Co-Curricular Activities

Ottoman archery — known as tirendazlık — is one of the oldest and most revered martial arts in the Islamic tradition. Far more than a sport, it is a practice of focus, stillness, and presence that has long been connected to Sufi spirituality and the cultivation of the inner state.

At KL Kuttāb, Turkish archery is taught in partnership with the Tirendaz Traditional Archery Club, led by Coach Muhammad Abdul Rauf. Students learn traditional form, breath control, and the etiquette of the bow — disciplines that mirror the qualities we cultivate in the classroom.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Teach your children swimming, archery, and horse-riding.” This activity is a direct embodiment of that sunnah.

Wrestling has a deep and proud history in Islamic civilisation. From the pahlawan warriors of the Malay world to the traditional wrestlers of Anatolia and Central Asia, the martial arts have always been part of how Muslims cultivate strength, courage, and nobility.

Our wrestling programme is run by Pahlawan Gym, offering separate classes for boys and girls from age 4 upward. Sessions take place after core classes on the same day, making it easy for families to participate without additional trips.

Beyond physical fitness, wrestling teaches children how to fall and rise — literally and metaphorically. It builds confidence, spatial awareness, and the kind of healthy competitiveness that is guided by respect for one's opponent.

Classes are separate for boys and girls, with female-only coaching for girls' sessions.

The frame drum — known as the riq, duff, or tar across the Islamic world — has been used in religious celebration, spiritual gatherings, and communal life for over a thousand years. It is the instrument of nasheeds, weddings, and the songs of the righteous.

KL Kuttāb's circle drumming programme is delivered by Cempaka Beats, led by the gifted Sidi Qamarul. Classes are held in Mukha Ba's main hall, creating a communal space where children learn rhythmic patterns, listen deeply to one another, and experience the joy of making music together.

This activity develops listening, coordination, and musical sensitivity — as well as a living connection to the sounds of Islamic tradition.

Arabic calligraphy is considered by many the highest of the Islamic arts — the craft of making the word of Allah beautiful on the page. For centuries, scholars and artists across the Islamic world devoted their lives to mastering the flowing scripts of Naskh, Thuluth, Ruqah, and beyond.

At KL Kuttāb, calligraphy is available to students of all ages. It is not merely an art class — it is a practice of patience, beauty, and attention. Students learn to form Arabic letters with correct proportions and flow, progress through the foundational scripts, and begin to understand the geometric principles that underlie classical Islamic design.

This activity connects directly to students' Arabic and Quranic studies, reinforcing their knowledge of the script while developing an appreciation for the aesthetic dimension of Islamic civilisation.