Training Timetable

Silat is a broad family of martial traditions rather than one single, standardised system. Different styles have developed across regions, communities and teaching lineages, each expressing its own methods and principles.

Depending on the system, Silat training may include:

Silat developed throughout the Nusantara, a culturally diverse region that includes present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and surrounding areas.

Its many styles reflect the communities and environments in which they evolved. Some systems favour strong upright movement, while others specialise in low postures, close-range fighting, ground movement or weapons.

This diversity is one of Silat’s defining strengths. There is no single expression of the art and each system carries its own history, character and approach.

Silat begins with learning how to move.

Students develop balance, posture, coordination and the ability to change position without losing control. Footwork is used to manage distance, create angles and avoid meeting force directly.

These movement principles provide the foundation for everything that follows. Strikes, takedowns, locks and ground techniques become more effective when they are supported by good positioning and body awareness.

A confrontation can move quickly between different distances and positions. Silat prepares the practitioner to adapt as those conditions change. Training may move through:

Upright Range
Using footwork, defensive movement and positioning to manage distance and create safe angles.

Striking Range
Applying hand, elbow, knee, leg and body movements with balance, timing and control.

Grappling Range
Using close contact, leverage, locks, off-balancing and takedowns to control movement.

Ground Range
Learning how to move, defend, control and recover when the confrontation reaches the floor.

Weapons Range
Developing respect for distance, timing and danger through the study of traditional weapons and weapon awareness.

These areas are not treated as isolated subjects. They are connected so the practitioner can move naturally from one range to another.

Silat teaches practitioners to respond to changing movement rather than depend upon one fixed answer.

A technique may begin as a block, develop into a strike and continue into a takedown or control. If the original movement is interrupted, the practitioner learns to adjust while maintaining balance, awareness and intent.

Flow does not mean moving without structure. It means being able to connect sound principles without becoming rigid or predictable.

Kembangan is a softer, flowing expression of Silat sometimes described as the “Flower Dance.”

Performed with control and awareness, it allows practitioners to explore posture, rhythm, breathing, balance and continuous movement. Its graceful appearance can also contain the principles and pathways used within martial application.

Kembangan helps the practitioner develop concentration, creativity and a deeper personal connection with the art.

The aim is not to encourage confrontation.

Good martial training develops the awareness and judgement needed to avoid unnecessary conflict whenever possible.

Silat Buka Lingkaran (SBL) means “Open Circle.”

SBL is a living Silat system influenced by the traditions of the Nusantara and shaped through the experience and expression of its founder, Alvin Guinanao. I

ts structured syllabus connects upright fighting, striking, grappling, ground movement, Kembangan, multiple-attacker training and weapons practice. Students learn individual skills before combining them into continuous, adaptable movement.

SBL respects the roots of Silat while providing a clear and progressive training pathway for today’s practitioner.

Silat can be studied by complete beginners as well as experienced martial artists.

You do not need previous martial arts experience or exceptional flexibility to begin. Training can be developed progressively according to your experience, mobility and physical ability.

Beginners build strong foundations, while experienced practitioners can explore new approaches to range, movement, connection and flow.