PERAN PENCAK SILAT DALAM PEMBINAAN KESEHATAN DAN SEMANGAT PERJUANGAN SANTRI (LIVING HADIS)

Abstract

This research aims to examine the role of pencak silat as a medium for fostering physical health and spiritual fighting spirit among students (santri) at Wali Songo Islamic Boarding School (Pondok Pesantren). Pencak silat, as a national cultural heritage, is viewed not only as a martial art but also as a practice containing noble and religious values (living hadis). The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a living hadis approach. Data collection techniques include participatory observation, in-depth interviews with the caretaker, administrators, and students, and documentation studies. The research subjects were the santri and the pencak silat practice at Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo. The results indicate that pencak silat significantly contributes to the students' health by regularly improving physical fitness, flexibility, and endurance. Furthermore, the disciplined training fosters a fighting spirit (jihad), teaching perseverance, never giving up, and sacrifice, which aligns with Islamic teachings on jihad in seeking knowledge and having noble character (akhlak mulia). Thus, pencak silat is proven to be an effective holistic medium for developing students' potential, both physically and mentally-spiritually