Among the Betawi people of Greater Jakarta, the silat tradition is rooted in the culture of the jagoan or local champions. Seen as heroes of the common people, they went against colonial authority and were despised by the Dutch as thugs and bandits. Betawi silat is referred to in the local dialect as maen pukulan, literally meaning "strike play". The most well-known schools are Beksi and Cingkrik. Beksi is one of the most commonly practiced forms of silat in Greater Jakarta, and is distinguishable from other Betawi systems by its close-distance combat style and lack of offensive leg action.[16]
