The SBL Approach

SBL takes a holistic approach to martial arts and self-defence.

Rather than limiting the practitioner to one range, one type of movement or one set of techniques, SBL develops an understanding of how different aspects of Silat connect.

The art covers upright and ground fighting, striking, grappling, takedowns, weapons and Kembangan, allowing practitioners to explore the full range of movement and interaction within Silat.

The objective is not simply to collect techniques.

It is to develop the ability to move, adapt, connect and respond.

At the heart of SBL is movement.

The name Silat Buka Lingkaran — Silat Open Circle — reflects the fluidity, velocity and connection of the system, with movement covering different ranges and angles.

Practitioners learn to see movement as connected rather than isolated.

Footwork connects to striking. Striking connects to body movement. Movement can lead into takedowns, grappling or ground fighting. Different ranges become part of the same continuous process.

This creates a Silat that is dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed.

A confrontation does not necessarily remain at one distance.

SBL therefore develops skills across different ranges and positions, from upright fighting through to close-range work, takedowns and ground fighting.

The aim is to understand what changes as the range changes — and how to move effectively between them.

This is reflected throughout the syllabus, which includes both upright and ground fighting alongside grappling, striking and weapons training.

Traditional and structured movement have an important role within the SBL approach.

Jurus provide a framework for developing movement, coordination, technique and understanding.

Kembangan, the softer and more flowing aspect of the art, develops qualities such as balance, rhythm, fluidity, concentration and awareness.

Kembangan also has a practical relationship with other areas of training. The SBL Pukulan programme, for example, uses Kembangan as part of developing striking speed and movement.

The objective is to develop a body that can move with greater freedom, efficiency and control.

Learning a technique is only the beginning.

SBL training is designed to develop the ability to apply movement and technique through drills, combinations and progressive training.

Striking, for example, is not treated simply as a collection of individual strikes. The Pukulan curriculum incorporates footwork, blocks, Gelek, Jurus, Kembangan and partner drills to develop a broader understanding of striking and movement.

The same principle applies throughout the system:

SBL is not only concerned with technical ability.

Training develops physical attributes such as coordination, mobility, balance, speed and conditioning, while also requiring focus, awareness, discipline and adaptability.

This is reflected in SBL FIT, the conditioning element incorporated into SBL training and courses.

The goal is to develop a practitioner who is not only technically capable, but physically prepared and mentally engaged with their training.

Every practitioner brings different experiences, abilities and goals to their training.

SBL provides a structured system, but the journey through that system is individual.

Beginners can develop the foundations. Experienced martial artists can explore SBL through the perspective of their existing knowledge. Instructors continue to refine their understanding through teaching and ongoing study.

As founder Alvin Guinanao describes the development of Silat, a practitioner's own flow and way will emerge through their journey.

This is an important part of the SBL philosophy. The aim is not to make every practitioner move identically. It is to give each practitioner the knowledge, tools and understanding to develop their own expression of the art.

There is no final destination in martial arts.

SBL is a continuing process of learning, training, testing, refining and sharing.

As practitioners develop, they gain a deeper understanding of movement and the relationships between the different parts of the art.

The circle continues to open.