About Us

About Sirat as-Sayf (The Way of the Sword) Muslim Martial Art System

Sirat as-Sayf (The Way of the Sword) is a Muslim Martial Art System. It has been offering
instructions and training in martial arts since 2006. Mu'allim Najee Hassan founded Sirat as-
Sayf (The way of the Sword) over twenty years ago after studying martial arts for over forty
years, and after many personal encounters which allowed him to deduct from lessons he
learned from his past teachers of the Filipino,Indonesian, Malaysian and Chinese 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 an Islamic environment.

When other martial art schools require the practitioners to bow to the “masters”, Mu'allim
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").Sirat as- Sayf is a system based on the concepts of various Filipino,
Indonesian, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese martial arts primarily focusing on blade
encounters and close-quarter combat techniques. Even though Sirat as Sayf 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 seek 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." We prefer to
disarm our opponents verbally before we disarm them physically. 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 (Peace be upon him).

If you are looking for a way to stay fit and learn life-saving skills designed for real life
situations, look no further. At Sirat as-Sayf, 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 Sirat as Sayf, 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!

Sirat as Sayf 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. Mu'allim Najee Hassan only
teaches males, and his wife, Ustadha Rahma Hassan, only instructs females. There is no
intermingling of the opposite genders.

In Sirat as Sayf, 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 our unique martial arts school, Islam is not imposed on anyone. It is merely a way of life
that this Mu'allim, 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

Sirat as Sayf 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.

Mu'allim Najee Hassan
The Founder of Sirat as Sayf International is a dedicated practicing Muslim with nearly four
decades of martial arts experience. He has a background in Urban Street-fighting, Ghetto
Ryu Jiu Jitsu, Sanuces Ryu Jiu Jitsu, Kali, Eskrima, Arnis De mano, Dumog, Sikaran, Silak,
Panantukan, Kuntaw, Grappling, Survival Strategies & Tactics, Archery and Projectile
weapons, and a variety of applications and concepts of Chinese martial arts.

Muallim Najee Hassan studied the Sayoc Kali-Silak Stick Fighing System and Sayoc Kali
under Pamana Tuhon Christopher C. Sayoc, Sr. the inheritor and fifth generation Master of
his family's art since 1976.   He holds a rank of Lakan Apat Guro (fourth degree black belt
instructor) in the art of Sayoc Fighting System under Grandtuhon Baltazar C. Sayoc Sr. and
the same rank in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali.   In 2006 he was honored with the rank of Professor in
under Sijo Abdul Mutakabbir, founder of SWAM Academy of Modern Martial Arts and
trainer of champions. He has the responsibility of training the high ranking members in the
art of Kali. Mu'allim Najee is also a certified Paralegal and Facilitator of Substance Abuse,
Violent Behavior Awareness & Conflict Resolution.

Ustadha Rahma Hassan

Is the wife of Mu'allim Najee Hassan and a dedicated practicing Muslimah. As the Co-
founder, Administrator & Chief Financial Officer of Sirat al Sayf 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.

Ustadha Rahma has studied the concepts and practical applications of Urban Street
Fighting, Wing Chun, Dim Mak, Tiger Claw, Tai Chi Chuan, Akido, 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 Mu'allim Najee Hassan.

Ustadha Rahma was a student of Tiger Claw Kung Fu under SWAM’s Sijo Abdul
Mutakabbir’s wife Naquavah. Currently, she teaches the Sirat al Sayf 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. 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 Muslim Martial Arts is being taught by Mu'allim Najee Hassan, This
synthesis consists of Sirat as Sayf Kali-Dumog-Kuntao-Sikaran-Panantukan and Silat
concepts as the nucleus of the curriculum. Some of the training methods and techniques
incorporated and utilized in the training process include: Moro Kali, Ghetto Ryu Jiu Jitsu,
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 combat-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.