Local knowledge is wisdom and noble values resided in richness of the local culture which generated into traditions, and such tradition includes the martial arts.   Pencak silat is a media of humanism education in traditional java society . Goal of exercise is not only for promote physical power and technical skill, but also more important is for character building and personality building.  His research used hermeneutic reflection method including description, comparison and critical reflection to find out comprehensive understanding. The result is meaning of culture  pencak silat in essence is to look for real truth that is life view and wise of human being in relation to cultural, social, moral and religious values that Indonesian people respect. The character values include noble quality, loyalty, great heart, wise, tolerance, courteousness, honesty, obedience, and never give up. A silat actor is demanded to the virtuous, the brave, select the attitude, simple and peace of the world.  High value of pencak silat contains educational material to form human being having good character.   

Keywords: pencak silat, traditional, modern, character building, local wisdom