PENANG has always been a karate powerhouse, especially in the men’s and women’s kata events.
The state has dominated the karate kata (non-combat) in a series of Sukma (Malaysia Games) editions.
In this year’s event held in Kuala Lumpur in September, Penang has once again proved its capability by maintaining its winning momentum.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently, two karate exponents shared their successes during the Sukma (Malaysia Games) event in Kuala Lumpur.
Lim Hui Ling, 20, who was the SEA Games bronze medalist, bagged a gold medal for Penang in Sukma (Malaysia Games) while karateka Yong Kojiro also contributed gold to the team.
The soft-spoken Hui Ling and Kojiro said it was not an overnight success as they had put in a lot of work for several years.
“Perseverance and discipline are keys to our achievements as we are serious in our training. We are grateful to our coaches (Lim Lee Lee) and (Ku Jin Keat) who has played a vital role in our success.
“Our mentor would not only push us but also motivate us during the training sessions.
‘She wants us to keep honing our skills and developing our character,” Hui Ying said during an interview at their training centre in Transfer Road.
Hui Ling said she took up karate at the age of 13 and soon became passionate about it.
Currently studying International Business at TAR College in Penang, she said she has learned how to juggle study and training.
“I train about five to six times a week, alongside others as well,” she added.
Kojiro, 21, agreed with Hui Ling that dedication and determination are needed to reach their goals.
“Attending regular training is a must, more so when a tournament nears.
“Without the will to succeed, we would not have stood on top of the podium,” said Kojiro, who is of Malaysian-Japanese parentage.
Recalling the Covid-19 pandemic, Kojiro said they kept up with the training sessions via the online platform.
“It’s not easy, but we still managed to make it and proved that when you commit yourself to train, you can overcome many obstacles.
“The words of encouragement from teammates and coaches help us as well,” said Kojiro, who learned karate as early as six years old.
One of his outstanding achievements so far was winning a bronze medal in the 2017 World Junior Karate Championships in Spain (team event).
Meanwhile, Lee Lee said she was proud of Hui Ling and Kojiro’s remarkable feats.
“I have witnessed their progress from the first day of training till now. Because they are disciplined, they strive to achieve more glory.
“In fact, credit also goes to their parents for being supportive.
“Parents are welcome to bring their children to learn about karate as a self-protection as well as a form of exercise. They can benefit a lot from it,” she said.
For more info, contact Lim Lee Lee at 012-4931860.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud