Sarawak Tang Soo Do: Building a lasting legacy

BY ROZRINA BINTI HASBI

In martial arts, people generally bring up Karate and Taekwondo, leaving out the influential and underrated martial art of Tang Soo Do. In Sarawak, the Tang Soo Do club is on a mission to change this narrative, actively working to expand its recognition and influence.

The Tang Soo Do club in Sarawak is more than another martial arts sanctuary. It inspires change and uplifts people’s physical wellbeing, minds, and spirits, and is committed to fostering mental clarity, emotional equilibrium, physical health, and solid personal accountability to others and oneself. The association aims to break new ground and motivate a larger community to strive for holistic wellbeing.

Leading the Tang Soo Do community in Sarawak are outstanding masters whose commitment and knowledge have served as role models for practitioners. The masters are diverse people from different places with decades of expertise which they bring to the forefront of this martial arts journey. Their approach to leadership is deeply rooted in Tang Soo Do’s ancient principles, highlighting not just the physical skills but also the moral and cultural aspects of the art.

Young disciples from different backgrounds.

Such incredible masters serve as living examples of the martial arts culture, imparting not just the technical skills but also instilling the profound principles passed down through generations. The commitment and dedication inspire the Tang Soo Do community in Sarawak to become a hub of learning and camaraderie, where the timeless values of martial arts are upheld and passed on to the next generation of practitioners.

Spearheading positive community initiatives, Sarawak’s Tang Soo Do club is extending its vision beyond the confines of training halls. Collaborating with schools, the club aims to introduce Tang Soo Do to the younger generation and promote values like respect, focus, and self-discipline.

Breaking barriers, the community of Tang Soo Do clubs in rural Sarawak areas also offers participation opportunities, ensuring inclusivity for individuals interested in joining. Additionally, the eagerly anticipated annual national- and state-level championships have become a cherished tradition within the Tang Soo Do community. Practitioners enthusiastically display their skills, dedication, and spirit in these competitions, contributing to celebrating martial arts’ diverse history.

Hasbi

President of Tang Soo Do Kuching, Sarawak Hasbi Bin Hamdan’s journey with Tang Soo Do is a testament to the transformative power of martial arts. Starting as a humble practitioner at a young age, he has remained loyal to Tang Soo Do for 34 years since 1989. Hasbi told tales of his early struggles and the pivotal moments that cemented his lifelong devotion to Tang Soo Do.

“Tang Soo Do became a compass in my life. It taught me an indomitable spirit, the unwavering resolve to never surrender, a tenacious fighting mentality, and the gift of disciplined perseverance, shaping the very essence of my character. As I progressed in my journey, the desire to give back and contribute to the growth of Tang Soo Do in Sarawak became a driving force,” Hasbi said

Hasbi’s leadership style is informed by a personal connection to Tang Soo Do and a profound understanding of its impact. It’s a style rooted in genuineness, and the remarkable sincerity and passion for martial arts are evident.

Challenges arise even in the harmonious world of Tang Soo Do, as in any other martial arts. The challenges include keeping younger generations interested, dispelling myths about martial arts, and discovering ways to maintain a passion for martial arts.

“In a rapidly changing world, we face the challenge of maintaining the interest of younger disciples. It is very challenging, especially for young people who want to pursue higher education or join the workforce. Their motivation to train and better themselves often wanes, and lack of time eventually causes some to give up on martial arts,” Hasbi said.

Practitioners exchange bows, symbolising mutual respect in martial arts.

Post-game embrace: Black belt practitioners displaying sportsmanship.

Despite these challenges, the commitment to overcoming obstacles and sustaining a passion for Tang Soo Do remains faithful, ensuring the art’s enduring legacy and relevance in our ever-evolving world.

The dedicated members of the Tang Soo Do club in Sarawak are not content with personal growth alone. Their aspirations soar to new heights as they seek to inspire others on an exciting journey, continually setting their goals even higher.

By embracing the values of inclusivity and support, they create an atmosphere that embraces individuals of all ages and backgrounds, inviting them to explore the boundless benefits of Tang Soo Do and unlock their untapped potential.

In this noble pursuit, the Tang Soo Do club in Sarawak acts as a beacon of inspiration and a catalyst for personal growth, fostering a tight-knit community that thrives on mutual empowerment. This club’s unwavering commitment to its excellent vision exemplifies its belief in the extraordinary potential within each individual, channeling the spirit of Tang Soo Do to uplift and transform lives for generations to come.

Tang Soo Do Sarawak’s multiracial youth athletes gearing up for the 28th National Championship.

Looking towards the future, the Tang Soo Do club in Sarawak has set its sights on hosting the Borneo Tang Soo Do Championship after Kembara Borneo. This event, scheduled for early 2024, will bring together practitioners from Kuching, Sabah, and Brunei to showcase their skills, compete, and build lasting connections. Sarawak Tang Soo Do club practitioners are also gearing up to represent their state in the upcoming 28^th National Championship, which will be held in Selangor next month.

By organising such a significant championship, the Tang Soo Do club hopes to promote the growth and development of Tang Soo Do in Sarawak and beyond. Through this event, they aim to strengthen ties with surrounding areas and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among practitioners.

With a steadfast commitment to leaving a positive and lasting imprint on the martial arts community, the Tang Soo Do club in Sarawak is poised to achieve its vision of inspiring individuals, fostering a thriving community, and creating a legacy that will endure for years.

• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.