Photo: MKH Associates
KUALA LUMPUR: The Shudokan, Malaysia's oldest Aikido dojo, has been awarded the National Press Club (NPC)-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Award for December in recognition of its 63 years of fostering unity, respect, and harmony among Malaysians of all races and religions.
Founded in 1961 by the late Thamby Rajah Sensei, The Shudokan was not only Malaysia's first Aikido dojo but also the first established outside Japan, where the martial art originated. For decades, this Seremban-based institution has welcomed youths from diverse backgrounds, offering Aikido training at token fees to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
The Shudokan's timeless principles of respect, discipline, and harmony, closely aligned with the spirit of Muhibbah, earned it top marks from a panel of media editors overseeing the award selection.
In a statement, NPC Honorary Treasurer Sharanjit Singh commended The Shudokan's unwavering dedication to uniting Malaysians through martial arts.
"The Shudokan has exemplified the true spirit of Muhibbah—fostering unity, respect, and harmony among Malaysians of all backgrounds for an incredible 63 years.
"The dedication of its instructors, who continue the legacy of its founder, Thamby Rajah Sensei—revered as Malaysia’s father of Aikido—in nurturing character, discipline, and friendship through martial arts, exemplifies the values that unite us as a nation.
"While this is the final instalment in the second series of our Muhibbah Awards, I hope this initiative inspires a renewed commitment to rebuilding a truly Muhibbah Malaysia," said Sharanjit.
The NPC-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Awards, launched last year in collaboration with enterprise solutions provider Macrokiosk, aim to honour individuals, groups, or organisations that embody the true spirit of Muhibbah.
The first series celebrated six winners, while the second series this year featured four awards, with December marking the final instalment. Winners receive a cash prize of RM2,000 and a certificate.
Macrokiosk co-founder and chief executive officer Datuk Kenny Goh hailed The Shudokan as a “beacon of excellence,” recognising its role in shaping the lives of young Malaysians through Aikido.
"Through martial arts, The Shudokan has instilled respect, perseverance, and Muhibbah among the younger generation. Its impact on our youth is immeasurable, preparing them to become well-rounded individuals and leaders of tomorrow," he said.
Chief Instructor of Aikido Shudokan Malaysia, Ramlan Ortega Shihan, who recently celebrated 30 years in Aikido, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, calling it a powerful motivator to continue uniting people and making Aikido a pathway to harmony.
"Aikido teaches both physical and mental discipline. It helps individuals manage stress and conflict, making it a valuable skill for Malaysians to enhance personal well-being and relationships with others," he said, urging Malaysians to support traditional martial arts to ensure institutions like The Shudokan thrive for generations.
The Shudokan’s journey began in the 1950s when Thamby Rajah Sensei, Malaysia’s first black belt in both Judo and Aikido, established the dojo. The name “Shudokan,” meaning “house of studying the way,” was conferred by Japanese Aikido master Shioda Gozo Soke, founder of the Yoshinkan style of Aikido.
Since its opening, The Shudokan has trained thousands of students, many from local schools such as SK Dato’ Klana Maamor, SJK (C) Chi Hwa, SJK (T) Jalan Lobak, and St. Paul’s Institution. This commitment has solidified its reputation as a hub for social cohesion and character development.
Today, the legacy lives on through Thamby Rajah's nephew, Joe Thambu Shuseki Shihan, an internationally renowned Aikido master with over 52 years of experience. He remains dedicated to upholding the dojo’s core values of discipline and unity. - Bernama
