KUALA LUMPUR — The long-standing perception that karate may lead to violence or even gangsterism is fundamentally misplaced, according to national karate athlete Shahmalarani Chandran, who insists the sport instead builds discipline, restraint and life values that help shape better individuals.
Speaking in Scoop’s Sport Check episode, Shahmalarani said the stereotype surrounding karate remains one of the biggest misconceptions in Malaysian society, particularly among parents who have limited exposure to how the sport is structured and regulated.
“It doesn’t get into your gangsterism. It gives you a reason not to be into it,” she said, stressing that karate is built on discipline, respect and self-control rather than aggression or violence.
She added that misunderstandings often arise because people view the sport from an outsider’s perspective without understanding its philosophy and competitive framework.
“The first rule of martial arts is avoidance. The first thing you need to do in any kind of dangerous situation is to avoid it, even if you are at a good level or even if you are the victim,” she said.
“You are not there to struggle with dangerous situations. You are not there to engage in something harmful. The first principle is always to avoid.”
Shahmalarani said this principle directly contradicts public perceptions that associate martial arts with street violence.
“That is not something martial arts teaches. It is actually the exact opposite,” she said.
She explained that karate is practised in a controlled sporting environment where athletes compete under strict rules, with a strong emphasis on respect, discipline and safety.
“In competition, I am fighting someone at my level, someone who is there to score points and win. After the match, we are still friends. We go and hug each other,” she said.
She added that this structure ensures karate remains regulated and disciplined, unlike real-world violence, which is uncontrolled and unpredictable.
Shahmalarani also highlighted that karate is among the safest combat sports due to its rules and protective framework, noting that misconceptions about injury risks often discourage parents from allowing their children to participate.
“Karate is one of the safest martial arts. We do not have knockouts or uncontrolled violence. If there is blood or injury, the match stops immediately,” she said.
She acknowledged that every sport carries some level of risk, but said karate is no more dangerous than other high-intensity disciplines.
“If you look at gymnastics, for example, my heart skips a beat watching what they do. Every sport has its own risks,” she added.
Beyond safety concerns, Shahmalarani said karate plays a far more important role in shaping character and preparing young people for life beyond sport, including emotional strength, discipline and resilience.
“Karate can help build a better generation beyond academics,” she said, adding that the sport teaches children acceptance in both victory and defeat, a life skill she believes is often missing in modern education.
“Acceptance is a very big thing. If you cannot accept losses or situations you cannot control, that is where life becomes difficult,” she said.
She stressed that karate is not simply about producing champions or medal winners, but about developing individuals who can think independently, adapt to challenges and contribute positively to society.
“It is not just about building a child into a gold medallist. I would be very happy if I retire with a World Championship medal, but more than that, I am happy with the person I have become,” she said.
“This world needs good people, kind people, and people with maturity in their thinking, not just people who win medals.”
Shahmalarani also highlighted how karate training helps young people develop practical life skills such as communication, discipline and adaptability, especially in unfamiliar environments.
“You travel, you communicate with people you do not even know, sometimes in countries where you do not speak the language. You learn how to survive and adapt,” she said.
She urged parents to reconsider their perceptions of karate and view it as a long-term investment in their children’s character development.
“Every child should learn karate at a young age,” she said.
“It is not about medals. It is about building a person in this life.”
She added that early exposure to karate helps children develop confidence, focus and emotional balance, which can benefit them both academically and socially.
At the same time, she warned that the sport should not be seen as a shortcut to success, but as a long-term journey requiring patience and commitment.
“If you want results in two years or three years, I think this is not the sport for you. It is a long journey. You need resilience and consistency,” she said.
For Shahmalarani, the true value of karate lies not only in international medals or podium finishes, but in the transformation it brings to a person’s mindset and character over time.
“When I look back, it is not just about the medals I have won. It is about how I can stand on my own feet and build my own life,” she said.
Shahmalarani is among Malaysia’s most accomplished karatekas, having represented the country at elite level for more than a decade.
She is a multiple SEA Games gold medallist and a World Karate Championships silver medallist, placing her among a select group of Malaysians to reach that level on the global stage.
Academically, she holds a Master’s degree in Actuarial Science, balancing the demands of elite sport with postgraduate studies — a journey she often cites as evidence that athletes can excel in both sport and education through discipline and effective time management.
Fondly known as Malaysia’s “Karate Queen”, she is widely regarded as a symbol of excellence in both academia and athletics. – May 29, 2026