Guru Besar Dadang Gunawan

Pak Dadang 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. From this renowned instructor, Pak Dadang studied Maenpo (literally "forget to play"). Maenpo is an art that focuses strictly on self-defense and effective combat techniques. 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 (the founder of PSMM). 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.Pak Dadang began to play a more important role in the Pencak Silat Mande Muda organization. From 1970 until 1976, he worked together with Pak Uyuh, Pak Herman and other members of the organization to update the practice methods of Pencak Silat Mande Muda. As in other parts of the world, Indonesians were becoming more aware of the use of belt ranks in martial arts. Belt ranks made it easier to teach large groups of students. This modern principle was applied to Mande Muda in Indonesia and a curriculum was developed with five levels: (Sabuk Hitam, Hijau, Merah, Putih and Kuning (black belt, green, red, white, and finally progressing to yellow belt).

In 1985, Pak Dadang traveled to the United States, along with Pak Uyuh and Pak Herman Suwanda. They performed demonstrations to promote Mande Muda and received a certificate of appreciation from the government of San Francisco.In 1990, Pak Dadang received the title of Deputy of Mande Muda Indonesia. In 2000, he became Guru Besar of Mande Muda Indonesia; a title that he shares with his wife, Ibu Rita Suwanda, who is Guru Besar of Mande Muda International.Pak Dadang's skill has made him well known in West Java and martial artists throughout Indonesia recognize him as a Pendekar (a title reserved only for the highest caliber of Silat Masters).