IPOH: A GROUP of 60 youths from Ma Ching Sports and Cultural Association showed off their lion and dragon dance skills during the closing ceremony of a training camp at SJK (C) Pasir Pinji 2, here, recently.
The youths, aged 11 to 18, had taken part in a three-day training camp to hone their skills.
They were also trained in Chinese martial arts (wushu), including dao shu (using swords), and playing 24-season Chinese drums.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan was the guest-of-honour.
Association secretary Cheong Kah Fei said the event was aimed at motivating the youths.
“The camp provides a platform for the youths to pick up the latest skills and techniques under the guidance of world lion dance champion Kun Seng Keng.
“It is also an opportunity for this group of enthusiastic martial art students to get together.
“Most of them are students who have gained experience in Chinese martial arts as part of their school co-curriculum activities before joining our association to enhance their skills.”
“The lion and dragon dances are still popular among youths of various races who come to us for lessons.
“They come with an eagerness to learn the martial arts which includes lion and dragon dances and Chinese drums.
“Apart from learning the steps for such dances, the students also get a chance to perform in public,” he added.
Cheong said the training camp also included lessons in the history of lion and dragon dance and the martial arts.
Oon Dick Foong, 14, of SMK Jalan Pasir Putih, said his interest in lion and dragon dance began two years ago where he signed up with the school’s wushu club.
“My father and grandfather are wushu exponents so it is natural that I am also interested in it,” said Onn, adding that he did not want to waste time on the computer like many other youths.
One of the youngest participants, Nicholas Seow, 11, of SJK (C) Pasir Pinji 2,who plays the 24-season Chinese drums, said he joined the martial art classes when he was 7.
“Today, I have progressed from performing lion dance to playing the drums and my interest just grows stronger each year.”
Standing out among the participants was K. Vasanthan of Teluk Intan.
Vasanthan, 16, of SMK Hor Ley Methodist, said he was fond of the mystical Chinese lion and this motivated him to join the martial art classes at his school.
“I have been learning lion dance since I was 13. I get more interested in the art by the day,” he said.
A female participant, Cheong Yuen Khei, 15, from SMK Yuk Choy, said she joined the camp to learn more about wushu.
Echoing the same sentiment were Cheong’s friends Chang Yong Shan, 13, and Liew Yi Tong, 13, who believed that the martial arts does wonders to their health.