Monteith (right) leading a session with Ma Ching Ipoh Cultural and Sports Association students during his visit to Malaysia. — Courtesy photo
a cultural exchange programme in Perak and Penang saw a prominent wushu practitioner from the United Kingdom sharing his experience and expertise.
Alasdair Monteith, founder of British Institute for Chinese Martial Arts (Bicma), visited Ma Ching Ipoh Cultural and Sports Association (Ma Ching) and Penang Chinese Chin Woo Athletic Association.
The five-day programme was aimed at strengthening academic and practical ties between Malaysia and the UK in the field of traditional Chinese martial arts, while laying a foundation for youth exchange and the global development of wushu.
In Ipoh, Monteith, who has extensive international teaching experience, conducted a series of intensive professional training sessions for Ma Ching members.
These included fundamentals and core strength training, with emphasis on building a solid base for mastering advanced martial techniques.
He guided students step-by-step through stretching, leg conditioning and core control exercises, while highlighting wushu as a lifelong pursuit of self-cultivation and discipline.
Monteith also attended the Malaysia Huadu Association’s 70th anniversary celebration dinner, where he performed a powerful “Yan Yue Hu” routine – a traditional martial arts display featuring a battle axe.
Ma Ching also organised a visit to Penang Chinese Chin Woo Athletic Association, where Monteith engaged in technical and philosophical exchanges with senior martial arts instructors.
Speaking about the exchange programme, Monteith described it as an enriching experience.
He said he hoped to collaborate further with Ma Ching, including inviting wushu students from UK’s Eton College to Malaysia for joint training sessions.
“We will also explore short-term exchange opportunities for Ma Ching students to train in the UK.
“Wushu is a universal language that transcends borders, and through continuous cooperation, we hope to inspire the younger generation to learn, grow and connect across cultures,” Monteith added.
Ma Ching president Datuk Seri Don Liew Mun Hon said the programme not only demonstrated Malaysia’s martial arts strength and spirit, but also gave local youths a valuable opportunity to connect with the global martial arts community.
