KEEPING WATCH: The Respdemop Recreation and Sports Club and Soo Bahk Do (Martial Arts) Academy 4th Dan black belt masters, Marcellinus Meran (left) supervising the sparring session being held at DBNA hall.
KUCHING: The Respdemop Recreation and Sports Club and Soo Bahk Do (Martial Arts) Academy under the supervision of grand master George Sim Hii are conducting Soo Bahk Do classes for its members as well as the public twice a week at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multipurpose hall here.
The lessons are conducted from 7pm to 9pm on every Tuesday and Thursday by two of the academy’s 4th Dan black belt masters, Marcellinus Meran and Claudie Linang.
“We are inviting the public and our old students to join us in the classes,” said Meran on the objective of the academy which is not new in Kuching and was conducted from 1988 to 1991before it was moved to Salcra premise at the Electra House from 1991 to 1993.
“Under the initiative of Respdemop Recreation and Sports Club we resumed our class since March 13 this year at DBNA Hall and now over 20 members are with us including those with 1st to 3rd Dan black belt holders,” he added.
According to him, every student has to pay a membership fee of RM20 and the monthly fee for adults only RM30 and while for school children is RM20.
“We are thankful to DBNA for allowing us to use their hall with a very reasonable rental fees and also the facilities available there are also good,” he said.
Meanwhile Meran explained that Soo Bahk Do is the martial art originated from Korea but now it is widely known as Tang Soo Do which is more on self defence techniques suitable for all ages.
“Soo Bakh Do is an extremely effective method of self defence. The training also ensures self discipline, self confidence, fitness and stress management. These changes are reflected in the mind that will develop a positive character in a person,” he said.
He said the true meaning of martial art training is to use the lessons learned to enrich every part of one’s life and to uphold its basic character to protect and preserve life – even that of the enemy.
According to Meran, it takes an average 400 training sessions for someone to qualify for the 1st Dan black belt’s upgrading test.
During the course of these periods, basic hand and leg techniques, its contributions, the forms the free hand combat self-defence techniques, breaking techniques and specific knowledge of the art will be discussed and taught.
Those who is interested to join the academy can contact Meran at 013-8168870 or Sebastian Sakoi at 013-8420927.