Kempo in Qatar

If you’re one of the 23,000 Indonesians in Qatar, and you’re wondering what to do in your spare time, Pak Hadi might have the answer for you. Every Thursday and Saturday, in the grounds of the friendly Indonesian embassy, Pak Hadi, Pak Jodi and Pak Mukhlis teach Kempo to groups of students.

What is Kempo? It’s a sport that has its origin in Shaolin Kungfu, and is widely practised in Japan. However, in the 1960’s a group of Indonesian students went to study in Japan. While there, they became students of Kempo, and introduced it into Indonesia in 1965.

When I asked what the difference was between Kempo and Kungfu, Pak Mukhlis answered that whereas Kungfu could be quite artistic, Kempo was more practical. However, Kempo doesn't just focus on self-defence, but on developing its practitioners both physically and mentally.


Other nationalities are welcome, and Pak Hadi is happy to teach in English, although he admits he might struggle with Arabic. Kempo lessons take place at the Indonesian Embassy on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7.00 to 9.00, but you can also learn in Messaieed and Al-Khor.

Contact number: 0974-4667213 (Muchlis)

Also see: Clubs and Societies in Qatar

Tags

Qatar Doha Middle East Indonesia Indonesians Martials arts Kempo