TJD: A safe haven for MMA enthusiasts
KUCHING: In a quiet corner tucked inside Matang Jaya, a modest training space has become a second home for a growing community of mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts.
For many, Tempur Jarak Dekat (TJD) is more than just a gym. It is a place to belong.
What began as a training session among friends in the backyard of Ahmad Khafizulrahman Fahzmie’s home has grown into a registered MMA club under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Sarawak.
Ahmad, who now serves as its president, said the idea was born out of shared passion and a desire to create something meaningful.
“We used to train at my house every day. We were consistent and passionate. So I thought, why not make it official? That’s how TJD began,” he said.
He added that the club was founded to raise awareness of MMA in Kuching and provide a space where people could grow through the sport.
From its humble beginnings, TJD has evolved into a vibrant community hub where people from different backgrounds come together after work to train, sweat and unwind.
“We didn’t just want to build a gym. We wanted to build a safe space. A place where anyone, whether they are stressed, struggling or just looking for something positive, can come and find peace through training,” he emphasised.
That sense of belonging has turned TJD into more than a fitness centre. Members describe it as a family, a circle of support where encouragement replaces competition and discipline is taught hand in hand with empathy.
Still, Ahmad admits that running an MMA gym in Kuching comes with its challenges.
Financial constraints, especially when sending athletes to competitions outside Sarawak, remain a major hurdle.
“Most tournaments are in Kuala Lumpur, and travelling there is expensive. But we make it work together. Everyone contributes what they can. It is all about teamwork,” he said.
Despite limited resources, TJD’s spirit has carried them far.
In recent competitions, six of their athletes represented the club, with five bringing home medals, including four gold.
“That was one of our proudest moments,” Ahmad said. “Seeing their hard work pay off reminded us why we started this in the first place.”
The club has also been receiving steady community support, including from Tupong PBB Youth, which collaborated with TJD and the Sarawak Karate-Do Gi Toku Kai Association for an event at the Sarawak State Library last July.
These collaborations help promote martial arts and encourage positive, healthy lifestyles among young people.
Looking ahead, the club hopes to expand TJD further, not just in size but in impact.
“In the next five to ten years, we want to expand, attract more students and give young people a platform to train and grow,” he said.
“At the end of the day, this is not just about MMA. It is about building character, discipline and community,” he added.
For Ahmad, TJD remains a deeply personal journey, a space that has shaped him as much as it has shaped others.
“For me, this gym is my second home. It is where I find peace, where I learn patience and discipline. And I hope others can find the same here,” he said.
