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If the principles of tactics and strategies found in SSBD is understood thoroughly, it can be incorporated into any competitive sport, but due to its nature of dominate and destroy, the primary aim is for the protection of personal self and loved ones.
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Our goal in training is not to prepare for fitness, one-on-one fights or competitions but to prepare ourselves with the awareness, knowledge and confidence to defend ourselves and our loved ones effectively and efficiently in any unwanted situations.
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Silat Suffian Bela Diri encompasses the old blade tactics and strategies of the malay warriors of Borneo and Silat influences of the surrounding countries.
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Initial training is done with weapons first. This is to install correct body-mechanics, coordination and mentality in engagement. The movements taught rely deeply on muscle memory and not brain memory; the body has to move as natural as possible without stress or strain to the muscles involved. This mentality and coordination cannot be achieved in a short amount of time and for this reason, correct, direct and detailed instructions is necessary.
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BLADE MENTALITY
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SSBD is based heavily in blade oriented mentality, Silat Suffian Bela Diri covers 3 classifications of weapons, which could transition itself into empty hands techniques with little or no modification depending on the situation and environment. Each weapon can be used singular or in pairs held one in each hand.
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Edged Weapons
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Includes the use of pedang (sword), parang (machete), kapak (axe), pisau (knife), kerambit (claw shaped blade), etc.
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Impact Weapon
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Utilizes the tungkat (cane/staff), tambong (short stick), buku lima (knuckle duster), chinchin (finger rings), etc.
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Flexible weapons
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Includes tali (rope), rantai (chain), kain sarong (looped cloth), selindang (long scarf), sesandang (shoulder scarf), etc.
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The Unarmed Methods
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Employs pukulan (Kuntau - nerve and structural strikes), Ganggam (pain point constriction), Kunchian (joint manipulation), Ground Fighting (Harimau, Buaya, etc) and Bergalut (to wrestle) which inlcudes chokes, trappling, throws, sweeps, etc.
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MUTUAL BENEFIT
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Training is mainly done mainly in pairs for mutual benefits of training for both parties to obtain a kind of confrontation experience in a controlled environment. Only through a living and conscious training partner can you see the feedback of your movements. Different people of different attributes; i.e. height, weight, pain thresh-hold, etc, contributes to a different understanding of the principles behind the skills learned.
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It is not about who is physically faster or stronger, because physical attributes declines as you grow old.
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Unlike other general silat styles, SSBD do not condition thier practitioners for speed or strength, our speed comes from timing, the understanding of body mechanics and our strength comes from correct strategic positioning and solid foundation. Training them aims to develop the correct reflexive response against attacks regardless of age, weather you are 20 or 90 years old, our training aims for your movements to be consistant as you grow older, without the risk of injury.
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It primary goal is to understand the principles behind every movements and training it repetitively to instill muscle memory rather than memorizing them. Its not about the quantity of techniques you can remember in your head, but the quality of understanding of the principles of strategy.
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FOOTWORK
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Finally footwork, is at the heart of the SSBD. Understanding that getting out of the path of attack and placing yourself at the most advantageous position will secure your victory in any type of confrontation.
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Footwork in Silat Suffian Bela Diri could be trained simultaneously with the upper body or in isolation on its own.
