Here’s the abridged plot: young boy gets picked-on, searches for a martial arts guru, and becomes a lifelong devotee of warrior philosophy. No word yet if Kahar Saidun went back to settle the score. However, he is today, one of the very few living masters of a Gung Fu style that reveres practicality and real world application over unnecessary pomp and splendour.
That’s not to say his Wing Chun lacks magnificence. Famously known as the style that Bruce Lee first adopted and later modified to create his own form, the truest martial arts are characterised by their stoicism. Less talk, more practise, as they say. Today, Saidun is a business consultant and NLP practitioner as well. Here he shares his top three lessons for moving forward in life.
Let’s start with your three rules:
Sure. Rule No. 1, when a chance is presented, make the most of the opportunity. This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people let favourable circumstances pass them by.
Rule No. 2: Be relentless in achieving your goals. When a path is open before you, charge through and do not look back. Cultivate a fighting spirit no matter the odds.
Rule No. 3: When life throws you a curveball, receive it, let it go and keep going forward. There are many times we’ll face a stronger force, or a situation that is far from ideal. Don’t fight what you cannot overcome. Simply accept it, and when the path clears again, resume onwards to your goals.
What’s the most challenging part of Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is actually a very detailed martial art. Everything has to be on point; 1mm off and there’s possibility for injury. Additionally, it teaches you to be aware of your surroundings and of peoples’ demeanours. You learn to read the cues so you better decide on your next course of action.
Describe a typical day in training.
We start with qigong exercises which teaches us to breath. Then there’s hand structure and footwork. And importantly, you must smile when you’re training. Smiling and gratefulness sets the right intentions and is a very positive thing for your internal organs too. Then you can start on your thousand or so punches and kicks.
How can Malaysians be more involved with Wing Chun?
Make clear for yourself what you want. Then just join a school. Don’t hesitate or over-think your decision. The earliest schools I went to were very welcoming and encouraging, which is really the point of Wing Chun – to accept and learn from all, to get stronger and wiser through experience.
Kahar is seen in a jacket, shirt, trousers and shoes by Dior men; TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph 44mm in fine-brushed, polished stainless steel with pink-gold details, ceramic bezel, black dial and alligator strap