Silas van Gemert is a leading Sak Yant master in Europe. His search for meaning took him from New York to the heart of Thailand, where he submitted to the discipline of the monks for years. Today he brings that authentic Sak Yant tradition to Breda.
Raised in Klundert in the Dutch province of Brabant, through New York and a life on the road, to the heart of Thailand. Silas is a traveller par excellence, always in search of meaning and adventure. Scroll through the story that made him one of the few certified Sak Yant masters in Europe.
Silas grows up in a warm and loving family in Klundert, in the Dutch province of Brabant. His parents always support what becomes the thread of his life: travelling, discovering and the search for meaning.
In 2008 Silas lives in New York, where his eldest daughter Marley is born. In the basement of his home he teaches June, a young Korean woman, the craft. He sees her talent before she sees it herself.
In 2010 his search for meaning takes him to the heart of Thailand. There he submits for years to the discipline of the monks and learns to truly understand the sacred art of Sak Yant: not only the forms, but also the language, the blessings and the power behind them.
After years of dedication, Silas receives the knowledge and the blessing to place Sak Yant tattoos himself and to activate them with the accompanying mantras. Here, travelling turns into a life's work.
His travels take him to the world's oldest tattoo shop in Israel, the jungle of Brazil and a spiritual journey full of life lessons through India, Nepal and Tibet. Everywhere he learns and grows.
In 2010 Silas shares his work and his passion at a major tattoo convention in Singapore, among peers from all over the world.
In 2013 Silas opens his very first own shop, by the water in his parents' garden. Together with his father he builds it in three months, plank by plank. His father is also his very first customer. Later the shop moves to Uden and finally to Breda.
Today Silas works from his studio in Breda, right next to the Grote Kerk. In 2024 his daughter Marley came to the Netherlands and set her first tattoo on him, just as he once tattooed his own father. The circle was complete. Every Sak Yant here is a ceremony, by appointment only.
Silas van Gemert grew up in a warm and loving family in Klundert, in the Dutch province of Brabant.
Travelling, discovering and the search for meaning became the thread of his life. In 2008 he lived in New York, where his eldest daughter Marley was born. Two years later, that search took him to the heart of Thailand.
In Thailand, Silas submitted for years to the discipline of the monks and learned to truly understand the sacred art of Sak Yant: not only the forms and patterns, but also the language, the blessings and the spiritual power behind them. He received the knowledge and the blessing to place Sak Yant tattoos and to activate them with the accompanying mantras.
For Silas, the world is his teacher. His travels took him to the world's oldest tattoo shop in Israel, the jungle of Brazil and a spiritual journey full of life lessons through India, Nepal and Tibet.
In 2013 Silas opened his very first own shop, by the water in his parents' garden in Klundert. Together with his father he built it in three months, plank by plank. His father was also his very first customer. Later the shop moved to Uden and finally to Breda.
Family is an important pillar in Silas' life. He has two daughters, Marley and Lotus. In 2024 Marley came to the Netherlands to learn piercing and tattooing in his shop. She set her very first tattoo on her father, just as he once tattooed his own father. The circle was complete.
Today Silas works from his studio in the centre of Breda, right next to the Grote Kerk. As a leading Sak Yant master in Europe, he guides people from all over Europe through this unique spiritual ritual.
Every session is personal for Silas. He takes the time to get to know his clients, advises the right design based on intention and energy, and performs the ceremony with the discipline and care the tradition deserves.
Silas believes a Sak Yant is not a product but a spiritual connection. He works with dedication, discipline and respect for the ancient tradition he was privileged to learn.
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A top experience from start to finish. Silas takes his time, explains everything clearly and delivers craftsmanship of the highest level. The atmosphere is relaxed, professional and respectful of the Sak Yant tradition. (Translated from Dutch)
Had a super relaxed afternoon at Silas's. I came in with a different idea, but by looking and thinking it over together we ended up here. Silas gave me the feeling that he was looking for a design that fit my story. Really pleased with it. The way he tattoos and the speed of it were good too. Nicer than the machine. (Translated from Dutch)
I rarely write reviews, but for this I am happy to make an exception. Silas really takes his time, listens, and approaches everything with visible respect for the tradition. The atmosphere in the shop is great. (Translated from Dutch)
I had my very first tattoo done at Silas's and I am really happy with the result! The atmosphere was very pleasant and relaxed, Silas took the time to think along with me and I felt completely at ease. (Translated from Dutch)
Second time getting a tattoo at Silas's. Really a great experience! There is a nice atmosphere, Silas takes his time, stays calm and genuinely puts you at ease. We sat down together to look at what would suit me. All in all I did not just go home with a beautiful tattoo, but with a really good experience and afternoon as well. (Translated from Dutch)
I wanted to get a Mercedes star, but Silas pointed out that a mandala suited me better. We had a great chat about life, vans and Belgian fries. What a nice guy, he did a beautiful tattoo and he was absolutely right. (Translated from Dutch)
Had two sessions with Silas this Thursday and Friday. He really thinks along with you and takes all the time you need. He is genuinely enthusiastic about the tattoos he does himself, and that is great as a customer! (Translated from Dutch)
Last week I had the first of four sessions at Silas's for my Sak Yant tattoo, and I am already very happy with it. (Translated from Dutch)
A top experience from start to finish. Silas takes his time, explains everything clearly and delivers craftsmanship of the highest level. The atmosphere is relaxed, professional and respectful of the Sak Yant tradition. (Translated from Dutch)
Had a super relaxed afternoon at Silas's. I came in with a different idea, but by looking and thinking it over together we ended up here. Silas gave me the feeling that he was looking for a design that fit my story. Really pleased with it. The way he tattoos and the speed of it were good too. Nicer than the machine. (Translated from Dutch)
I rarely write reviews, but for this I am happy to make an exception. Silas really takes his time, listens, and approaches everything with visible respect for the tradition. The atmosphere in the shop is great. (Translated from Dutch)
I had my very first tattoo done at Silas's and I am really happy with the result! The atmosphere was very pleasant and relaxed, Silas took the time to think along with me and I felt completely at ease. (Translated from Dutch)
Second time getting a tattoo at Silas's. Really a great experience! There is a nice atmosphere, Silas takes his time, stays calm and genuinely puts you at ease. We sat down together to look at what would suit me. All in all I did not just go home with a beautiful tattoo, but with a really good experience and afternoon as well. (Translated from Dutch)
I wanted to get a Mercedes star, but Silas pointed out that a mandala suited me better. We had a great chat about life, vans and Belgian fries. What a nice guy, he did a beautiful tattoo and he was absolutely right. (Translated from Dutch)
Had two sessions with Silas this Thursday and Friday. He really thinks along with you and takes all the time you need. He is genuinely enthusiastic about the tattoos he does himself, and that is great as a customer! (Translated from Dutch)
Last week I had the first of four sessions at Silas's for my Sak Yant tattoo, and I am already very happy with it. (Translated from Dutch)
Last week I had the first of four sessions at Silas's for my Sak Yant tattoo, and I am already very happy with it. (Translated from Dutch)
Had two sessions with Silas this Thursday and Friday. He really thinks along with you and takes all the time you need. He is genuinely enthusiastic about the tattoos he does himself, and that is great as a customer! (Translated from Dutch)
I wanted to get a Mercedes star, but Silas pointed out that a mandala suited me better. We had a great chat about life, vans and Belgian fries. What a nice guy, he did a beautiful tattoo and he was absolutely right. (Translated from Dutch)
Second time getting a tattoo at Silas's. Really a great experience! There is a nice atmosphere, Silas takes his time, stays calm and genuinely puts you at ease. We sat down together to look at what would suit me. All in all I did not just go home with a beautiful tattoo, but with a really good experience and afternoon as well. (Translated from Dutch)
I had my very first tattoo done at Silas's and I am really happy with the result! The atmosphere was very pleasant and relaxed, Silas took the time to think along with me and I felt completely at ease. (Translated from Dutch)
I rarely write reviews, but for this I am happy to make an exception. Silas really takes his time, listens, and approaches everything with visible respect for the tradition. The atmosphere in the shop is great. (Translated from Dutch)
Had a super relaxed afternoon at Silas's. I came in with a different idea, but by looking and thinking it over together we ended up here. Silas gave me the feeling that he was looking for a design that fit my story. Really pleased with it. The way he tattoos and the speed of it were good too. Nicer than the machine. (Translated from Dutch)
A top experience from start to finish. Silas takes his time, explains everything clearly and delivers craftsmanship of the highest level. The atmosphere is relaxed, professional and respectful of the Sak Yant tradition. (Translated from Dutch)
Last week I had the first of four sessions at Silas's for my Sak Yant tattoo, and I am already very happy with it. (Translated from Dutch)
Had two sessions with Silas this Thursday and Friday. He really thinks along with you and takes all the time you need. He is genuinely enthusiastic about the tattoos he does himself, and that is great as a customer! (Translated from Dutch)
I wanted to get a Mercedes star, but Silas pointed out that a mandala suited me better. We had a great chat about life, vans and Belgian fries. What a nice guy, he did a beautiful tattoo and he was absolutely right. (Translated from Dutch)
Second time getting a tattoo at Silas's. Really a great experience! There is a nice atmosphere, Silas takes his time, stays calm and genuinely puts you at ease. We sat down together to look at what would suit me. All in all I did not just go home with a beautiful tattoo, but with a really good experience and afternoon as well. (Translated from Dutch)
I had my very first tattoo done at Silas's and I am really happy with the result! The atmosphere was very pleasant and relaxed, Silas took the time to think along with me and I felt completely at ease. (Translated from Dutch)
I rarely write reviews, but for this I am happy to make an exception. Silas really takes his time, listens, and approaches everything with visible respect for the tradition. The atmosphere in the shop is great. (Translated from Dutch)
Had a super relaxed afternoon at Silas's. I came in with a different idea, but by looking and thinking it over together we ended up here. Silas gave me the feeling that he was looking for a design that fit my story. Really pleased with it. The way he tattoos and the speed of it were good too. Nicer than the machine. (Translated from Dutch)
A top experience from start to finish. Silas takes his time, explains everything clearly and delivers craftsmanship of the highest level. The atmosphere is relaxed, professional and respectful of the Sak Yant tradition. (Translated from Dutch)
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