Inner Wave Martial Arts Academy

Inner Wave Pencak Silat offers something very rare in martial arts schools — true insight into the nature of fighting without advocating aggression, ego or pretension. Looking at the slight frame of the school’s founder, Daniel Prasetya, one would not think he would be someone who is so adept at disarming and manipulating an opponent. The same can be said of his teaching style. It is deceptively potent, but at the same time very accessible.
Prior to coming to Inner Wave, I studied several different styles of martial arts under several different instructors. Inner Wave has taught me how to bring together these past experiences and form them into an art of my own. I often joke that that Pencak Silat is my Ph.D. in the martial arts.
To be less vague, the school teaches a wide curriculum from basic blocks, kicks, and punches to more advanced forms. Throughout it all, there is an emphasis on practical application of these motions and the principles and body mechanics behind them. One other thing to note is that no material is guarded or held secret. Any student may learn any material at any time, the only difference is the learning he or she will take away from the lesson. While there are belts and belt-​appropriate material, this school is no belt-​factory.
Beyond self-​defense, this school teaches breathing techniques and postures (much like Chinese Qi Gong or Indian Yoga) which encourage good circulation. There are also many opportunities to learn Indonesian meditation and healing massage.
Even though I no longer live in Fort Collins, I still try to get back for lessons as often as my schedule will allow. More importantly, I still maintain close friendships to Guru Daniel and the other members of the school. If you live in the area, I highly suggest giving it a try. Guru Daniel’s exceptional talent and his nearly 30 years of experience in Pencak Silat are truly a rare find in both the U.S. and in Indonesia.