Establishing
an association is not an easy task, normally it needs a group of
people with one common course, willing to work and face any obstacles
for the benefit of the association. In 1961, Mr. Lim Chin Kim with
a few fellow students and comrades decided to set up a martial art
group. Hoping the youngsters would have somewhere to go or turn
to, rather than mixing with the wrong company. The first school
was situated at an open space next to ¡°Tai San Temple¡± in Ghim Moh
Village. With his fine disciplinary and strict teachings, it had
won villagers¡¯ heart. Parents willingly sent their sons and daughters
to Wushu school lessons.
In 1963, due to housing development, the school had moved to the
top floor of Teochew Clan Association. Complaint was lodged against
the noise created by the jumping and leaping of the trainees during
training. Fortunately, Mr. Goh Cheng Hun offered the empty open
area around his house for training. The school therefore moved to
the new premise at, Old Tampines Road, 10 milestone. Not forgetting
all the students in Holland Village, Mr. Lim Leong Gee¡¯s house was
converted into a training ground and branch office.
Years passed and the school popularity grew, the students would
like to seek recognition and belonging, with more than fifty pioneer
members Nia Kwang Physical School was officially established.
The school finally established and settled down, a celebration was
planned to gather all members together for a feast. Thereby in 1966,
Nia Kwang celebrated its first Anniversary in Ghim Moh Village.
On the celebration night, the sky rained heavily, but this did not
stop the guest and members from coming to join in the celebration.
Fast expanding, with more and more enrolments, Nia Kwang Pugilistic
School, moved to a private house in Hillside Drive at Upper Serangoon
District in 1968. With the support from the public members, Nia
Kwang applied to the government body to change the school into an
association. Nia Kwang has its approval in 1971, with a new name;
Nia Kwang Pugilistic Association, it had been moved into another
new era. Ghim Moh village still remained as Nia Kwang¡¯s branch.
With the association going full swing, a committee was formed. Duties
were spread equally to its members and students. Welfare department
was set up to serve and protect all its members and students. Medical
benefits were also provided. Traditional Dragon and Lion Dancing
Troupe were organized. Martial art classes were conducted. To be
grateful for all the support received over the years, Nia Kwang
celebrated the association¡¯s second anniversary at Upper Serangoon
Community Centre in 1972. In the year 1974, the association again
celebrated its anniversary at Sin Min school, with invitation of
thousand over guests.
In between 1974 and 1979, Nia Kwang has never stopped promoting
itself, participating in community services and servicing the public
and its members with the traditional Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance.
Nia Kwang also participated in the National Wushu Championship and
won a number of prizes.
In 1979, the association celebrated its anniversary in Sin Min school
and in conjunction with the celebration, a souvenir magazine was
also published.
In early 1980, Nia Kwang moved to the present premise.
In 1987, Nia Kwang celebrated its 22nd anniversary in Bouna Vista
Community Centre, the occasion was catered with more than hundred
and forty tables.
In 1990 Nia Kwang its Silver Jubilee, jointly with Nia Kwang Germany
8th anniversary.
Today Nia Kwang is located at No. 2 Leicester Road 5 min walk from
the Potong Pasir MRT. Training is being conducted outdoors at the
open field in front of a small Chinese temple.
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