24/08/2025

ON SUNDAY August 24, 2025 theSunday Special XI

Soft skills like communication, self-discipline and adaptability are more important now than ever.”

• Silat Seni Gayong : A traditional Malaysian martial art focusing on strikes, joint manipulation and cultural philosophy. • Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) : Known for its high kicks and agility. • ISKA Kickboxing: A modern combat sport emphasising power ful strikes and combinations. • Judo: Japanese grappling art focused on throws and ground control. • Filipino martial arts: Includes stick fighting, knife defence and empty hand techniques. • Brazilian jiu-jitsu: Ground-based grappling and submissions. Styles practised by Azizur If he had to describe martial arts in a single word, it would be “unity”. After spending time with him, it’s easy to see why. In a society often fragmented by GL̆ HUHQFHV $]L]XU¶V MRXUQH\ UHPLQGV XV that through sweat, discipline and a punch or two, we can find something deeply human – connection. periences meeting martial artists from various backgrounds, both local and international. “Whether you’re from Japan, the Philippines or Malaysia, martial arts EULQJV XV WRJHWKHU :H PD\ VSHDN GL̆ HU ent languages, but we understand each other in movement.” This sense of unity is what drives him to explore multiple disciplines. “It’s not about being the best in one style. It’s about connecting, sharing and growing.” A OLIH GHYRWHG WR WKH DUW Looking ahead, Azizur has no plans of slowing down. “As long as I’m healthy, I want to keep learning and teaching,” he said with quiet determination. His advice to young Malaysians con sidering martial arts? Don’t be afraid to explore more than one style. “There’s a whole ocean of knowledge out there. Swim as far as you can.”

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to stay fit, some want confidence. My approach combines elements of art, sport and self-defence,” he explained. What keeps him going? The joy of seeing his students grow. “ :DWFKLQJ D VK\ NLG EHFRPH D FRQ¿GHQW young adult, seeing them apply discipline in their studies and lives, that’s my re ward.” His teaching style blends tradition with practicality. “I don’t just drill forms. I teach ap plication, meaning, philosophy. Even the smallest movement has a story.” T KH SRZHU RI KXPLOLW\ DQG ÀRZ Ask Azizur what martial arts has taught him above all else and his answer is simple: Humility. “No matter how good you get, there’s always someone better. Martial arts re mind you that you’re always a student.” He draws inspiration from Bruce Lee’s famous quote: “Be water, my friend.” It’s a principle he carries both in training and life. “Water adapts. It flows or crashes depending on the situation. That’s how we should be, in martial arts and in dealing with life’s challenges.” This adaptabil ity, he believes, is what separates a true martial artist from someone who simply knows how to punch and kick. “Anyone can learn techniques. But learning how to move through life with GLVFLSOLQH ÀXLGLW\ DQG JUDFH WDNHV UHDO practice.” U QLW\ WKURXJK FRPEDW For someone with such a wide range of training, it’s remarkable how often Azizur comes back to one word: Silaturahim . “To me, martial arts is about unity,” he said. “When you train with others, you build bonds. You learn from each other, trust each other, push each other.” He speaks passionately about his ex

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A ¿JKWHU ZKR¶V D ORYHU WRR Despite his intense training, Azizur doesn’t believe martial arts promotes violence. He’s quick to challenge that notion. “People who say martial arts causes aggression don’t actually understand. It teaches you to stay calm, to be patient, WR DYRLG FRQÀLFW XQOHVV WKHUH¶V QR RWKHU choice.” He chuckled when asked about those who proudly declare, “I’m a lover, not a ¿JKWHU ´

“So am I,” he said, laughing. “Martial arts doesn’t mean you love ¿JKWLQJ ,W PHDQV \RX ORYH SHDFH VR PXFK that you prepare yourself in case it’s threatened.” T UDLQLQJ WKH QH[W JHQHUDWLRQ These days, Azizur spends most of his time teaching. His students range from children to teenagers and working adults, HDFK ZLWK GL̆ HUHQW JRDOV DQG PRWLYDWLRQV “Some want to compete, some want