Chinese Martial Art Association Kuching marks 52 years of growth, heritage

KUCHING (March 5): The Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) Kuching has weathered five decades of challenges and transformation, emerging stronger while preserving its cultural roots, according to its president Chester Lim Hian Thoong.

Reflecting on the association’s 52-year journey, Lim said its longevity is a testament to the resilience and dedication of generations of practitioners who remained committed even during difficult times.

“Can you imagine what we have gone through over the last 51 years as an association?

“Despite the challenges, I believe we have been very successful in keeping things going,” he said during a Chinese New Year gathering and appreciation dinner at a restaurant in Batu Kawa on Wednesday.

Lim noted that many members have devoted decades to the association, with some serving for over 50 years, highlighting a strong sense of loyalty and continuity within the organisation.

Lim himself joined at the age of 16, underscoring a lifelong commitment shared by many in the fraternity.

At the heart of the association’s journey is its founder, Law Kaw Chai, who established CMAA in 1974 and continues to be a guiding figure.

Over the years, the association has also benefited from the contributions of long-serving advisors, coaches and members, whose collective efforts have ensured steady growth.

Beyond local development, Lim emphasised CMAA’s role in promoting heritage cultural sports internationally, with participation and exchanges extending to countries such as Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Canada.

He credited strong government support for recognising and backing these efforts, enabling the association to further its mission of preserving and promoting traditional Chinese martial arts.

“We are proud to see participation from diverse communities, including Chinese, Dayaks, Malays and Melanaus, especially in rural towns such as Mukah and Dalat and throughout Sarawak, Lim added.

Among recent milestones, Lim highlighted the achievement of CMAA’s Northern Lion Dance team, which became the first team from Sarawak to represent Malaysia internationally.

The team competed in the Sanya Cup International Dragon & Lion Dance Elite Competition in Hainan, China, on Jan 19 this year, outperforming established teams from South Korea and Indonesia to finish sixth overall.

“This shows that we have made significant progress and that our athletes are capable of competing at a high level,” he said.

Looking ahead, the association plans to host the Sarawak Open International Lion Dance Championship, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, as part of its ongoing efforts to elevate the sport and showcase Sarawak’s cultural heritage on a broader platform.

As it marks its golden jubilee, Lim expressed confidence that CMAA will continue to thrive, driven by the same spirit of perseverance and passion that has sustained it for more than half a century.