Tanglin Community Club (Tanglin CC) offers a whole host of programmes ranging from sports to dance as well as martial arts and wellness. Mummyfique spoke to some of their trainers to share a little bit about themselves, what sparked their interest in their field and working experience at Tanglin Community Club.
GABRIEL HUANG – Olympic Wrestling Trainer
“Train hard, Fight Smart and aim to be 1% better than you were yesterday.”
I was a national wrestler doing my internship with the association and my boss threw me into the lion’s den one day by asking me to start a kid’s wrestling class. I had zero coaching experience at that time, but I enjoyed sharing my knowledge and that’s how I started coaching kids. I’ve learnt a lot from my mentors over the years and have come to understand how powerful sports and wrestling can be used to intentionally teach values such as hard work and resilience to our young ones.
I’ve been coaching both kids and adults at Tanglin CC since 2015. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and working with youths and adults alike. I love it when we all come together for a common purpose to become better wrestlers and in the process take the life lessons they’ve learnt and apply them in other areas of their lives. I expect 100% effort from participants in my class. After all, it’s not about what you can’t do, it’s only what you can’t do yet.
Most people either think that the wrestling we do is scripted like on television or that it is all about brute force and strength. However, after joining, they realise that it is actually a competitive sport that is very technical and the demands of the sport can be very humbling yet fun! For those who are interested in taking up wrestling, come with an open mind and eagerness to learn. Prepare to sweat a lot, learn a lot and have loads of fun taking your fellow club mates down!
JIMMY TAY – Taekwondo Trainer
“Life is short, live it to the fullest and be happy.”
I was Influenced by my cousins of whom one of them represented Singapore as a national athlete. I picked up Taekwondo when I was in Primary Three and never looked back since.
I’ve been with Tanglin CC since 1990. There was an opportunity to start a Taekwondo class and I applied; the rest is history. I’ve worked with many different management and staff at Tanglin CC. One consistent experience is that all of them are friendly and helpful. Tanglin CC has become a second home to me. I am quite attached to it, having spent over 30 years growing up with the CC and seeing it evolved over the years. I have even served in the CC’s Martial Arts committee.
The joy of coaching is imparting new skills and knowledge to my students and at the same time watching them grow up from a young child to a parent with their own kids. I expect my participants to remember the five tenets of Taekwondo, namely, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. Over and above these tenets, I always emphasise the values of empathy and helpfulness in my class. If you have the slightest intent to find out or experience Taekwondo first-hand, don’t procrastinate, join us today!
DR HENRY KOTHAGODA – Jujitsu Trainer
“Problems can come unexpectedly, just be prepared.”
I started training in martial arts at age 14. It started as a need to learn self-defence and I began with Judo as it was available at my school. Gradually, my knowledge grew. When Jujitsu was introduced in 1988, Tanglin CC was very welcoming and supportive. I find it a delight teaching at Tanglin CC . The location is resort like and the staff are friendly and helpful. The management is open-minded and supportive.
I love being a coach as I get to see my students mature in strength, technique and character as well as become confident people who can contribute to society. My greatest challenge is to develop the qualities of Perseverance, Resilience and Harmony in all my students. In effect, mental training is the ultimate aim of all physical training that we do. Come with an open mind if you intend to join us and leave all ego at home. Be prepared for strenuous training, but most of all, enjoy yourself during class.
JONATHON-WINSTON YEW – Line Dance Trainer
“Everyone can dance! None cannot dance!”
I have been teaching Line Dance for more than two decades. Line Dancing is fun and interesting as it covers a wide range of music selection from the traditional country western to current pop music, Latin music, Ballroom music, K-pop, C-pop and more. Due to this diversified range of music and rhythm, one is exposed to different types of dance moves. This makes line dancing interesting and unique which in turn has attracted many to join. Line Dancing is my passion and I love to share my dance knowledge to those are keen to try it out. It’s a healthy activity that can help to improve memory, body co-ordination and fitness.
I have been teaching at Tanglin CC for about one and a half years. The most attractive part of Tanglin CC is its beautiful environment and their crew of friendly, helpful, and warm staff.
Everyone can dance. I never believe in two left feet. You just need to adhere strictly to the approach and instructions during class.
CHRIS WONG-QUAH LK – Hatha Yoga (Advanced) Trainer
“Share.”
About 20 years ago, I had a mini stroke while holidaying in the Maldives with my family. It was a wake-up call and I knew that I need to change my lifestyle and take care of my health. I joined a yoga class at Tanglin CC in March 2000 and have never looked back since. Thereafter, I trained as a yoga instructor under Ms Quinine Tao (PA Pioneer Yoga Teacher) at Tanglin CC. In 2011, when Quinine went overseas, I took over her class till today.
Tanglin CC is centrally located with a multi-purpose hall that is big and cosy. Their staff are cordial and relaxed. I love that I am able to practise my Karma Yoga while simultaneously be able to impart my yoga knowledge and techniques that I have learnt and accumulated over the years to my students. I expect that my participants stay focused during class and I incorporate meditation with a series of yoga poses. As long as you have basic knowledge of yoga poses and willing to let your mind reset, readjust and restart, this class is for you.
MATTHEW ANG – Zumba Gold Trainer
“Let the experience from your past and the promise of the future be the motivation for your present.”
I have been a full-time fitness instructor for 17 years. Zumba Gold is an easy-to-follow dance fitness workout that improves strength, stamina, and flexibility. It provides active seniors an alternative to activities like qigong and line dancing.
I’ve been a trainer at Tanglin CC for 10 years and as there was no program for more active seniors at that time, I introduced Zumba Gold. I love seeing them smile while exercising and become fitter and look younger. The popular oldies music played during class brings back wonderful memories for the participants as they move to the songs. It is fun and enjoyable working at Tanglin CC. Their team is very helpful.
CINDY LIM – Yoga Trainer
“I believe in authenticity and truthfulness. Stay true to yourself and others.”
I have been a yoga instructor under People’s Association for 17 years. I am a mother of three children and that is also the reason why I started my yoga journey. Being a mother is stressful and I needed income to support my family. I decided to practice yoga and eventually became a Yoga teacher. Yoga is now my companion when I am stressed, and yoga is my source of income.
I have been teaching at Tanglin CC for the last 15 years. I began my journey at Tanglin CC when a group of my students from another CC wanted to have two lessons per week. I suggested Tanglin CC and as my student numbers gradually grew, I now teach three times a week here.
I love sharing my passion for yoga with my students. It is especially encouraging when I see them progressing in their practice and when reap benefits from it. I expect participants to be friendly and respectful to one another as well as to me, in class. Upon joining a yoga class, you will see a difference in your mind, body and even breath. Discover yourself at your own space and own pace. Practice with an open mind and heart.
ALVIN SEET – Muay Thai Trainer
“Fear none, respect all.”
I was exposed to martial arts since younger days. I picked up several martial arts, but fell in love with Muay Thai. I went on to train in Thailand and took part in big tournaments such as the Queens Cup. I also represented Singapore in the World Games. Thereafter, I gradually transitioned to becoming a full-time coach.
As the saying goes, a teacher for a day, a father for life. I feel most satisfied and accomplished when I see my students progressing well, not only in Muay Thai but in life as well. I have a few students who have been with me for at least a decade. They started with me when they were still in their teenage years and now, they have grown up and even started a family of their own. Some of them are still training with me now and occasionally helping out with classes. Sometimes they even bring along their kids!
Respect is the most important virtue in Muay Thai and I expect that of my participants. Come with an open mind and most importantly, have fun when you’re in class.
CATHERINE TAN – Line Dance Trainer
“I believe that dance is an art, and it runs through my veins.”
My love for music began early in my childhood when I was four years old. I enjoyed roadside Chinese wayang, cultural shows, television dance shows, dance performances and more. Although I was young, I could visualise myself as one of the performers up on stage. This door to music and dance opened when I met my life partner, who encouraged me to learn line dancing. To broaden my knowledge and repertoire of dance, I enrolled in workshops, stage performance, seminars, and competitions both locally and internationally. In 2003, this “hobby” became a professional commitment.
The most fulfilling satisfaction I have as I teach is seeing the joy in my students as they dance, and their self-consciousness and low morale all melt away. I believe that dance is an art, and it runs through my veins.
