At SEN Master Academy, martial arts make room for everyone

Khaldun Redza, an 8th-degree black belt and former national taekwondo champion with decades of experience, founded SEN Master Academy in 2016. The academy offers adaptive martial arts and taekwondo classes for students with special needs alongside mainstream classes across the Klang Valley. Khaldun believes in connecting with his students, which helps them understand and excel in the martial art.

His own journey with the sport began unexpectedly when a friend signed him up for taekwondo without his knowledge, despite his initial reluctance. This led to his black belt at 17 and his establishment of the academy.

At SEN Master Academy, students like 18-year-old Mohammad Danial Amsyar, who has autism, learn through visual cues, patient guidance, and practice. Danial's mother, Norasrifah Abdul Fuad, expressed her joy at seeing her son's progress. The academy also offers specialized programs in schools, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations.

Khaldun's dedication to his son, who has autism, inspired his work with special-needs students. Despite facing skepticism from some, Khaldun remains committed to his mission, emphasizing that martial arts instill discipline, coordination, and body awareness. Today, the academy has around 30 mainstream students and 120 students with various special needs, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and more.