28/12/2025
Senior Grand Master Robert Lai has been pivotal in the success of SEL Taekwondo, he has been an amazing leader, mentor, instructor, teacher and friend. From all of us at SEL Taekwondo we wish you a wonderful 80th birthday Sir, with richest blessing and health for many more birthdays to come. From Sabum Peter Deeb & SEL Taekwondo Team.
Octogenarian today after my daily jog.
OH!!! Today officially became an octogenarian, what a journey it has been to arrive to this milestone. There were years of joy, happiness interspersed with sadness, disappointments and success. Through it all perseverance, self-control and a strong spirit had served me well.
As a Denarian (10-19 years) in the teenage years you think you are invincible and do not a care in the world.
As a Vicenarian (20-29) having a job and getting married at 26 your perspective in life changes. Now you have a family life – wife and two children and everything revolves around them. You strive to make life as comfortable as possible for the family.
As a Tricenarian (30-39) everything is settled down and life is running smoothly and children are all schooling and doing well.
As a Quadragenarin (40-49) looking at the prospect of the children’s education in Malaysia and to ensure that have a best chance of success in pursuing whatever they wished to study at tertiary level, migrated to Australia. This was a big change in life at this stage. Had to go back to University to study as my Malaysian teacher qualifications were not recognized. 4 years of study and juggling three jobs and studying. This period was a struggle, and it took a great effort mentally and emotionally to see it through.
As a Quinquagenarian (50-59) Working full time as a teacher at St.Albans Sec. College and establishing Lai Taekwon-Do Australia. All going great in this period, organised and hosted a couple of Taekwon-Do seminars with the Founder of Taekwon-Do Gen. Choi Hong Hi.
As a Sexagenarian (60-69) this was a period where we did a lot of overseas travel for Taekwon-Do championships and personal vacations. A period, looking at investments to ensure a comfortable life in retirement.
As a Septuagenarian (70-79) Enjoying life, driving three Iconic JDM cars a R32 GTR, Mitsubishi Evo8 MR and a Subaru STI (Hawkeye) all car investments have appreciated and a daily round around a blown Hyundai Excel. And to round it five lovely grandchildren, oldest a 20 year old and the youngest a 6 year old.
As an Octogenarian (80-90) this is my first day and it began with an early morning run as usual. Whatever the future holds I am thankful for all it has given me.
