SIBU (Nov 6): Academy of Sarawak Dayak Iban (Asadia) remains committed to promoting and teaching ‘Kuntau Spring Tiris Kiroh’ to as many students as possible.

According to head of the academy Mabong Unggang, this discipline is the original the Iban ‘kuntau’ (martial art) taught by a grandmaster named ‘Kiroh’.

“Some people say that ‘kuntau’ originated from China in ancient times, and had spread to Southeast Asia, taken up by many communities in the region including the Iban.

“However, there are also pure Iban ‘kuntau’ such as the ‘Spring Tiris Kiroh’, which is being taught at Asadia.

“According to the story told by Kiroh himself, he learned the ‘Spring 12’ and ‘Spring 24’ of Tiris Kiroh from seven female ‘bunsu antu’ in a cave, somewhere along the border of Sarawak and Kalimantan.

“This is one of the reasons why Asadia remains committed to teaching Kuntau Spring Tiris Kiroh since 2015, taught by Master Patrick Tuat, and continued by Gerard Joseph and his wife Deris Sumek,” he said in a statement, released to announce the completion of Asadia’s ‘14th Kuntau Class’, which took place at the academy headquarters in Kuching recently, and involved 13 students consisting of eight men and five women.

“Kuntau is not only a traditional Iban martial art, but also a skill to protect oneself when facing danger of being attacked by an enemy,” said Mabong.

“The younger generation should learn martial arts for this purpose.

“In addition, the knowledge and skills in ‘kuntau’ can enhance the level of one’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

“In kuntau classes, students are not only taught kuntau steps, but also moves to protect themselves.

“Hopefully also, more women would learn ‘kuntau’ to protect themselves,” he added.