If you take the lift up one level, you’ll come upon a bunch of kids whizzing past you, clearly having the time of their lives on skates. Look a little closer and you’ll pick out groups of teens and young adults as well.
In fact, there are dozens of skating enthusiasts here; some learning the ropes, others clearly showing off their moves. But most are just enjoying themselves skating through a prepared circuit, chatting with friends as they wheel past curious passers-by.
Roller-skating was popular back in the 1970s, along with disco music and roller discos. But, with or without disco, it seems that many locals are now beginning to develop a passion for this activity too.
Perhaps it is the novelty of a niche sport, or maybe folks just like the idea of having absolute freedom of movement with skates.
Whatever the case, this resurgence in interest can likely be attributed to one Cheng Chee Siang, 39, the founder of The Blade School.
Cheng has been wheeling around for the past 12 years and via The Blade School, he has been teaching young and old, to appreciate the joys of skating.
He’s there every Friday night to guide his students on the ins and outs of skating.
During a recent visit, FMT got to see the man in action, swift and sure on his feet, flawlessly pulling off a set of trick moves without breaking a sweat. “When I started, skating was not a very famous sport. It had kind of died off at that time. But that’s the reason why I see potential in it.”
While the Covid-19 lockdowns were hard for many, it was a boon for the sport as many bored Malaysians bought skates to learn something new.
According to Cheng, skating is a common sport in Singapore. In fact, it was a Singaporean friend of his who introduced him to it.
He pointed out the difference between the types of skates used, with Cheng himself using inline skates rather than roller skates.
While the former has a set of wheels in a straight line, the latter has four wheels in total, held by two frames in front and at the back of the heel. Despite appearances, inline skates are light on one’s feet, especially if they’re of good quality.
He explained that inline-skating, particularly the competitive side of it, has always had a presence in Malaysia. “It is a physically demanding sport, especially for your core, back and legs.”
However, he also asserted that the sport can be picked up by just about anyone, provided they have the right equipment and safety gear. “There’s a saying, if you can walk, you can skate.”
Most injuries, he said, are sustained by those not wearing protective gear, and falling is a given in this otherwise safe sport.
Quality skates last for a very long time, so an investment of about RM400 for a good brand of skates is recommended. “A good pair of skates will give you the support you need, so it makes learning and skating easier.”
People as young as five and as old as sixty have put on their skates, said Cheng, proving that skating is indeed “a sport for all.”
What draws people to the sport? “I think it is the freedom to move around on your skates and wheels. You are faster, agiler. You can control your direction. That’s the feeling people enjoy most.”
If you are interested in learning the sport, drop by Jaya One on Friday nights. “It’s free and you have to just bring your own skates. We also provide skate lessons here too.”
Women are also free to join Ladies’ Skate Nights, held every third and fourth Thursday of the month at Level 1, The Square by Jaya One and on the first, second or third Wednesday on the month in GMBB, Kuala Lumpur.
So, what advice does he have for beginners? “Falling is common in skating. But like all obstacles in life, you just have to get up and face it.”
Want to roll out in style or get a pair of skates? Check out The Blade School’s website, Facebook and Instagram.