Vlissingen, Netherlands1977
Born by the North Sea
Silas is born in a Dutch coastal town, far from Thailand. But the seed of the journey to come — an endless curiosity for what lies beyond the horizon — is already there.
Sak Yant Studio Breda · The man behind the needle
Silas van GemertEurope's Sak Yant Master
Silas van Gemert is Europe's leading Sak Yant master. After 15 years in Thailand, a Buddhist apprenticeship and the sacred blessing of experienced monks, he brings the authentic Sak Yant tradition to the Netherlands.
Silas's storyFrom a boy in Vlissingen
From a boy in Vlissingen
to Sak Yant master
Fifteen years in Thailand. Jungle temples, weeks of silence, and ultimately the blessing of masters who only pass their knowledge to those they deem worthy. Eight moments — scroll through the story that turned a boy from the Dutch coast into one of the few European-certified Sak Yant artists.
01/08
Departure to Australia1994
Leaving the Netherlands at 17
At seventeen, Silas buys a one-way ticket to Australia. No plan, no safety net. To those who knew him, it was no surprise: this wouldn’t be a holiday, but a life.
Southeast Asia1995–1996
First time in Bangkok
Via Indonesia and Malaysia he arrives in Thailand. The scent of incense, the rhythm of mantras at dawn in the temples — something in him recognises it instantly. He stays longer than planned.
Thailand1996–2011
Fifteen years in another life
Silas learns Thai — not as a tourist, but as someone who wants to understand what is really happening here. He lives among monks, studies the texts, observes the rituals that only reveal themselves with patience.
In a temple somewhereInitiation
The Wicha is passed on
Not everyone receives the Wicha — the sacred knowledge behind Sak Yant. It is given to those the master deems trustworthy, after years of devotion. For Silas, that was the moment travelling became living.
Brazil · Hawaii · JerusalemAlong the way
Tasting the sacred everywhere
Between the Thailand years Silas keeps travelling. Candomblé rituals in Brazil, ancient Hawaiian healing traditions, prayer at the Western Wall. Every country adds a layer to how he understands the sacred.
Back to the Netherlands2011
Return with a purpose
After fifteen years in Thailand Silas comes back. Not as a closing chapter, but with something to pass on: the Sak Yant tradition can live here too, provided it is respected for what it is — not what people think it is.
Breda, NetherlandsToday
Sak Yant Studio
Today Silas works from his studio in Breda — as one of the few in Europe officially certified by Thai masters. No mass production, by appointment only, always personal. Every Sak Yant is a ceremony.
His storyA life devoted to
A life devoted to
spiritual art
Silas van Gemert was born in 1977 in Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
At age 17 he left the Netherlands for Australia, searching for adventure and deeper meaning. His path led him to Thailand, where he lived for 15 years, learned the Thai language and shared the way of life of Buddhist monks.
The spiritual apprenticeship
In Thailand, Silas underwent years of spiritual training under experienced Sak Yant monks and Ajarns. He received the sacred Wicha — the spiritual knowledge and authority — that grants him the right to apply Sak Yant tattoos and activate them with the accompanying mantras and blessings.
His spiritual journey also took him to Brazil, Hawaii and Jerusalem — always in search of the deeper connection between humanity, art and the sacred.
Back in Europe
Today Silas works from his studio in the heart of Breda. He is Europe's leading Sak Yant master and has guided more than 500 people from across Europe through this unique spiritual ritual.
Every session is personal to Silas. He takes time to get to know his clients, advises the right design based on intention and energy field, and performs the ceremony with the discipline and care the tradition deserves.
His philosophy
Silas believes a Sak Yant is not a product but a spiritual connection. He works from dedication, discipline and respect for the 2,500-year-old tradition he was privileged to learn.
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What clients sayExperiences with Silas
Experiences with Silas
Rated 4.9 out of 5
Google Reviews
4.9Op basis van 500+ reviews
LM
Silas is not just a tattoo artist — he is a true master. The ceremony was deeply spiritual and his knowledge is impressive. A transformative experience.
DK
I traveled specially from Munich to Breda for Silas. The personal attention, the pre-session conversation and the way he lives the tradition — this is unique in Europe.
NV
The conversation with Silas before the session helped me understand what I was really looking for. He chose the perfect design for me. The tattoo is not only beautiful — it feels alive.
LM
Silas is not just a tattoo artist — he is a true master. The ceremony was deeply spiritual and his knowledge is impressive. A transformative experience.
DK
I traveled specially from Munich to Breda for Silas. The personal attention, the pre-session conversation and the way he lives the tradition — this is unique in Europe.
NV
The conversation with Silas before the session helped me understand what I was really looking for. He chose the perfect design for me. The tattoo is not only beautiful — it feels alive.
NV
The conversation with Silas before the session helped me understand what I was really looking for. He chose the perfect design for me. The tattoo is not only beautiful — it feels alive.
DK
I traveled specially from Munich to Breda for Silas. The personal attention, the pre-session conversation and the way he lives the tradition — this is unique in Europe.
LM
Silas is not just a tattoo artist — he is a true master. The ceremony was deeply spiritual and his knowledge is impressive. A transformative experience.
NV
The conversation with Silas before the session helped me understand what I was really looking for. He chose the perfect design for me. The tattoo is not only beautiful — it feels alive.
DK
I traveled specially from Munich to Breda for Silas. The personal attention, the pre-session conversation and the way he lives the tradition — this is unique in Europe.
LM
Silas is not just a tattoo artist — he is a true master. The ceremony was deeply spiritual and his knowledge is impressive. A transformative experience.
Plan your sessionGet in touch
Get in touch
with Silas
- AdresTorenstraat 23-a, 4811 XV Breda
- Telefoon / WhatsApp+31 6 41603784
- OpeningstijdenBy appointment
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