Wilayah Persekutuan & Selangor Branch, Malaysia / March 2009 - Contributor: Nelson Ray Samson

"Warmth Greeting From Royal Mulu Sarawak Borneo Malaysia".

The people of Penan are the only true nomadic people in Sarawak and amongst the last of the world's hunter-gatherers. The Penan makes their home under the rainforest canopy, deep within the vast expanse of Sarawak's virgin jungle. Even today, the Penan continues to roam the rainforest hunting wild boar and deer with blowpipes.

On January 26th 2009, Shorinji Kempo W.P & Selangor Branch was invited for Community Project at Batu Bungan Mulu Borneo Sarawak. Sensei Yacob Gabriel Samson, the Branch Master of Wilayah Persekutuan & Selangor introduces the art of Shorinji Kempo to the people of penan aside from the community project. Shorinji kempo was first introduced to the Penans two years ago by Mr. Mohd. Ikhwan Hj. Samson, executive chef of Royal Mulu Resort, It was very well accepted and the Penans shows a great interest in learning. For the past two years, shorinji kempo becomes one of their weekly awaited activities. The student shows such great enthusiasm to learn the art.

The Objectives of this project is to bring a closer relationship between penans and outside people. We have great time sharing about Shorinji Kempo as a martial art at the same time to know more about Penan interesting cultures and ways of living. The three days training was conducted by The Branch Master, Sensei Yacob and at night a movie about the founder "Doshin So" is played. It is very important to share the philosophy and moral values of Shorinji Kempo as part of the community project and better understanding among the Penan people. Their warm welcome inspired everyone to make sure the visit is interesting and meaningful.

After a hard day training, the group did not miss the spectacular, Gunung Mulu National Park. Participants enjoy the nature trekking which the Penan considers it as the 'jewel in the crown' of Sarawak's expanding network of national parks. It is also the largest national park, covering 52,865 hectares of primary rainforest, which is cris-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams. Mulu is indeed a very interesting place to visit. Hidden underneath the forested slopes of these mountains is one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world.

It was an unforgettable experience for both parties and Shorinji Kempo Wilayah Persekutuan & Selangor Branch is proud to be part in doing community work.

 

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