Kampong Glam CC Wushu

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 🍍🧧

Hoping for better results and more huats to everyone this rabbit year 🐰

Ask any students who used to train under the tutelage of Coach Lee back in the 80s and you shall be surprised by their experience. Once upon a time, he was well known to be a strict and no nonsense Martial Arts practitioner and coach. His expectations of his students are testament to his professionalism and his passion for the sport. Afterall, Coach Lee did share that a mixture of Chinese Wuxia movies and reading novels got him excited to learn more about the world of Chinese Martial Arts. In 1968, the chance to learn Martial Arts came to him in the form of his friends’ persuasion to try out the sport, lo and behold more than 50 years has passed since he stepped into the doors of Kampong Glam CC.

Today, Coach Lee still plays an active role in the development of his students’ martial arts skills. Many of our seniors featured here were new to the world of traditional martial arts, hence when they had to learn acrobatic routines on our giant balance balls, Coach Lee was our main specialist in teaching the tricks and tips. Coach Lee is also always smiling, if ever any of the students were to speak to him, they will always comment that his smile is contagious and that he spreads positivity to whoever he speaks to.

Coach Lee shared that his proudest moments included performing on world stages for both club and country. He also shared that he is extremely delighted to continue coaching students and has no plans of slowing down.

To honour Coach Lee, our coaches and founders of yesteryears, we have something exciting to share with you next. So stay tuned and keep sharing and spreading our message of preserving our culture through Martial Arts to your friends and families. Do not hesitate to approach any of our seniors during our training days to know more about us!

Fifty years. That is how long Coach Quek has been involved in Chinese martial arts. Coach Quek shared how he chanced upon Kampong Glam CC Lion Dance Troupe as he was cycling back home from work in 1971. Growing up, he had always wanted to learn Chinese martial arts, having been inspired by the likes of Bruce Lee and his own brother. Coach Quek shared that back in the 70s, KGCC was like a second home to the many students there. Everyone was eager and self motivated to be better on training days. He admits, the simplicity of life and the lack of technology back then probably contributed to the fact that many youths were more involved in cultural practices as compared to the youths of today.

Having mastered all three disciplines, Coach Quek represented Singapore in the sport of Wushu and performed on world stages in the form of Northern Lion Dance and Peking Opera. In fact, he was the pioneer batch of Wushu athletes that flew the Singapore flag when the Singapore Wushu and Lion Dance Federation was first introduced. Many martial arts coaches of modern Singapore Wushu were once taught and mentored by Coach Quek.

Coach Quek would always remind his students that the most important lesson in Chinese martial arts is to enjoy the process of learning new skills - learning may not necessarily be always fun but it is up to our individual mentality that determines whether we want to enjoy the process. Apart from coaching us in KGCC, Coach Quek is also a MOE accredited coach teaching multiple schools such as Chung Cheng High School (Main) and Manjusri Secondary School for the past 25 years.

Every successful team needs capable and inspirational coaches. Coach Wang is the head coach of Kampong Glam CC Lion Dance Troupe. Growing up, he had always wanted to learn Chinese Martial Arts and while there were many clans and associations that offer such classes, he would end up in Chin Woo Athletic Association. Through his gifted potential and hard work, he soon earned the trust and respect of the seniors and was promoted to assistant coach after just 2 years of joining (An assistant coaching position typically takes up to 5 years of training experience).

As one of the most senior coaches, Coach Wang places high emphasis on the values of Martial Arts. Integrity, Discipline and Focus are some of the values that he continues to inspire the team today. Coach Wang is an accomplished Martial Artist, having mastered all three disciplines of Chinese Martial Arts - Wushu, Northern Lion Dance and Peking Opera. He shared his greatest achievements include leading the team out to perform in Singapore’s first Chingay parade and representing the nation and the club in various overseas performances such as Japan, USA and India.

While age might be catching up to Coach Wang, he hopes the younger generation can continue to preserve our Chinese culture through sport. Afterall, he believes that Chinese Martial Arts is the perfect combination of both culture, heritage and being a sport itself. Here at Kampong Glam CC Lion Dance Troupe, we embrace diversity. Regardless of race, gender or religion, we come together as one every Friday in a bid to continue Coach Wang’s hard work and legacy for the past 50 years.

Lin Hui’s Wushu journey started when she was 7. What started as an enrichment program slowly became part of her life as a student athlete. Lin Hui’s potential quickly caught the attention of the Singapore Youth Wushu National Team and was drafted in. Lin Hui’s no nonsense attitude has served her well as she bagged several medals during her competitive days. But regardless of the number of medals, she always reminds herself to remain humble and always feel there is room for improvement.

Lin Hui shared that her memorable experiences came from competing in local competitions. Instead of seeing her fellow competitors as rivals, she relishes the opportunities to make new friends and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. Giving and receiving cheers from her competitors always makes her feel accomplished as an athlete.

In school, Lin Hui was a mentor and leader to her peers. Taking up both the Captain and Vice-Captain roles in Pei Chun Public School and Manjusri Secondary School respectively. Her passion in Wushu is notably evident in the revitalisation of Kampong Glam CC Lion Dance Troupe, where she sets up social media posts and aligns expectations with our business partners. When asked what advice she would give to the young, she mentioned ‘Hard Work’ and ‘Passion’.

Jackie Chan, Jet Li those were some Martial Arts idols that Clement grew up idolising. The kicks, flips, jumps and fight scenes always managed to keep his eyes glued to the television screen for many hours. This prompted his parents to send him for basic self-defence classes at the tender age of 9. The art form of Sanda (散打) was a tough and difficult to learn discipline because it often involves the realism of combat fighting as compared to Wushu where it is often used as a performing arts.

At the age of 13, he joined Manjusri Secondary School. Just like many other teenagers, he was initially rebellious and mischievous - this would often land him in trouble! Clement would often reflect back on his journey and admits that it was also during this rebellious period that allowed him to learn and mature.

As a slow learner, he had to find new methods of training such that he could understand the expectations and instructions from his coaches. This would eventually allow him to understand that every student’s learning needs are different and allow him to be a better coach and mentor to his peers. He has been volunteering his time as an alumni for the past 10 years.

Although Clement does not have many medals, he has never felt that he could not contribute to the success of others. To him, ‘success’ is defined as how much positive influence he could bring to those around him. His leadership abilities and empathy were recognised during his JC years as he was nominated to be the Vice-Captain of the Millennia Institute Wushu team.

Clement has also expressed his desire to obtain a coaching certificate in Singapore so that he could reach out to more people and aspire them to be better versions of themselves.

While he may be one of our younger students, Ryan's Wushu journey has been filled with both the highs and lows. Ryan first started learning Wushu at the tender age of 6. Throughout his decade in the sport, he revealed that perseverance is a skill that many successful athletes should possess. Knowing when to stand back up and dust yourself off is probably more important than actually having a good potential and talent.

His positive attitude earned him praises from his coaches and peers and he was nominated to be the Logistic IC for Manjusri Secondary School's Wushu Team. Primarily in charge of handling and maintaining training and competition weapons. Ryan's versatility in Wushu allowed him to experience different Wushu routines and up until recently the discipline of Lion Dance was added to his wide array of skills.

Darren’s Martial Arts journey started as a form of exercise when he was a young boy as he was enrolled into the basic Wushu classes we are used to seeing in Community Centres. Darren told us that he actually stopped his Wushu classes in exchange for Swimming lessons as his parents felt that learning a life skill would be highly important in his development.

Little would he know that he would join Wushu as a Co-Curricular Activity when he joined Manjusri Secondary School out of pure passion and interest. Given the large talent pool, Darren had to grit his teeth as he endured some of the toughest training in Manjusri in order to make it for the competition squad. Those days as Darren exclaimed ‘shaped who he is now.’ Darren’s leadership philosophy has always been leading by example, compared to his predecessors, Darren was never a one vocal leader instead he inspires and motivates his team through his discipline and work ethics.

He started as a treasurer who would ensure that the team funds were accounted for and are sufficient to provide new training weapons and costumes for his team. He was later nominated to be the Vice-Captain in 2013 before transitioning into the Captain role in 2014.

He emphasises the importance of self-discipline and hard work, as the saying goes ‘You reap what you sow.’ In most instances, you may not be able to see the results immediately but give it time and continue to persevere and the results will show for themselves. He is proud to share that his runners up medal from his 2nd International Spear routine remains his proudest achievement because he recalled having to challenge some of the best competitors he has ever met.

Do you know that Darren is also a Chinese Flute (笛子) player? He shared that his interests in general include understanding and preserving the art of Chinese culture and this includes learning how to play traditional Chinese instruments. Darren is a great example of how you can be excellent in two different disciplines.

Hao Ren’s journey in KGCC Lion Dance Troupe is the epiphany of any sports athlete. Apart from having to juggle his work commitments as a Supply Chain professional, he is also a ‘full-time’ dad to his son 👨‍👩‍👦. Yet his love for Chinese culture and indeed martial arts, motivates him to attend training every Friday.

Hao Ren shared that he was greatly influenced by international martial artists such as Jet Li during his childhood days. Watching the fights, kicks and jumps inspired him to join Chung Cheng High School (Main) Wushu team. Little did he know, he was equally as talented as his idols, winning multiple championships along the way. He was even nominated to be the Vice-Captain for CCHS Wushu from 2000 - 2001.

We always believe, if Hao Ren can turn up for training despite his packed and intense schedule, we should not find any reason to miss training. That being said, KGCC Lion Dance Troupe understands that every individual’s commitment is different as such we are empathetic. While students are encouraged to attend every training. they are not pressured should they have their own commitments.

Darren’s Martial Arts journey started as a form of exercise when he was a young boy as he was enrolled into the basic Wushu classes we are used to seeing in Community Centres. Darren told us that he actually stopped his Wushu classes in exchange for Swimming lessons as his parents felt that learning a life skill would be highly important in his development.

Little would he know that he would join Wushu as a Co-Curricular Activity when he joined Manjusri Secondary School out of pure passion and interest. Given the large talent pool, Darren had to grit his teeth as he endured some of the toughest training in Manjusri in order to make it for the competition squad. Those days as Darren exclaimed ‘shaped who he is now.’ Darren’s leadership philosophy has always been leading by example, compared to his predecessors, Darren was never a one vocal leader instead he inspires and motivates his team through his discipline and work ethics.

Darren had held various positions within the Wushu team, he started as a treasurer who would ensure that the team funds were accounted for and are sufficient to provide new training weapons and costumes for his team. He was later nominated to be the Vice-Captain in 2013 before transitioning into the Captain role in 2014.

Darren’s biggest takeaway? He emphasises the importance of self-discipline and hard work, as the saying goes ‘You reap what you sow.’ In most instances, you may not be able to see the results immediately but give it time and continue to persevere and the results will show for themselves. Darren is proud to share that his runners up medal from his 2nd International Spear routine remains his proudest achievement because he recalled having to challenge some of the best competitors he has ever met (Many of them were in the Singapore Youth Wushu Team) for the positions.

Do you know that Darren is also a Chinese Flute (笛子) player? He shared that his interests in general include understanding and preserving the art of Chinese culture and this includes learning how to play traditional Chinese instruments. Darren is a great example of how you can be excellent in two different disciplines.

Hao Ren’s journey in KGCC Lion Dance Troupe is the epiphany of any sports athlete. Apart from having to juggle his work commitments as a Supply Chain professional, he is also a ‘full-time’ dad to his son 👨‍👩‍👦. Yet his love for Chinese culture and indeed martial arts, motivates him to attend training every Friday.

Hao Ren shared that he was greatly influenced by international martial artists such as Jet Li during his childhood days. Watching the fights, kicks and jumps inspired him to join Chung Cheng High School (Main) Wushu team. Little did he know, he was equally as talented as his idols, winning multiple championships along the way. He was even nominated to be the Vice-Captain for CCHS Wushu from 2000 - 2001.

We always believe, if Hao Ren can turn up for training despite his packed and intense schedule, we should not find any reason to miss training. That being said, KGCC Lion Dance Troupe understands that every individual’s commitment is different as such we are empathetic. While students are encouraged to attend every training. they are not pressured should they have their own commitments.

It is hard to believe that Zheng Wei was never interested in Wushu until his sister persuaded him to join the sport. In the following 9 years, Zheng Wei has spent significant time and effort to Master his sword routine and constantly contributes back to his alma mater in guiding and mentoring his juniors.

Zheng Wei also has a special ability - to edit and create soundtracks for team's performances and competitions. While he admits he may not be able to compete competitively, he has never felt that he could not contribute to the success of the team. According to him, everyone plays an equal part in the success of a team. The right attitude will determine how far you can achieve!