Interview with Maul Mornie: Founder of Silat Suffian Bela Diri International
Hello, my name is Maul Mornie. I am originally from Brunei but have been living in the UK for 16 years now. I am the founder of silat Suffian Bela Diri International, a martial arts system that originates from Brunei. It has been taught openly and widely accepted around the world, attracting people of different ages, genders, and martial arts backgrounds.
We have received a lot of interest from individuals in various fields such as law enforcement, army, and federal agencies in the USA. The interest in SSBD is growing globally, and we now have new countries interested in starting their own Silat Bela Diri training groups. Some individuals have been training with us for several years, and they are now starting to teach SSBD with passion.
The Cultural Side of SSBD
One of the aspects we emphasize in SSBD is the cultural side of martial arts from Brunei Darussalam. Just like Taekwondo from Korea or Karate from Okinawa, each martial art has its own unique benefits and cultural influence. I aim to share and introduce the culture of Bruneian martial arts through SSBD.
Our body mechanics and movement patterns are deeply rooted in our culture. The way we move is influenced by our way of life in Brunei. For example, in typical Silat systems, you often see low stances, but in SSBD, we tend to be more upright. This is because in the older days, Bruneians lived in water villages, and fights would often occur on small bridges connecting houses.
When we move in SSBD, we focus on breaking the opponent’s structure and balance. This is essential for fighting on narrow bridges. By breaking their structure, we can make them lose balance and potentially fall off the bridge. Our goal is to end the confrontation efficiently and effectively.
Another unique aspect of SSBD is our approach to ground fighting. We don’t practice ground fighting because the ground is solid, but rather because the fighting environment in Brunei often involved muddy areas. If you were to hold yourself up from the ground, your hand would sink into the muddy surface. Similarly, if you were to stand up, your feet would sink up to your ankles or knees.
Therefore, in SSBD, we always maintain three points of contact with the ground, usually by keeping our hips or butts on the ground. This allows us to have a larger surface area and prevent sinking into the muddy surface. It’s all about adapting to the environment and using the most effective techniques for the situation.
Conclusion
SSBD, founded by Maul Mornie, has gained worldwide recognition and interest from martial artists of various backgrounds. The focus on the cultural aspects of Bruneian martial arts sets SSBD apart from other systems. The unique body mechanics and movement patterns in SSBD are a reflection of the Brunei way of life and the need to adapt to specific fighting environments.
By sharing and introducing the culture of Bruneian martial arts, Maul Mornie aims to preserve and promote this rich heritage. SSBD continues to attract individuals who are passionate about martial arts and who appreciate the significance of cultural influences in combat systems.
