The silat syllabus are divided into seven levels. Each level concentrates on specific self defense skills.
The levels are marked with belt just like any other self defense or martial art. Those seven levels are; white belt, blue belt, brown belt, yellow belt, green belt, red belt and black belt. For every level, each silat exponent needs to master seven topics which emphasize in specific required skills in that level.
The seven topics are:
- Bunga (which teach the exponent how to master the defensive and striking position)
- Jurus (which includes the art of attack and defense)
- Belebat (which teach the students to art of the defensive and counter attack movements)
- Tapak (the routine on how to destroy your enemy through step pattern movements)
- Buah (the art of self defense)
- Tempur Seni (the art of self defense combat)
- Tempur Beladiri (the fast action of combat sparring).
The first level (white belt), the exponent will be given Anak Gelanggang (Beginner Silat Exponent) title. In this level the students will learn on how to master the basic skills of silat, to balance between fitness and brightness of psychology, psychomotor control and also cognitive development. This consists of physical and mental approach that will combine with all positive aspects in silat activities.
The second level (blue belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat Remaja (First Rank Junior Silat Exponent) title. This level brings elements of self defense and more clearly how to apply their knowledge and unarmed self defense skills either in martial arts performances or competitions. Silat exponent will be able to receive silat skills to develop practical and cultivation of moral values in more effective methods. The aim is to produce a harmony community and well mannered exponent in order to develop strong self-esteem to succeed.
The third level (brown belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat Perkasa (Second Rank Junior Silat Exponent) title. This level focused on the basic motion, method, manner and Silat as Malaysian self defense. This level also emphasize on strengthening the nation in terms of arts, self defense and traditional martial arts sport.
The fourth level (yellow belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat Muda (Young Silat Exponent) title. This level objective is to strengthen the Malaysian Silat methods in terms of motion, method, manner and form of self defense. At the same time the silat exponent will inheritance the knowledge of silat essences, practices and skills of martial arts that developed from Bunga; which form the Silat self defense skills, martial arts and martial sports. Silat establish movements that embedded positive values, which can form a healthy lifestyle.
The fifth level (green belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat (Silat Exponent) title. This level will teach the exponent to master the catching methods followed by striking, topple down, locking and counter attack techniques. This counter attack skill also known as 'pelepas' or self release technique. Silat exponent also will learn how to use the step pattern known as 'melilit' or circling around the enemy in order to expand the self defense technique. The silat exponent will be introduced to 'Sikap Pendekar' or Warrior's Attitude as the way of life either throughout physical or spiritual aspects; A warrior is a being who has knowledge, practices and is skilful in silat internally (spiritually) and externally (physically), based on the Malay custom, arts and culture in parallel with syarak, one that uses his knowledge and crafts at the right place for justice and peace with a calm soul with physical properties based on the spirit of a chivalrous majestic warrior. This Warrior's Attitude was written by Pendita Anuar Abdul Wahab, the founder of Seni Silat Malaysia.
The sixth level (red belt), the exponent will be given Pendekar Muda (Junior Warrior) title. At this level the silat exponent will learn the weaponry system which emphasis on 'penyerang aktif' or active silat exponent methods. This method is a powerful method particularly to defense you against 3 or more enemies. As silat also known as the art of war, this concept is derived from weaponry methods. Normally, the exponents will train to use multi-weapon at this stage of training. The weaponry training starts during Tempur Seni session. The 'kaedah pemotong' or 'penyerang aktif' then will be developed unto Tempur Beladiri (combat training). As silat derived from human anatomy movements, it will perfect every silat training activities in purposed of self defense.
The seventh level (black belt), the exponent will be given Pendekar (Warrior) title. At this stage the warrior will be given the Silat knowledge that origins from the art of war from multiple aspects of knowledge, practice and traditional weapon skills system. The Malay warrior attitude is the same in Warrior's Attitude. The warrior also will be trained to become guru in order to implement the silat education to others. They are also exposed to science teaching, management, spiritual, technical and co-curriculum in purpose to strengthen community, religion, race and nation.
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