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Lukman Ahmadi: Making his mark through fencing
LUKMAN AHMADI: (JP/Khairul Saleh) Among those with a passion for the sport of fencing in the country -- especially those from South Sumatra -- Lukman Ahmadi is a household name
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LUKMAN AHMADI: (JP/Khairul Saleh)
Among those with a passion for the sport of fencing in the country -- especially those from South Sumatra -- Lukman Ahmadi is a household name.
Many fencers have passed through Lukman's hands to go on and achieve national and international recognition at events such as national championships and the Southeast Asian Games.
The 63-year-old grandfather has enjoyed much success coaching the country's top fencers.
As the proverb goes, the apple never falls far from the tree: Four of his five children have followed in his footsteps and those of his wife, Tri Meini, also a former fencer.
Of the many athletes who have benefited from his coaching, Lukman's own children -- Lucky Ramdhani, Rizky Pradhani, Rully Maulidhani and Agista Apridhani -- have dominated the sport's top ranks with their many achievements, sweetening the reputation of fencers from South Sumatra and Indonesia.
"I never forced them to follow in my footsteps and get involved in fencing.... They've done so because they wanted to," said Lukman, a retired civil servant in South Sumatra's provincial Justice and Human Rights office.
"As parents, we can only direct. Maybe their interest developed because of the environment surrounding them when they were young and because I actually often took them to training sessions," he said.
"Their athletic achievements aren't just the result of my work but from the serious way they have practiced over a long period.
"It's clear this is the fruit of their hard work so far," he said from his home in Bukit Lama Palembang.
Lukman first learned of the sport of fencing when he was in elementary school; he often watched his neighbor fencing in his backyard. His interest in the sport grew while he was studying at the Bandung high school for sports in West Java.
His talent and skills were sharpened by chance when a teacher, who was also a fencing trainer for junior athletes in West Java, witnessed his skills.
Rather than attend university, he chose to hone his fencing skills to become a professional fencer.
He went on to win the national championships in East Java in 1974, and in Sukabumi in 1975.
In 1987, Lukman returned to his hometown of Palembang, preferring to settle down close to his parents, and took up coaching up and coming fencers.
In 2006 a Malaysian fencing squad hired Lukman to prepare them to compete in national competitions in Jiran State.
He said the keys to becoming a successful fencer were good analysis and good reflexes.
"These two things above all are the main keys for success as a competitive fencer. Of course, there are other factors, such as self-confidence, diligence and frequent practice."
In his capable hands, together with the youthful energy of his four children, he continues to train the country's fencing stars of tomorrow.
His son, Lucky Ramdhani, recently became an official trainer; his other three children dedicated to the sport have received trainer certificates from the government.
"Fencing is in my blood, that's why I can't walk away from it just like that. Even so, these days my children do most of the training programs. I mostly just observe," Lukman said.
Not surprisingly, with so many shining achievements the "Fencing Family" has become well known in South Sumatra and admired by many.
"We can only thank people for their comments. But as a family we've had the honor of defending South Sumatra, which has helped raise our profile," Lucky Ramdhani said, speaking for his brothers and sisters.
Together with many other athletes and sports enthusiasts, Lukman said he hoped the government would pay attention to the prosperity and future of athletes.
"Choosing to follow a sporting life often carries other consequences which can have a negative impact. A lack of education is a case in point.
"Promises the government makes, and their support, these should be acted on and not just limited to regulations and discourse."
