Discover the Art of Silat
Strength Through Discipline. Power Through Control.
01 / About
Overview
SBL — Silat Buka Lingkaran — translates as "Open Circle."
SBL is a dynamic and effective Silat system influenced by the traditions of the Nusantara — particularly old and modern Indonesia — and developed through the experience and expression of its founder, Alvin Guinanao.
The SBL syllabus takes a holistic approach to martial arts and self-defence. It encompasses a wide range of skills, from upright and ground fighting to grappling, striking and weapons, while developing the ability to move fluidly through different ranges and angles.
A distinctive element of SBL is its emphasis on movement, connection and adaptability. Rather than being limited to a single range or way of moving, practitioners learn to transition between different positions and responses while maintaining fluidity and control.
SBL also includes Kembangan, sometimes described as the "Flower Dance." This softer aspect of the art is performed slowly and in a relaxed manner, helping practitioners develop balance, rhythm, fluidity, concentration, focus and awareness.
The art is designed to be accessible to people of different ages, backgrounds and levels of experience. Whether you are completely new to martial arts or already an experienced practitioner, SBL provides a progressive environment in which to develop your skills, fitness, confidence and understanding of the art.
At its heart, SBL is about more than fighting. It is about movement, awareness, learning, connection and continuous development.
THE SBLY SYSTEM
Fluid across every range.
More than fighting.
02 / About
WHAT MAKES
SBL DIFFERENT
Four qualities shape how the art is trained, understood and developed.
01 RANGE & ADAPTABILITY
SBL does not confine practitioners to one range or one way of moving. Students learn to move fluidly between striking, grappling, ground fighting and weapons — adapting rather than defaulting to a single response.
02 KEMBANGAN — THE FLOWER DANCE
Alongside its practical combative skills, SBL trains a softer, flowing practice that develops balance, rhythm, concentration and awareness.
03 A PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM
The holistic, structured syllabus gives complete beginners and experienced practitioners a clear path to build skill, fitness and understanding over time.
04 ROOTED IN THE NUSANTARA
SBL draws on the traditions of old and modern Indonesia, shaped through founder Alvin Guinanao’s experience into a living, evolving system.
WHERE NEXT?
Want to know where SBL came from? Read The Story of SBL , or explore the SBL Curriculum to see the syllabus in full.
THE CIRCLE IS OPEN
BEGIN YOUR SBL JOURNEY.
CHoose the training route that fits where youa re now and where you want your practice to go.
