Multiple-time Wushu World Champion Rene “The Challenger” Catalan ay naglalaan ng oras ngayong off-season niya sa kanyang advocacy kung saan nagbabahagi siya ng mga kaalaman niya sa martial arts.
Ang 40 anyos na tiga Iloilo ay nag-host na ng isang wushu seminar sa kanyang gym sa Makati City, Metro manila noong Nobyembre 28 hanggang Disyembre 1.
Ang four day clinic ay nagtuturo ng self-defense drills, sparring at strength at coordinating workouts, at isang diskusyon tungkol sa pisikal at mental na benepisyo ng wushu.
“It was a success. Seeing different people of all ages getting interested in Wushu Sanda motivates me more to share my knowledge with everyone,” pahayag ni Catalan.
"Wushu teaches values and principles, such as hard work, dedication, and perseverance, as well as the importance of maintaining personal relationships."
Kasunod ng tagumpay ng kanyang wushu workshop, plano ni Catalan na mas gawin pa ito sa 2019, pagbisita sa mga paaralan at iba pang lugar.
“We are getting positive feedbacks in every workshop we are hosting. That’s why we would like to do it regularly this coming 2019,” sabi niya.
Ang huling laban ni Catalan ay nitong huling Hulyo nang matalo niya si Stefer Rahardian ng Indonesia sa loob lamang ng tatlong rounds.
Habang naghihintay siya ng panibagong laban sa ONE Championship stage, hindi problema kay Catalan ang maghintay ng mas matagal dahil sa plano niyang mas bigyan ng atensyon ang pagsasagawa ng mga wushu seminar sa susunod na taon.
“This is my way of giving back to the fans who have supported me and my team through the years,” he stated. “I want everyone to be aware of the health and security benefits that they will get from martial arts.”
“On top of that, it teaches values like respect, responsibility, self-confidence, accountability, and humility. Martial arts is for everyone, and it should be a way of life.”