About Siratal Saif (The Way of the Sword) Muslim Martial Art System
Siratal Saif (The Way of the Sword) is a Muslim Martial Art System. It has been offering instructions and training in martial arts since 1985.
Grandmaster Najee Hassan founded Siratal Saif (The way of the Sword) over twenty years ago after studying martial arts for over thirty-eight years, and after many personal encounters which allowed him to deduct from lessons he learned from his past teachers of the Filipino Martial Arts, and others, on what truly works and what is purely commercial and time wasted, into a system for the sole purpose of allowing Muslims, like himself, who follow the Qur’aan (The Muslim’s Holy Book) and Sunnah (The sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]), an avenue to practice martial arts in a halal (good) environment.
When other schools and dojos require the practitioners to bow to the “masters”, Grandmaster Najee Hassan opens up with a salutation of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of ALLAH(SWT) be upon him, ’As Salaamu alaikum’ (which means “May ALLAH(SWT)’s peace be upon you”).
Malaysian Saif is a system based on the concepts of various Filipino,Indonesian, Malaysian, and Chinese martial arts primarily focusing on blade encounters and close-quarter combat techniques.
Even though Siratal Saif delves into midrange and long range fighting styles, most blade encounters take place in a close-quarter setting, so we naturally gravitate towards an inside fight.
As Muslims, we always seeks for peace first. We strive to create a win-win situation before anything else. Our motto is: “The best form of self defense is not to offend.”
But unfortunately, when peace is not an option in the solution, we must do everything within our powers to defend our lives, and the lives of our family.
In this system we teach you step by step how to preserve and defend yourself in accordance to the way of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah of our beloved prophet (pbuh).
If you are looking for a way to stay fit and learn life-saving skills designed for real life situations, look no further. At Siratal Saif, you will be taught the most practical, efficient, highly sophisticated skills which will expand your outlook on life and social interaction.
You will also become familiar with an Islamic way of life, in accordance to the Holy Qur’aan and the way of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of ALLAH(SWT) be upon him) in terms of culture, history, tradition, manner, example, and human behavior.
In our facility your training will take place in a safe, structured, positive and spiritual environment that is supported by highly experienced instructors who are dedicated in guiding your every step.
When you enroll in our school, you will achieve great confidence, gain energy, increase self esteem, stamina and greatly improve your personal level of physical fitness that will help you live a healthier and happier life.
In addition, skills that you will learn in our classes today, could save your life or the lives of your family and or loved ones in the time of need.
Our method of teaching is far beyond the average martial art school. We work patiently with our students so that they can reach even their most challenging personal goals.
No student is over exerted or under challenged. Our classes are designed to provide personal attention and instruction to guide students throughout their program.
In Siratal Saif, using a modern, comprehensive approach and through exciting, exhilarating, innovative, and demanding classes, we emphasize individual progress, constructive crucial thinking as well as overall self-improvement. No matter what your level, age, or physical condition, there is a class here to fit your needs!
Siratal Saif can be learned by virtually anyone who is willing to train. But unlike any other martial arts studio, facility, or dojo, this school is not co-ed.
Grandmaster Najee Hassan only teaches males, and his wife, Guro Rahma Hassan, only instructs females. There is no intermingling of the opposite genders.
In Siratal Saif, there is no bowing, as you would see in most dojos and culturally enhanced martial arts schools. We try to follow the Qur’anic code of Islamic rules and manners.
The courtesy and respect given is in the mutual exchange of salutations of “As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum” (Peace Be Upon You) responded with “Wa ‘Alaikum As-Salaam” (And Unto You Be Peace).
In unique martial arts school, Islam is not imposed on anyone. It is merely a way of life that this Grandmaster, his family, and staff live by and emulates in their classes (i.e.includes sayings and practices of his beloved Prophet in Islam (Peace and blessings be upon him).
It’s important to note that Islam being peaceful and communal by nature allows us to welcome people of all faiths to come experience a new type of training, get educated on cultures and customs, and practice our unique and always evolving self-preservation, life-saving skills system.
Kids and Teen Programs
Siratal Saif offers instruction for ages 5 and up. The skills your child will learn in our specially designed classes will aid them in developing social skills, building self-confidence and esteem, teaching them respect, patience, discipline and concentration which will aid them to excel academically.
It has been proven that, children who know how to defend themselves usually don’t have to, because they carry themselves in a more confident manner, and confidence alone is a deterrent to some bullies and perpetrators.
The skills your child will learn in our school will help them to become more aware of their surroundings, be prepared to respond and avoid potentially dangerous situations, however and/or wherever they may occur.
In addition to teaching, our instructors serve as positive role models who will aid your child’s growth and development towards a positive attitude for a successful life.
Grandmaster Najee Hassan
The Founder and Chairman of Siratal Saif International is a dedicated practicing Muslim with nearly four decades of martial arts experience.
He has a background in Urban Street-fighting, Kali, Dumog, Sikaran, Silak, Panantukan, Kuntaw, Grappling, Survival Strategies & Tactics, Archery and Projectile weapons, and a variety of applications and concepts of Chinese martial arts.
Najee Hassan has been a student of the Sayoc Kali-Silak System under Pamana Tuhon Christopher C. Sayoc, Sr. the inheritor and fifth generation Master of his family’s art since 1976.
Back in 1977, he was personally selected to be a student of an elite group of skilled and talented martial artists to train in Tuhon’s ancient Filipino tribal art called the Sayoc Fighting System in which he is ranked an Apprentice Instructor.
Grandmaster Najee also holds a rank of Lakan Apat Guro (fourth degree black belt instructor) in the art of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, and in Moro Kali he is ranked as an Amir (Master).
In 2006 he was honored with the rank of professor in blade fighting under Sijo Abdul Mutakabbir, founder of SWAM Academy of Modern Martial Arts and trainer of champions.
Grandmaster Najee is also a certified Paralegal and Facilitator of Substance Abuse, Violent Behavior Awareness & Conflict Resolution.
Guro Rahma Hassan
Is the wife of Grandmaster Najee Hassan and a dedicated practicing Muslimah. As the Co-founder, Administrator & Chief Financial Officer of Siratal Saif International with more than twenty years of experience in martial arts, she diligently manages the business and social matter of the system in accordance to the Qur’aan and Sunnah.
She is a Columbia University graduate trained in Law, Business, Sociology, Psychology, Human Resources, Finance, Education, Conflict Resolution, Diplomacy, Advocacy, Holistic and Rehabilitative Medicine.
Guro Rahma has studied the concepts and practical applications of Urban Street Fighting, Wing Chun, Dim Mak, Tiger Claw, Tai Chi Chuan, Aikdo, Firearms, Micro and Macro Weaponry, Archery, Fencing, Projectiles, Kali, Acupressure, Survival Strategies and Tactics.
She enjoys islaamic events, fasting, reading Qur’aan, horseback riding, water sports, camping, fishing, nature, and training with her husband Grandmaster Najee Hassan.
Guro Rahma was a student of Tiger Claw Kung Fu under SWAM’s Sijo Abdul Mutakabbir’s wife Naquavah. Currently, she teaches the Siratal Saif system, which incorporates many of her gender-specific specialized techniques, and continues her religious studies and advance techniques of Filipino martial arts with her life-long partner and husband, Grandmaster Najee Hassan.
She strives to give balance to her community and neighbors by expressing in her actions that by the mercy of The Almighty Creator “a peaceful heart unifies the tranquility of the mind with the power of the spirit resulting in prosperity of the soul and a healthy happily lived life.”
The Arts:
At one of the facilities, the SWAM Academy of Modern Martial Arts, a synthesis of SWAM Martial Arts and the Filipino Muslim Martial Arts is being taught by Grandmaster Najee Hassan, This synthesis consists of Siratal Saif Kali-Dumog-Kuntao-Sikaran and Panantukan concepts as the nucleus of the curriculum.
Some of the training methods and techniques incorporated and utilized in the training process include: Moro Kali, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Kung-fu styles, Thai/Kick Boxing, Grappling, Kali, Blade Fighting, Dumog (Ground Fighting), Escrima (Stick Fighting), Panantukan / Sikaran (Filipino Kick Boxing), Silat (Indonesian-Malaysian Martial Art), Pressure Point Techniques, Urban Street Fighting, Sensitivity Drills and Critical Thinking.
The Filipino Martial Arts
The martial arts of the Philippines are as diverse as the islands themselves, encompassing more than 7,000 of them within the archipelago with over 87 major languages spoken.
The names for arts vary widely: Kali, Arnis de Mano, Silat, Escrima, Estoque, Kaliradman, Pagkalikali. In general we use the term “Kali” to represent the ancient art existing before the arrival of the Chinese under the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century.
The art of Kali was outlawed in the 16th century by the King of Spain out of fear that the art would be used against the Spanish regime occupying the Philippines at the time. Its efficiency in combat also cost Magellan his life.
Encompassing an entire spectrum of weaponry and also featuring sophisticated empty hand fighting concepts this highly efficient, deadly and mcombat-proven Art enabled the Muslims (Moros) in the Southern Philippines to remain unconquered for nearly 400 years.
Unlike most martial arts systems, both weaponry and empty hands are taught together; the principles being common to both and interchangeable.
Regardless of whether armed or unarmed, the student learns to relate to any situation using the same concepts of body angling, positioning, zoning, and flowing with the opponent.
Depending upon speed, footwork and skill rather than brute strength, this fluid, practical method of self-defense is one of the most comprehensive martial Arts systems known.
