JEDDAH, 15 March — Saudi Capt. Sameer Kurdi is now a name to reckon with in kung fu, a Chinese system of self-defense. “Kung fu is like karate but it emphasizes circular rather than linear movements,” Kurdi, who is conducting classes of the martial arts in the city, said in an interview.
Karate is a Japanese system of self-defense characterized chiefly by sharp, quick blows delivered with the hands and feet.
“Many people are interested in kung fu, which is considered to be one of the best martial art forms in the world for both adults and youths,” said Kurdi who is conducting training sessions at Jeddah Le Meridien’s fitness center. “There is an enthusiastic response to the sessions,” he claimed.
Kurdi, who works as office manager for the assistant general manager (control) in Saudi Arabian Airlines, has been interested in this martial art from his younger days. After attending school in Madinah and high school in Jeddah, Kurdi visited China on several occasions to learn and master kung fu. He first learned the martial arts 25 years ago and has since acquired five dans. “It’s not simple to get dans. It takes two years to get each dan,” boasts Kurdi, who has also received extensive training in computer skills.
