature.
Harsono Boutique Resort – an attractive and reasonably priced 5-star hotel with an excellent pool area and a river running close by.
La Griya Guest House – a really nice guesthouse within walking distance of many amenities.
Graha Madesimon – one of the nicest hotels in the area and the rooms are big and it’s really cheap for what you get.
Griya Shanti Homestay and Spa – a quiet and welcoming homestay with an owner who has a reputation for always going the extra mile for his guests.
Where To Eat Near Batubulan Village
There are quite a few places to eat and drink in this area and some of our favourites include:
De Guling Bali – if you love babi guling, you’ll love this place where 22,000 IDR (about $1.50 USD or $2.20 AUD) gets you a big plate of the tasty pork dish.
Koner Mie Batubulan – a very popular local noodle shop but with some quality control issues occasionally. The dim sum is very tasty, though.
Mie Gacoan Batubulan – another dim sum restaurant with an emphasis on spicy concoctions.
Plek Ganas 87 – a great local brunch restaurant that does a mean lawar plek and it’s very good value for money.
Mud Coffee Bali – there’s no actual mud in the coffee at Mud Coffee, it’s just named in the spirit of the Mepantigan tradition.
FAQs
What Are The Skills Trained By Mepantigan, Bali?
The tradition of Mepantigan places emphasis on free wrestling but with very strict rules to ensure that the most skilled performers are those that balance aggression with restraint, respect with the desire to win, and most of all unfailing and compassionate politeness.
It is the latter that participants get the most points for in this unusual Balinese traditional martial art.
What Is Bali Martial Arts?
Bali has only one martial art, as opposed to martial arts, and that is Mepantigan, it’s based on the Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat but with more emphasis on wrestling techniques.
Final Thoughts On Traditional Balinese Martial Arts
Traditional Balinese martial arts are very different from those practiced elsewhere in the world Mepantigan may be the only martial art to avoid violence and treat things more like a traditional dance performance.
If you find yourself out in the muddy rice fields of Batubulan then we would recommend that you catch, at least, one match of Mepantigan as you can’t see this martial art practised anywhere else on Earth.
