Mr. Olivier Blancquaert is a highly experienced Pencak Silat practitioner, instructor, and sports administrator from the Netherlands, with over four decades of continuous involvement in the martial art. His journey began in 1980, and since then, he has contributed extensively to the development, promotion, and institutional strengthening of Pencak Silat at both national and international levels.
As a competitive athlete, he actively represented Pencak Silat in national and international arenas between 1985 and 2000. Transitioning into teaching, he has served as a Pencak Silat instructor since 1992, dedicating himself to the education and mentorship of practitioners across generations.
In leadership roles, Mr. Blancquaert has been instrumental in advancing Pencak Silat in Europe. He has served as the President of the Netherlands Pencak Silat Federation since 2015, successfully leading multiple consecutive terms and contributing to organizational growth and international collaboration. In 2024, he was appointed Vice President of the European Pencak Silat Federation, further strengthening his role in regional development.
As part of the R&D Development Division of PERSILAT, he contributes to innovation, strategic planning, and the continuous evolution of Pencak Silat as a modern and globally recognized sport.