Guru Besar Uyuh Suwanda

Pak Uyuh Suwanda was the founder of the Mande Muda self defense system, which he began in 1951 in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Like all traditional pencak silat, this was not open to the general public. Pak Uyuh had studied 17 styles of pencak silat. He added Cimande, when he married Mimi Rukmini who came from Cimande village, and many of her uncles and her father were freedom fighters against the colonization, before the independence and were from the Cimande family. Together they taught their combined system, which Pak Uyuh named "Mande Muda", to their family and friends.

Pak Uyuh believed that each silat technique could be used differently in different situations and that there are no techniques which will work in all attacks. For this reason, he continuously studied pencak silat techniques and weapons to find the best answers to attacks, and ways to prevent attack. Pak Uyuh combined techniques from the 18 silat styles in an effective system which is unique and rich in knowledge.

Pak Uyuh had a strong character and knew much about the traditional cultural beliefs of West Java. He planted in his children his love of the traditional ways and his determination to preserve them. Therefore, he always said to us that Mande Muda must not die. When the leader of the family system dies, then another must take his place. Pak Uyuh died in 1989, and Mande Muda is still alive because of the spirit and principles that he gave us.