meeting Guru Santiago Dobles

.

.
I met up with Guru Santiago Dobles (my brother) from Pencak Silat Cimande Gerak Satria Shakti, on 26th November 2008 at the Camberwell Chruch Street Hotel, London on his visit to the UK. He arrived the night before from Miami.
.
It was great to finally meet Guru Santi in person after corresponding though emails and chat rooms after a while. I first came to know about Guru Santi from youtube. His understanding and skill in Silat movements are amazing. My respects to him and his teachers, who themselves are amazing individuals.
.
We met early the afternoon, we chat about silat movements. It was after I had my late lunch that we started to roll and throw each other around in his hotel room. If I was going to get knocked out, atleast its with a full stomach. The 10 minutes we rolled was just increadible; windows exploding, walls torn down, the ground shaking, broken bones, blood everywhere - and all this was on TV, we havent even started yet! :)
.
I also met Yusof, a Cimande practitioner among other styles, who surprisingly a Londoner who speaks malay, he studied in Malaysia for 6 years. I was conversing with him in malay while we had lunch. He was telling me great stories of his good experience of being a student in Malaysia.
.
It was a great day.
.
For detials of Guru Santi and his silat please CLICK HERE
.
our Charlie's Angles pose, I accidentally knocked out Farrah Fawcett with my elbow (thats why there's only 2 of us)
.
Yusof (far left), myself (middle) and Guru Santi (far right) the 2 guys between us are there for QiGong lessons with Guru Santi.
.

Frankfurt Seminar - January 2009

.
double click to view/save larger poster
.
.
24th - 25th January 2009
.
BRUNEIAN MARTIAL ART
SILAT SUFFIAN BELA DIRI
.
Seminar Topic:
KNIFE MECHANICS
FIGHTING AND DEFENSE
.
You are invited to attend a Silat Suffian Bela Diri Seminar.
.
Open to all Martial Artist, styles and anyone who are interested.
.
All levels welcome, All finess level welcome, No Martial Arts experience required.
.
Adults above 20 yrs old only
.
-------------------------------------------------------
..
SEMINAR DETAILS:
.
Location :
Frankfurt, Germany
.
Training Venue :
Fudochi Dojo - Waldstrasse 95 Wiesbaden
.
Times and Dates:
24th January 2009 : 9.30 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:30
25th January 2009 : 9:30 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:00
.
Price for One day only;
On the day - 55euro
Pre-register - 45euro
.
Price for Two days;
On the day - 95euro
Pre-register - 85euro
.
Price above are for per-person participating. If you are pre-registering 50% of non-refundable payment is needed. Save 10euro by pre-registering.
.
SSBD Training Group members get 10% discount from pre-register fee.
.
Pre-register dateline: Monday, 19th January 2009.
.
-------------------------------------------------------
.
MORE INFORMATION
on registration and payment methods
.
Grant Scruggs
(0049) 1520 1013 572
.
-------------------------------------------------------
.
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN
.
+ Blunt training blade
+ Eye protection (googles)
+ Knee protection (volleyball knee pad)
.
.
NOTE :
.
Due to safety and legal reasons, DO NOT BRING ANY LIVE "SHARP" BLADES.
.
Respecting other participants is a priority, do not do to others what you do not want to be done to yourself.
.

Burnham & Highbridge Newspaper 2008

.
.
double click to view larger image
.
An article on a Silat Suffian Bela Diri Seminar was in the Burnham and Highbridge - Weekly News Newspaper on the 22nd October 2008.
.
It was Written by Mike Lang and the interview was arranged by Frank Ellul.
.
This like my other events aims primarily to raise the curiosity and awareness among people from different nationalities about the martial heritage and culture of Brunei Darussalam in general.
.
To read more International Media Coverage CLICK HERE
.
To read and see pictures from the Seminar please CLICK HERE
.

Recieving an Honorary Blackbelt

.
Honorary Goshinkwai "Blackbet" Title presented by Alun Williams, 5th Dan Chief Instructor and Founder of Goshinkwai Total Body Defence Organization, United Kingdom
.
The a proud moment framed. Frame was chosen by Charles Rawlins.

.
I was invited as a guest instructor in the Annual Goshinkwai Gathering, it was held at Risca Leasure Centre, Newport Gwent, Wales, United Kingdom on the Saturday, 22nd November 2008.
.
The participants were divided into 4 groups and instructed by different Goshinkwai Instructors including myself covering different aspects of self defence on a rotation of 50 minutes each.
.
I would like to Congratulate Lindsay James for her success in her brown belt grading that evening. She deserves every credit for it, her performance was more then above average - in laymans term, "She kicked ass!". Credit also to Sensei Rob Pascoe, Matt Hall, Carl Grant and other instructors for helping her prepare for her grading.

Before the end of the seminar, Alun William presented me with the Honorary Goshinkwai "Blackbelt" Title. It was a surprise for me because I was not expecting that. My smile was from ear to ear when Alun Williams presented me the framed honor. I was speechless. My appreciation to Alun Williams and Goshinkwai Total Body Defence for thier recognition and support in spreading Bruneian Martial Art.
.
I have the honor of calling Goshinkwai Total Body Defence, a group of incredible martial artists and individuals my friends.
.
To know more about Goshinkwai Total Body Defence CLICK HERE
.
The recognition for me, is a personal acheivement as part of my efforts to raise the curiosity and awareness among people from different nationalities about the martial heritage and culture of Brunei Darussalam in general.
..

Turku, Finland - 16th November 2008

.
double click to view larger image.
.

Due to Dr. Parvez Alam's and Fighting for Lives refusal to provide information on those recieving the charity raised by SSBD and also refusing to provide financial transcripts/bank transfers of donation recipients as proof that the money raised is given to those in need, Maul Mornie and SSBD is now not associated with Dr.Parvez Alam and Fighting For Lives since 14th/15th November 2009.

I, Maul Mornie assumed that Fighting For Lives was a "registered" non-charity organization when Dr. Parvez Alam approached me with his proposal for a martial arts charity event. I have broken away fear of legal reasons, as Fighting for Lives has been operation for 5 years collecting money but is not a legally registered Charity organization.

Below are the orginal review from the FFL charity seminar SSBD is involved in as proof that SSBD and Maul Mornie only collaborated with Fighitng For Lives through good intentions to help children in need.

The money raised in this event as provided by Dr, Parvez Alam is €650.

TOTAL MONEY RAISED BY SSBD

Maul Mornie and SSBD has been involved with Fighitng for lives in 3 occassions, 16th November 2008 (raised €650), 13th/14th June 2009 (raised €480) and 14th/15th November 2009 (raised €855); the 3 events SSBD is involved in raising donations for Fighting for Lives equals to €1985 in total.

This notice is written on Monday, 5th July 2010.

=====


Another successful Silat Suffian Bela Diri Event.
.
The seminar was the 1st Bruneian Martial Art Seminar in Finland. And the last SSBD public seminar for 2008. It was organized by Dr. Parvez Alam of the Fighting For Lives - Charity Organization. It was held on the Sunday, 16th November 2008 from 12pm to 6 pm at Shaolin Dojo, Nahkurinkatu 4, 20100 Turku.
.
Silat Suffian Bela Diri, in cooperation with Fighting For Lives donated the proceeds to the relevent charity organizations to help the less fortunate children in the 3rd world countries.
.
Dr. Parvez Alam, his family and friends in Finland has dedicated part of thier lives to working for charity by combining thier passion for martial arts and other health and fitness related activities to attract donations. The efforts in doing so has attracted interest from martial artist and other charity organizations from around the world.
.
It is part of our responsibility as martial artist to support organizations and help those in need in every part of the world. What is the worth of learning any martial arts or any self defence system, if you cant use it to help the less fortunate all you need is effort, not fists.
.
You dont have to be a martial artist - If you are interested in making donations please email Dr. Parves Alam directly at contact@fightingforlives.com
.
Appreciation
.
To Dr. Parvez Alam, to his family and friends in Turku and around Finland, may they live prosper and m rewarded rightfully for thier efforts and initiatives. To Kaj Westersund of Shaolin Dojo, for having us use the dojo for the event. To all those who attended and participating in the seminar. To Badr Oulali (Netherlands SSBD group leader) and friends from Netherlands who supported and contributed in donation even if they couldnt attend the event. Those who helped me in my demonstartions. To those travelling from far away. It was great to meet old friends, Sazzu Vispa, Yarko and Victoria. To Farid Touaiti for helping to take video footages and pictures. My apologies if I miss or had made any mistakes in any names, please contact me personally to correct it.
.
All who attended and contributed to the efforts should stand tall and proud as true warriors because they stooped down to help a child.
.
Written Review
.
Below is the review written by Dr. Parvez Alam;
.
The ‘Silat Suffian Bela Diri’ charity seminar held in association with ‘Fighting for Lives’ at the Shaolin Dojo, Turku was nothing short of a success. This was the first time that Bruneian martial arts came to Finland. Approximately 30 people attended the seminar, which was held in the afternoon of the 16th November 2008 from 12pm to 4pm. Attendees to the seminar included students and instructors alike, all of whom practice different styles of martial arts. Represented styles included different Filipino martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Han Moo Do, Karate and Chinese Kung Fu. The atmosphere was vibrant and attendees were eager to try out the techniques as they were demonstrated.
.
From the onset of the seminar, Guru Maul captivated the audience with his friendly, welcoming disposition. The seminar comprised a combination of traditional knife techniques, takedowns and groundwork. The history and application of these techniques were well explained and yielded further insight to the underlying purpose of the techniques. Historically, silat is an art that has been used effectively in warfare, during combative inter-tribal dissention and is enshrouded in secrecy; essentially because it has been a primary means of defending one’s family. Little is known in Finland as regards not only the techniques involved in silat, but more so, the underlying philosophy. It is was thus surprising to everyone present when Guru Maul not only demonstrated the deadly efficiency of this Bruneian fighting style, but moreover, clearly explicated that the philosophical standpoint is biased towards mercy and humanity. Guru Maul particularly emphasised the importance of training hard so as to inflict the least possible injury necessary to pacify an attacker. This subtle yet seemly dichotomous relationship between intent and action showed every individual present, that the Bruneian culture is considerably advanced and worthy of respect.
.
The seminar was held in conjunction with Fighting for Lives and aimed to raise money for children in need. Fighting for Lives is a martial arts organisation that holds training sessions and seminars solely with the intention of giving children hope and the prospect of a better future. The organisation was started in Finland by Dr. Parvez Alam and within two years has received global recognition. Since its birth, Fighting for Lives has held close to twenty seminars and raised money for reputable organisations such as UNICEF and Save the Children. Fighting for Lives has also planned and carried out independent projects; such as the purchase of malaria nets and education for children in war-torn Sierra Leone.
.
A four-hour seminar seemed to pass rather quickly and was indicative of how enthused participants actually were. Many individuals preparing to return home requested a return visit. Some declared it was the best seminar they had ever attended. Some even readied themselves for a 6-8 hour journey back home from Turku. Approximately 650 euros was raised for children’s charities that day. Seminars such as these, which aim to provide hope and a better future for some of the countless needy children, are nothing but a depiction of the true warrior spirit. May this spirit grow stronger in our hearts and empower us all with the ability to effect change. Finland awaits the return of Guru Maul and the Bruneian martial culture.
.
Please enjoy the pictures below, videos will be posted soon.
.


























Kaj Westersund, far right, a respected martial arts practitioner in Finland, who graciously offered us Shaolin Dojo for the event
.
With Qassim, Owner of Sahara Restaurant and a gifted painter, he painted the painting behind us (and loads of other beautiful paintings inside the restaurant)
.
With Farid, Myself, Katrina (Parv's wife) and Parv, having lunch at Sahara Restaurant. The food there is excellent.
.
This is the castle in one of the islands in Finland where I "nearly" seriously injured my ankle. It was very cold and the bottom of the steps was uneven. Thanks to footwork training I avoided unnessecary injury. Note to myself: Train more footwork!

Desenzano, Italy - 08th Nov 2008

\ double click to view larger image
.

Another successful Silat Suffian Bela Diri - International Bruneian Martial Arts Seminar. The last Italian seminar for 2008.
.
The Seminar was hosted and organized by the SSBD Italian group leader - Carlo Andreis (AMADA Gym Association) in Desenzano Del Garda, Italy. It was held in the afternoon of 8th Nove,mber 2008, from 2.30 pm to 6pm.
.
It was attended by around 50 participants from different parts of Europe.
.
SSBD seminars has attracted large number of senior practitioners of different arts. As a result 90% of the participants are Instructors and practitioners from varied martial arts styles attended, from Indonesian Silat, Filipino Kali, Escrima, Jeet Kune Do, Capoeira, Lao Long Dao (vietnamese), Wing Chun Kung Fu, Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate etc, left their ego at the door and came to experience, give support and exchange ideas. It was great to see old faces (friends) and welcoming the new.
.
It is easy to impress people who are new to the martial arts, but to gain the interest of people who are seniors and seasoned in thier own arts is an experience like no other. Again my highest respects to them for thier openness and support. This world doesnt need people who think that know everything, such arrogance doesnt benefit anyone especially themselves.
.
APPRECIATION
.
I would like to convey my deepest appreciation to all those who participated for their openess and determination to attend the Bruneian Martial Arts Seminar. To Carlo and Daniele Panni for their organizational skills, Michele Gammauta and Juan Moreno for thier excellent translation. Christian Alfano (birthday boy), Alex Bombana, Michele Gammauta, Giorgio Scavino Nanetti, Enrico Bussi, Enrico Lucolli, Lillo, Kamel and everyone who endured the responsibility as my recievers in the seminar, Marco Banfi on helping to take video footages and everyone that helped me in this seminar and thier patience in accepting what I have taught. To those travelling from such a long way to participate in the seminar Kric Velici, Evi and Joseph from Germany; Dr.Davide and Igor from Slovenia. Friends from different martial art academies - Total Fighting School, Francesco Cotti from http://www.kali.it/, Manuel Caseda and Kamel from Modena, all the SSBD Training Group members and everyone who participated for thier constant support. My only hope I have not disappointed anyone who participated. My apologies if I miss anyone for whom credit was due or mistakes are made in any spelling, please contact me to correct it.
.
This workshop like my other events aims primarily to raise the curiosity and awareness among people from different nationalities about the martial heritage and culture of Brunei Darussalam in general.
.
SEMINAR TOPIC
.
Initially the seminar was to be a Kerambit seminar, but because of afew difficulties with obtaining kerambits, we changed the seminar to Harimau and Buaya groundwork utilizing the blade in the reverse grip. Using destructive takedowns to stop the enemy's mobility, while not constraining our own mobility and using joint lock and Joint destructions to subdue the enemy so to use the blade more efficiently.
.
The seminar is NOT geared towards competition or sports, or the modern urban streets but to achieve the level of non-counterability from the old warrior-mentality of the olden days. Keeping in mind Silat is a survival art - fighting fair is not our concern.
.
Please enjoy the pictures below, video will be posted soon.
.























.
AUGURI!! CHRISTIAN ALFANO!!
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHRISTIAN ALFANO!!
.
On the same day of the seminar Christian Alfano had his birthday. SSBD Italian Family would like to wish him the best for his future. Grow old, grow well and grow properous.
.

WE HAVE MOVED

Hello Everyone,

All latest updates and information will be posted in our new site;

WWW.SILATSUFFIAN.NET

The links and articles in this site will still be available.

Sorry for the inconvinience.

Hope to see you there.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------