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, 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 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
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.

                                       How to Contact Us

       We invite you to come and visit our training facilities located at:

                       TRADITIONAL KARATE CENTER
                      & SIRATAL SAIF INTERNATIONAL
                        MUSLIM MARTIAL ART SYSTEM
                      
103-23 ROCKAWAY BOULEVARD
                               OZONE PARK, NY 11417
                                               and

       
SWAM ACADEMY OF MODERN MARTIAL ARTS
                       107-31 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD
                               
 JAMAICA, NY 11432  
                                                                
                                         and now at:

                       TOMMY CHEN'S MARTIAL ART
                               & FITNESS CENTER
                               526 86TH STREET
                              BROOKLYN, NY 11209

       We welcome your interest in and prospective enrollment in one of
our outstanding programs, such as: Siratal Saif International's patented
Micro-Blade Fighting System, Micro/Macro Weaponry, Kali, and Life
Preservation Skills Training
.

       You can also e-mail us at: info@siratulsaifinternational.com, or
siratul_saif_international@yahoo.com
, or by completing our Contact Us
form. Our telephone/fax numbers are:
                       718-487-3536

       GOD-willing, we will reply to your inquiry as expeditiously as
possible. Please refer to the section "
Our Services" to see our hours of
operation and/or call us within our business hours.
Thank You for Visiting Us Online

       Thank you again for visiting our website, we hope that we have
provided you with enough information to help you in your search and
selection of a Siratal Saif training facility.

       We look forward to meet you, introducing you to our unique martial
arts system of life preservation, and/or training you and your loved ones in
the near future.

- The Management of -
Siratal Saif (The Way of the Sword)
Muslim Martial Art System
About Us
Siratal Saif International
Muslim Martial Art System