The tradition of silat is passed down orally and spread by word of mouth, taught from teacher to student. That is why written records about the origin of silat are hard to find. In Minangkabau, silat or silek was created by Datuk Suri Diraja from Pariangan, Tanah Datar, at the foot of Mount Marapi in the XI century. Then silek was brought and developed by Minang migrants throughout Southeast Asia.

Silat is estimated to have spread across the archipelago since the 7th century AD, but its origins have yet to be ascertained. Even so, silat is now recognized as a Malay culture in a broad sense. Including in the Minangkabau area, especially in Lintau. Silat (silek) lintau is a technique / martial art that is owned by the community which has been passed down from generation to generation. And because of the nature of the Minangkabau people who like to migrate, by itself makes a silek lintau can develop. This is what makes silek lintau art develop to neighboring countries, namely Malaysia. with typical movements, this lintau silat is able to paralyze the opponent with his agile movements which have differences with other martial arts. martial arts exercises are usually done in a place called "target".
not only adults, children here also continue to learn this martial arts even though it is almost endangered