By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH, — Martial arts are among the activities that help shape positive character and personal development among their practitioners.
The Karate Do Shitokai Ryu Ipoh Club, for instance, is one of the active martial arts clubs that focuses on training, particularly among young people.
Recently, the club organised a grading or assessment programme to test students’ skills, techniques and knowledge.
The evaluation is conducted before students qualify to be awarded belts according to their respective levels of skill and achievement.
According to the club’s president, Arunajalam, the programme serves as an important platform to test students’ discipline as well as their mental and physical endurance.
Arunajalam, who has more than 30 years of experience in karate training, said such training helps build stronger character among the younger generation.
“Participating in martial arts also requires perseverance, patience and commitment, as continuous training is necessary.
“Over the past three decades, I have trained many students and feel satisfied guiding those who are passionate about martial arts,” he said.
The club receives participation from students from several surrounding areas, including Klebang, Taman Bertuah, Taman Tasek Mewah and Bercham.
Earlier, the event was also attended by PKR Tambun division chief A. Kalaimugilan.
In his speech, he emphasised the importance of learning at least one martial art as preparation for any situation.
“Besides being able to defend oneself, involvement in martial arts also helps build self-confidence, discipline and better character among students,” he said.
At the same event, a letter of application was also handed to Kalaimugilan seeking support for the purchase of karate equipment for students’ use.
