Proper coordination vital in making Iban Kuntau a recognised sport — Stephen
KOTA SAMARAHAN: There is a need for an efficient body to run and manage activities related to the Iban traditional martial art, ‘Kuntau’.
First Infantry Division Commander Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw said although he acknowledged the presence of many Kuntau practitioners all over the state, he saw this as a situation that lacked coordination.
“We need a body that is able to run the activities properly and champion Kuntau Iban for it to be recognised as an official sport.
“Although we respect those who still believe in keeping the art of Kuntau secretive and seeing it as being related closely to mysticism, there is a need to make the public aware of the status and existence of Sikar ( Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association) as a legal society,” he said after receiving a delegation from Sikar at the Muara Tuang Camp near here yesterday.
The group, led by their pro tem president Churchill Edward Drem, paid a courtesy visit on Stephen to extend their personal invitation for him to become the association’s advisor.
Churchill also briefed Stephen on other matters including the outcome of their inaugural meeting here late last month where they elected the office-bearers for the 2017-2019 term.
Another subject brought up during the meeting was the official opening of the Sikar-Asadia Kelang (training centre) near Jalan Semaba this April 1, of which Stephen confirmed his participation in the ‘gotong-royong’ (work party) taking place that day.
Meanwhile, Churchill said the registration drive for new members is ongoing, adding that the association is open only to the Ibans for the time
We need a body that is able to run the activities properly and champion Kuntau Iban for it to be recognised as an official sport.Although we respect those who still believe in keeping the art of Kuntau secretive and seeing it as being related closely to mysticism, there is a need to make the public aware of the status and existence of Sikar (Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association) as a legal society. Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw, First Infantry Division Commander
being.
“To sign up, each member needs to fill out the form and submit it together with a RM15 life membership fee and another RM5 for administrative fee.
“Sikar was set up in 2015, following popular demand to preserve the martial art and also the wish by many quarters to see Kuntau Iban be recognised as a regulated and competitive sport,” he said, adding that at present, the Sikar Facebook page has about 8,000 followers while its WhatsApp group has more than 170 members.
It is learned that there are 23 active Kuntau Iban centres across the state.