SHAH ALAM, 20 May 2025 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) continues to solidify its position in international martial arts research as Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, UiTM, co-authors a scholarly article with a Chinese researcher in a leading international journal.

The article titled “A Study on The Characteristics of Physical and Mental Development of Students in The Primary Education Stage and Countermeasures of Wushu Teaching” was published in the International Martial Arts and Combat Journal (IMACJ), a peer-reviewed journal by Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia.

Led by Yazhou Song from Hebei Finance University, the study explores the physiological and psychological development stages of primary school students and how martial arts teaching—specifically Wushu—should be tailored accordingly. It highlights the importance of understanding children's developing bone structures, muscular systems, cardiovascular functions, and cognitive-emotional balance to ensure safe and effective martial arts training at a young age.

📌 Relevant Insights for Silat Education in Malaysia

While the study is grounded in Wushu teaching in China, its findings have significant implications for Silat education in Malaysian primary schools. The research provides a scientific foundation for designing Silat curricula that are age-appropriate, safe, and culturally engaging.

Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, who also heads the AIRBORNE research platform under FSR UiTM, contributed insights on the need for pedagogical alignment in traditional martial arts like Silat, especially when introduced at the school level. His involvement bridges cultural and educational perspectives between Wushu and Silat, enhancing martial arts pedagogy across Southeast Asia.

🌍 Malaysia–China Academic Collaboration Boosts UiTM’s Global Profile

This collaborative publication exemplifies UiTM’s commitment to international research partnerships, particularly in promoting indigenous martial arts through science-based, child-centered education models. It also supports key performance areas such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), PI076 (Knowledge Transfer Programme), and university-community engagement.

The full article is available online at:
🔗 https://imacj.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/imacj/article/view/16