Taekwondo couple defy norms at 71
KLANG, Aug 20 — At 71, when many may choose to slow down, Leong Yong Wah remains active, regularly stepping o...
In their 70s, Leong Yong Wah and Yeap Swee Bee, a couple from Bandar Bukit Tinggi, defy conventional norms by continuing their active, productive lives through the practice of taekwondo. Leong, an 8th Dan black belt holder who has been teaching the martial art since 1970, emphasizes that taekwondo offers more than just physical fitness; it is a means to instill discipline, respect, and unity in younger generations.
Together, the couple demonstrates that ageing gracefully involves maintaining health, social connections, and contributing to society.
The story of Leong and Yeap aligns with the theme of Malaysia’s 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, “Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati,” which underscores that well-being encompasses more than access to amenities. It also involves opportunities to stay active, maintain social bonds, and contribute to the community regardless of age.
Leong, who began teaching taekwondo at the age of 20, has guided over 20,000 individuals through his teachings, establishing the Power Sport Taekwondo Club in 2010 to meet the growing demand for additional training.
The couple’s success extends beyond medals and titles; it lies in the values their students learn, such as discipline and respect, which Leong believes have far-reaching impacts beyond the sport. Yeap, a silver medallist at the 2024 World Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong, shares her personal experience of how staying active can positively influence both physical and mental health.
They have also played a pivotal role in nurturing several notable athletes, including Vasugi Maruthamuthu, a bronze medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Leong highlights the unifying power of taekwondo, noting that students of different racial backgrounds—Malay, Chinese, and Indian—train together in harmony, creating strong bonds akin to a large family. There is no racial divide during tournaments, as everyone shares the common goal of learning and self-improvement. For Leong, it is crucial to encourage more adults and senior citizens to engage in physical activities like taekwondo, as it not only maintains health but also inspires younger generations.
He believes that an active lifestyle, especially in one’s golden years, proves that a passion for life, unity, and lifelong learning knows no age.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
