Leaves fall
“ Sixty-six times have these eyes of mine
beheld the changing of the seasons.
I have spoken too much. Ask me no more.
Only, listen to the voices of pines and cedars when no wind stirs”
— Ryonen, 16th-century nun, on her deathbed
A Long And Winding Road
It’s been a long road.
Forty-eight years. Forty-eight long years on the road called “martial arts”.
And it’s been a long and wonderful journey. Not always easy. But always fulfilling. Filled with laughter and tears, wins and losses, victories and agonies. And close friends and compatriots who started with me now gone, passed on to the next level.
Maybe I’ll see them once again some day.
It started when I was twelve, the day I took my first steps into my very first Taekwondo class. And even then, it was a little late in coming. My parents had promised to send me to Taekwondo class ever since I first saw Bruce Lee’s “The Big Boss” when I was seven, but I had to wait five long years “to be ready”, for that day.
Nevertheless, the wait was totally, absolutely worth it.
A Journey Of Learning
Training in the martial arts started me on a journey of learning. Not just in the martial arts, but also about life, family, relationships, spirituality, psychology, business, leadership, communication, strategy, thinking, etc., etc. And along the way, there had been many wonderful lessons
One of which is that martial arts training aren’t just about punching harder or kicking faster. It’s about discipline, mindset, and finding ways to grow—not just as fighters but as human beings. Because we are first, last and foremost, human beings.
That’s why my approach has always been holistic: blending physical techniques with mental conditioning, philosophy, and even a dash of humor. Because let’s face it, life’s too short not to laugh while you’re learning how to throw someone across the room.
Over the years, I have ventured into a few other systems, such as Wing Chun (which I also taught), Karate, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, etc. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn self-defense or a seasoned practitioner aiming to refine your skills, maybe we can walk this path together. And if you’re an instructor, maybe we can dive into deeper philosophical waters.
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Got my black belt in 1982, and started as an assistant coach in 1988. In 1992, I had the privilege of serving as the State Taekwondo Head Coach under the State Athletic Commission (retiring in 2002). Leading teams at events like the Malaysian Games and international tournaments for the next ten years taught me a lot—not least of which was how to keep calm under pressure.
Around that time, I started experimenting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to help athletes prepare mentally. It worked well, and later on got certified as an NLP Practitioner, Master Practitioner, and Trainer.
Yes, I did it all online, and yes, some folks might raise an eyebrow at that. But here’s the thing: I know what works for me, and how it can help others, and that is enough for me.
When I’m not knee-deep in martial arts, you’ll probably find me reading up on philosophy, history, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism—or geeking out over new business trends and tech innovations.
Speaking of which, I’ve also got a few entrepreneurial irons in the fire. After wrapping up a successful run with a retail gifts business, I moved into FMCG retail, launched an AI chatbot development agency, and dipped my toes into various online ventures.
Balancing entrepreneurship with martial arts keeps me sharp—and honest. Let’s just say I’ve learned a lot about patience, adaptability, and not taking myself too seriously.
And then there’s the Grand Championship of all Grand Championships: family. Becoming a dad in 2008 was hands down the proudest moment of my life. Watching my son and daughter grow up reminds me daily that we’re all students of life, constantly learning and evolving.
So, whether you’re here because you want to punch better, think clearer, or live fuller, I’m here if you wanna chat. I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but I promise to bring authenticity, humility, and maybe a bad joke or two to the table.
Together, let’s explore the intersections of martial arts, mindset, and personal growth—one kick, punch, and epiphany at a time.Â
