Multiple-time Wushu World Champion Rene “The Challenger” Catalan maximizes his off-season by continuing his advocacy of sharing his knowledge in martial arts.
The 40-year-old Iloilo City native hosted a wushu seminar at his own gym in Makati City, Metro Manila from 28 November to 1 December.
The four-day clinic offered self-defense drills, sparring, and strength-and-conditioning workouts, as well as an open discussion about the physical and mental benefits of 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,” Catalan expressed.
"Wushu teaches values and principles, such as hard work, dedication, and perseverance, as well as the importance of maintaining personal relationships."
Following the successful turnout of his wushu workshop, Catalan plans to do it more often in 2019, visiting school campuses and different suburbs in the metro.
“We are getting positive feedbacks in every workshop we are hosting. That’s why we would like to do it regularly this coming 2019,” he disclosed.
Catalan was last seen in action this past July when he remarkably routed Stefer Rahardian of Indonesia over the course of three rounds at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS to walk away with a clear-cut unanimous decision win.
As he waits for his next assignment on the ONE Championship stage, Catalan does not mind if he has to wait a bit longer as he channels his attention into holding more wushu seminars next year.
“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 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.”