Passion for the art: Muhammad Daiyan Zikry executing a wushu stunt with a traditional weapon during a training session at the Ma Ching Ipoh Cultural and Sports Association. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: Enthralled by the graceful and energetic movements of a wushu exponent, Muhammad Daiyan Zikry Muhammad Faisal has set himself on a path to become one.
The 12-year-old SJK(C) Yuk Kwan pupil from Batu Gajah currently trains with the Ma Ching Ipoh Cultural and Sports Association and is determined to represent Malaysia in wushu competitions.
“I was about seven or eight when I saw a wushu performance on television.
“I was captivated by the movements of the performers and I told myself I want to learn it,” he said when met at the association recently.
“I first joined the wushu club at my school and was brought to Ma Ching by my coach to learn more,” he added.
Muhammad Daiyan Zikry said it was hard at first but he was determined to learn.
“It took me a year to learn how to do a backflip and to perform moves swiftly.
“After three years, I’m used to the rigorous training now as I train five times a week.
“If there are competitions, I will spend more time training,” said the youngest of two brothers.
Muhammad Daiyan Zikry said he represented Ma Ching in wushu competitions nationwide and won various medals.
“I won two gold medals in the fan and spear performance categories during the third Junior Development Sports Carnival that was held here in October,” he added.
He said he was also learning about the lion dance and several other performances.
“There are still many things I want to learn, like the dragon dance.
“I am currently learning the ‘Eagle Claw’ martial art, and a Sun Wukong-inspired performance.
“I’ve participated in lion dance performances but have not joined any competitions, which I hope to.
“I feel proud that I am able to learn and participate in this traditional martial arts,” he added.
Calvin Phong, one of the senior trainees at Ma Ching, said Muhammad Daiyan Zikry is talented and dedicated.
“We have a few other non-Chinese trainees who train mostly for performances, while Muhammad Daiyan Zikry trains for competitions.
“We welcome all to join us, as long as they want to learn,” said the 22-year-old, adding that there are currently about 50 active trainees.
“We thank his parents for being so supportive of him, driving him to train with us every session,” Phong said.
