Mabong (seated, second from left), Churchill (seated right), Deen (seated, third from right), Rizal (seated, second from right) in a photo call with Iban Kuntau enthusiasts and members of Nika and Akademi Sadia.
KUCHING: Iban Kuntau will be showcased in a documentary depicting unique martial arts practised by various ethnic races in Malaysia.
Akademi Sadia head Mabong Unggang said a few renowned Iban Kuntau experts, or ‘Guro’, and their trainees would be at the film shoot here at the end of next month.
The local experts involved are Guro Patrick Tuat, Guro Kiai and Guro Tuai Rumah Solomon Achu, and they would be representing their respective ‘Kelang’ (training centre).
Mabong, who is also National Iban Kuntau Association (Nika) protem secretary, said these experts would showcase basic forms of the ‘Lang Ngindang’ ‘Dam Dam Spring’ and ‘Spring 24’.
He said most aspects of Iban Kuntau, like miring, would not be showcased to the public. There are more than 20 ‘Kelang’ (training centres) across the state, and most of them are publicity shy.
The Iban Kuntau display would not be complete without the equally unique Taboh Kuntau music, he stressed.
Mabong made the remarks after co-chairing a meeting with local Iban Kuntau enthusiasts and Dermaga Seni, which has been engaged by RTM to shoot the documentary in Sarawak.
He hoped the film crew would be able to shoot their footage at places like Matang Wildlife Centre and homestays in Singai, Bau, and also shoot Taboh Kuntau music performance at Akademi Sadia’s premises.
Dermaga Seni was represented by film producer Rizal Busu and director Deen Salih, who is also scriptwriter. Also present at the meeting was Sarawak Dayak National Union Youth chief Churchill Edward Drem, who is Nika protem chairman.
The documentary entitled ‘Gelanggang’ will feature thirteen 30-minute episodes.
The concept of each episode would be dramatic action coupled with the host expressing his experience in trying to learn the respective martial arts from the masters or teachers.
The documentary will also show interviews with the masters or experts.
According to Deen, the series would not touch on racial or religious or sensitive issues.
Apart from Iban Kuntau, the other martial arts to be featured in the other series are Harimau Berantai, Kalaripayat, Bangau Putih, Kung Fu Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Shaolin Wahnam, Silambam, Buah Pukul Gayang Lima, Pelaga Siku 12, Cemara Bugis, Hulubalang Melaka, Lintau Asli, Gerak Lian ans Sendeng Haji Hamid.
The main objective of the show is not only to popularise the martial arts but also to attract the interest of youths to take up self defence.
It is also aimed at enhancing Malaysia as a nation rich in culture and tradition.