KUCHING: The traditional martial art of Kuntau Iban is being revitalised through workshops, demonstrations, and social media campaigns as efforts intensify to keep the centuries-old heritage alive among younger Sarawakians.
Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (SIKAR) president Basil Laman Amen said the art, known for its intricate movements and spiritual philosophy, has struggled to compete with more commercialised martial arts such as silat, taekwondo, and muay thai.
“Efforts to preserve and develop Kuntau Iban are actively underway, especially by local associations and communities that recognise the importance of this heritage. These efforts involve various approaches, from education to promotion,” he said in a recent statement.
He said teachers and practitioners have turned to platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to upload training sessions, demonstrations, and short documentaries, aiming to reach wider audiences and attract younger practitioners.
In addition to social media outreach, Basil said SIKAR also organises public performances during cultural events such as Gawai Dayak celebrations.
“These performances allow the public, including tourists and non-Iban residents, to witness the beauty and uniqueness of Kuntau movements firsthand.”
He added the association also held the first-ever state-level Sarawak Kuntau Competition last year, with plans to expand it to an international scale in the future.
In addition, Basil said the association is working to document Kuntau Iban’s movements, philosophy, and rituals through videos, books, and academic studies to safeguard knowledge as older masters retire.
“I hope Kuntau Iban will be widely accepted and appreciated by the young Iban generation itself, as well as by the general public.
“This can be achieved through broader education and exposure, making Kuntau as popular as other martial arts,” Basil added.
