Creating My Best Stunt Every Moment of Life

Aw Chee Seng Terran
Men Division

Kicked, jumped, flipped, punched and landed with perfection. I practised tirelessly and chanted with the determination to execute each move flawlessly. Never did I imagine that a boy like me, who had a weak constitution, would develop a passion for gymnastics and wushu after joining the Golden Lion Dance Troupe at SGS, eventually pursuing a career in these disciplines.

The Beginning of My Journey

Growing up, I was physically frail, weak in my studies, and often bullied. My single mother went through a difficult time as a seamstress to raise my two older sisters and me. I often pondered how I could improve our circumstances.

I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism by a primary school teacher. Initially, I was failing every subject and was on the brink of losing hope. However, whenever I was lost, frustrated, and unhappy, I felt better after chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The reason for my poor academic performance finally come to light when I was diagnosed with severe dyslexia in 2014.

In 1982, a family friend shared Nichiren Buddhism with my mother and convinced my mother to embrace faith. We were challenging financial difficulties and my poor performance in school. My mother prayed for a positive transformation in our lives.

Indeed positive transformation started taking place in our lives. Our family of five used to rent a space from my mother’s boss and the rental cost was more than half of her income. With prayers, we managed to rent a flat from HDB which significantly reduced our housing expenses. This improvement meant my siblings and I had regular meals and could afford transportation. No longer did we have to scrimp on food or walk long distances to school and SGS meetings.

Sharing the Joy of My Awakening with My Mentor

In 1983, my mother enshrined the Gohonzon and upon the seniors’ encouragement, I joined SGS’ Golden Lion Dance Troupe in 1986. I also eagerly joined the Gajokai (Young Men Division security group), became a Young Men Division district leader and participated in various youth activities and culture festivals in the SGS. I am grateful to be have these training platforms where I can polish my life in such an inclusive environment.

Having learnt the greatness of our mentor Ikeda Sensei from seniors in faith, I developed a fervent wish to perform in front of Ikeda Sensei, as a gesture of gratitude for his guidance.

My opportunity came at the 1995 Youth Culture Festival, where I finally had the honour to perform before Ikeda Sensei. I remember tears streaming down my face with immense joy and gratitude towards Ikeda Sensei for advancing kosen-rufu to all parts of the world. I reported my victory to Ikeda Sensei in my heart that I had become a confident young man, who was physically strong and hopeful towards the future. I could feel my mentor applauding my growth and efforts.

Ikeda Sensei writes, “Having a mentor in one’s heart is like having a sun illuminating one’s life. The brilliant light of hope and courage will rise in one’s life even in the deep darkness of despair.” (The New Human Revolution Volume 23, “Bold Struggle” chapter)

Creating Value Just as I am

Having discovered my love for and interest in gymnastics and wushu, I set my sights on a career in this field. In 1992, I enrolled in the rigorous wushu training for stunt doubles organised by the Television Corporation of Singapore. Out of over 30 participants, I was the sole graduate selected as a stunt double in 1993. It was a tough job that sometimes required me to repeat a stunt for a scene more than 20 times. However, my faith and practice kept me going. I was later acknowledged for my creativity, perseverance, and willingness to create different stunts, and was given numerous projects.

After two years, I realised that I should buy a HDB flat with my mother instead of renting one indefinitely. However, as a stunt double, I did not have Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution. I sought employment offering CPF benefits, leading me to a position in a fire protection company. Yet, deep down, I knew I can contribute much more in a way true to myself.

I continued to work as a part-time stunt double while being a full-time technician in the company and to participate in kosen-rufu activities, with the determination to show actual proof of faith in my life. I managed to secure a HDB flat in 2001 but was still facing difficulties in paying the instalments for the housing loan. When a major Hollywood project requiring a stunt double came my way, I quit my job and travelled abroad for filming.

Upon returning home, I had a realisation that I should set a determination to have a stable job which would support my interest in gymnastics. I chanted fervent daimoku. One day, a close friend suggested that I teach gymnastics movement to preschoolers. I spoke with the principal of Soka Kindergarten (present-day Soka Preschool) who understood and concurred that laying the foundation for learning in young children is not just developing their intellectual skills but requires a wholesome development of the physical, emotional and social aspects too.

I found so much meaning in helping the young ones uncover their potential through my job. My work with Soka Kindergarten saw much success. I witnessed how a four-year-old boy was determined to successfully execute each movement taught. What a never-give-up spirit at such a young age! This child even applied to be part-time coach at the gym I founded later. In another case, a Kindergarten Two girl who was initially rather clumsy and didn’t like outdoor play or exercise, gained the confidence to move, run, and even execute a couple of cartwheels with triumphant smiles.

I have heard my seniors share about Ikeda Sensei’s endeavours in setting up the Soka school system and how he dedicated his life to fostering the youth. I, too, firmly believe that each child, with the opportunity to learn gymnastics in a non-competitive environment, will build the foundation for all sports, and develop confidence, physical strength and flexibility, just like me!

I decided to set up my first gymnastics school in 2009. I chanted two to three hours of daimoku in the morning before heading to work. Although I made a huge loss at first, I was undeterred. My training as a youth has taught me perseverance, determination and to wield the power of daimoku to change poison into medicine and defeat the odds.

I learnt from my mistakes and sought advice from seasoned entrepreneurs. My training in SGS also helped me in many ways. Despite my limitations, seniors in faith continued to believe in me and saw my potential. Learning from them, I reminded myself that I must give my staff a chance to shine, blossom and develop their fullest potential too. I experienced a very difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the help of government subsidies and chanting at least three hours of daimoku daily for wisdom and courage to make the right decision, I sought my employees’ understanding to receive lower wages during the lockdown.

Despite all the obstacles, fuelled by hours of daimoku and strong determination to show actual proof, I have achieved many victories. Over 15 years, my company has expanded to employ 60 coaches and recently opened its sixth branch. To date, we have also trained close to about 12,000 students.

The Commitment to Living My Best Life

I feel that I have lived my life to prove the truth in these words of Ikeda Sensei, “You were born into this world because you have a significant mission. Everyone has a mission. When you awaken to your life’s purpose and steadfastly make efforts in that direction, your talent will blossom rapidly. All of you have a great mission to shoulder kosen-rufu in the 21st century. If you are genuinely aware of this, you will not fail to develop your individual skills and you will demonstrate tremendous ability. Moreover, you have the Gohonzon, which enables you to tap boundless wisdom!” (The New Human Revolution Volume 14, “Mighty River” chapter)

Never in my wildest dream did I imagine as well that I would be invited to speak at the Asian Conference in Sports for Preschoolers, in front of a thousand participants from various countries such as South Korea, China and Japan in 2018. I shared on the importance of gymnastics for young children and the strategies in teaching gymnastics movement to preschoolers.

When I visited the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu in December 2023 for the first time, hearing the firm and vigorous voice of Ikeda Sensei chanting daimoku, I resolved to continue striving as a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

I am grateful to report to Ikeda Sensei that I am living my best as a Bodhisattva of the Earth, in a way true to myself every day. Throughout the years, I have steadfastly supported SGS through the annual member contribution fund. Even during the challenging early years when I faced financial losses, I committed myself to increasing my contribution each year.

With the determination to be a role model and demonstrate actual proof to my employees, I managed to encourage several of them to start chanting, with one recently receiving the Gohonzon.

I also want to use my story to inspire youths who are struggling with learning difficulties and those navigating their career paths in life. This must be the lifelong unique mission of mine. As a member of the Men Division, I will continue to show great actual proof, to be the pillar of family, kosen-rufu and society! This is my vow.

(Adapted from August 2024 issue of Creative Life)