Sarawak kuntau exponents head to South Korea for international competition

KUCHING : Sarawak’s traditional martial arts heritage will take centre stage internationally when 10 local exponents from the Sarawak Kuntau Federation (SKF) compete at the International Martial Arts Competition (IMAC) 2026 in Chungju, South Korea, from Oct 15 to 18.

The 22-member Sarawak contingent, comprising 10 athletes and accompanying officials, will represent Kuntau Melayu, Kuntau Iban and Kuntau Bidayuh at the event organised under the World Martial Arts Union, which is expected to draw participants from 19 countries.

Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the international platform would allow Sarawak’s practitioners to exchange knowledge with exponents from other countries while helping preserve the state’s traditional martial arts heritage.

“This is one of the best programmes, where we can share knowledge and exchange views on martial arts,” he told reporters at Kuching International Airport before the contingent’s departure today (Oct 13).

He said participants would have the opportunity to learn about different martial arts traditions, including those from Thailand, South Korea and Myanmar.

Fazzrudin (standing, centre) poses alongside members of SKF ahead of SKF journey to South Korea.

Fazzrudin added that competitions played an important role in encouraging practitioners to develop their skills by giving them platforms to demonstrate what they had learnt.

“When people learn Kuntau, they should know the channels and platforms available for them to showcase their skills in competitions,” he said.

He said such opportunities could also encourage younger generations to take an interest in traditional martial arts and pursue the discipline to a higher level.

“Our youths may see this as one of the channels for them to progress to a higher level, and this is one way for us to nurture that interest,” he added.

The competition features several formats, including paired routines, armed performances and unarmed performances.

Fazzrudin wished the Sarawak and Malaysian contingents well, expressing hope that the participants would make the most of the international experience while representing the state’s traditional martial arts.