Ramlan (third from left) with the award he received from NPC honorary treasurer Sharanjit Singh (second from left) and Goh (second from right). With them are Aikido Shudokan Malaysia senior instructors Kent Yew Kyoshi (right) and Noveen Mannath Shidoin (left).
The Shudokan, Malaysia’s oldest aikido dojo (Japanese self-defence art school), has been awarded the National Press Club of Malaysia-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Awards 2024 for December.
This is in recognition of its 63 years of fostering unity, respect and harmony among Malaysians of all races, and religions.
Founded in 1961 by the late Thamby Rajah who was Malaysia’s first black belt in both judo and aikido, The Shudokan in Seremban, Negri Sembilan was Malaysia’s first aikido dojo.
It was also the first one to have been set up outside Japan, where the martial art form originated.
For decades The Shudokan has welcomed youths from diverse backgrounds.
To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, it charges a token fee.
As The Shudokan’s principles align with the spirit of the Muhibbah awards, the school earned top marks from a panel of media editors overseeing the award selection.
The Shudokan in Seremban was Malaysia’s first aikido dojo and the first one outside of Japan.
In a statement to Bernama, National Press Club (NPC) president Datuk Ahirudin Attan praised The Shudokan’s dedication to uniting Malaysians through martial arts.
“The Shudokan has exemplified the true spirit of muhibbah – fostering unity, respect, and harmony among Malaysians of all backgrounds for an incredible 63 years.
“The dedication of its instructors, who continue the legacy of its founder Thamby Rajah Sensei – revered as Malaysia’s father of aikido – in nurturing character, discipline and friendship through martial arts, exemplifies the values that unite us as a nation,” added Ahirudin.
“While this is the final instalment in the second series of our Muhibbah Awards, I hope this initiative inspires a renewed commitment to rebuilding a truly muhibbah Malaysia.”
NPC and Macrokiosk, an enterprise solutions platform provider, launched the Muhibbah Awards last year to recognise individuals, groups or organisations that best exemplify the muhibbah spirit in Malaysia.
The first series celebrated six winners while this year’s series featured four awards, with December marking the final instalment.
Winners received a cash prize of RM2,000 and a certificate.
Macrokiosk co-founder and chief executive officer Datuk Kenny Goh hailed The Shudokan as a “beacon of excellence”.
“Through martial arts, The Shudokan has instilled respect, perseverance, and muhibbah among the younger generation.
“Its impact on our youth is immeasurable, preparing them to become well-rounded individuals and leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Aikido Shudokan Malaysia chief instructor Ramlan Ortega Shihan, who celebrated 30 years of practising the martial art form, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
He described it as a powerful motivator to continue uniting people.
“Aikido teaches both physical and mental discipline.
“It helps individuals manage stress and conflict, making it a valuable skill for Malaysians to enhance personal well-being, and relationships with others,” said Ramlan.
He urged Malaysians to support traditional martial arts to ensure institutions like The Shudokan thrive for generations.
Since its opening, The Shudokan has trained thousands of students.
Many of them are from local schools such as SK Dato Klana Maamor, SJK(C) Chi Hwa, SJK(T) Jalan Lobak and St Paul’s Institution.
It has built a reputation as a hub for social cohesion and character development.
Today, the legacy lives on through Thamby Rajah’s nephew, Joe Thambu Shuseki Shihan, an internationally renowned aikido master with over 52 years of experience.
