By Grace Jones | posted on August 24, 2017
AFTER opening its door four years ago, Mount Barker Hazara Martial Arts School has gone from strength to strength.
Topping the list of accomplishments is those of one of its original students, Ben Cody, who recently brought home a bag of gold medals and retained the title of state champion for the third successive year for Kung Fu Wushu.
As a part of the competition, the event showcased competitors trained in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Wushu and Sanda full contact sparring.
Mr Cody said he has improved drastically from when he started four years ago, almost the same day as the school opened.
“I was looking for martial arts to get fit. I was really unhealthy at the time,” he said.
“I was sitting in the IGA car park and saw the Hazara School’s opening ceremony across the road.
“I went over and met Master Hassan, and I’ve been going ever since.”
Mr Cody said that Kung Fu and Sanda are nothing to be scared of, because it is hard to injure someone else or yourself.
“During a match everyone wears protective gear, so it’s really hard to hurt yourself,” he said.
“There’s not enough interest in the sport on the west coast. It’s really popular over east.”
The Hazara Martial Arts School performed better than expected at the state championships, coming away with a host of gold, silver and bronze medals out of the 10 teams sent to compete.
Master of the School Hassan Haidary said he was immensely proud of his students.
“Those medals are so great for the school, the community, the students and for me,” he said.
“I’ m so proud of my students, and I hope they go on to compete nationally and the Hazara School can be known for its high-quality students.”
Mr Haidary has been training with Kung Fu since he was six and is still undefeated in the global arena of Sanda competition.
“I was training in Afghanistan with my master, and it’s always been a part of my life,” he said.
“I’ve been teaching others on and off for around 15 years.
“No matter what is going on in my life, Kung Fu has always been there and makes me happy.
“Martial arts is my life.”
Mr Hassan opened his school amongst the support of both friends, family and the family that employed him when he moved to Mt Barker.
“Everyone has been so nice and welcoming,” he said.
“I wanted my school to be for the families, and I think I have achieved that.”
