: Uwais grew up immersed in the martial art of Pencak Silat ; his grandfather founded the school where he trained, and he started practicing at age five.
: Evans was so impressed by Uwais's natural charisma and martial arts prowess that he convinced him to leave his job as a driver to star in the 2009 film Merantau . Heroes of Martial arts #7 - Iko Uwais (Silat, Merantau)
Merantau wasn't just a movie; it was a showcase for the tradition of the same name—a rite of passage where a young man leaves home to gain life experience. : Uwais grew up immersed in the martial
The story of Iko Uwais's rise to fame is a modern "discovery" legend in martial arts cinema. Before becoming a global star, he was an operational driver for an Indonesian telecommunications company. His life changed when Welsh director visited his Silat training hall in 2007 while filming a documentary. From Driver to Leading Man The story of Iko Uwais's rise to fame
: Although a native Jakartan, Uwais had to master the Silat Harimau (Tiger style) of West Sumatra for the role, training under Master Edwel Datuk Rajo Gampo Alam.