A good mix of students – some as young as five – to working mothers, sweat it out at the KaraCardio Academy at the D’Star Arena Complex in Ampang, Selangor, week in, week out.
Some are involved in karate classes, while others work on exercise routines to get in shape – all under the watchful eyes of Nisha Alagasan, a nine-time national karate champion, and former SEA Games gold medallist.
“It’s a joy working with them, especially the young ones,” said Nisha, 36, right after conducting a session on July 17.
Born in Batu Gajah, Perak, but having spent her entire life in Ampang, Nisha said that it was not just about business. She feels karate was a great way to instil discipline, boost self-confidence, and creating opportunities.
Using herself as an example, Nisha said she first took up the sport at the age of 12. Once in, there was no turning back, and she competed in numerous local, regional, and international competitions – from the Malaysia Games (Sukma), to winning the gold medal in karate (below 55kg) at the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar.
“Being a karate exponent built up my confidence. I was offered acting gigs, and even appeared on a cooking show. I mean… what has karate got to do with cooking!” Nisha said in jest.
“But this shows you the possible opportunities that are available. I even got a scholarship from the National Sports Council to pursue my studies,” she added.
Thanks to the scholarship, Nisha earned a Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling from UNITAR International University.
“So yeah, karate isn’t just about self-defence. It’s not just me, but several of my students too, have seen the difference, ever since they picked up martial arts. They are more disciplined, more focused in school, and some are getting good grades, too.”
Nisha added that the perception of karate has indeed changed over the years, especially with the inclusion of the sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“In the past, schools often say they don’t need karate since there’s already taekwondo. Being part of the Olympics, taekwondo seems to get more attention back then. That, however, has changed over the years.
“More school principals are now aware that taekwondo and karate are two different sports. I must admit, being a part of the Olympics (in Tokyo) has helped popularise karate.”
Karate, however, was axed from the upcoming Paris Olympics and the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, irking the sport’s world body. Closer to home, karate was dropped from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
“Malaysia has submitted an appeal for the sport to be included in next year’s SEA Games. I hope the organiser will consider the appeal.
“In fact, Thailand will benefit from the inclusion as they have several good karate athletes.”
While discussions between the governing bodies at various levels are ongoing, Nisha hopes to see the participation of more young girls and women in karate, and sports in general, at the grassroots level.
“We need to continue inspiring the young ones to pick up sports. Women too, have a bright future in sports.
“Parents play an extremely important role in getting their children active, and it’s only right for kids to start picking the right habits from young,” she added.
