Once cited in the New Straits Times in 1989 “Karate lass strikes first gold” in the South East ASEAN Games in Kuala Lumpur, Michelle Koh, Malaysia’s Karate queen has literally built her career in sports. Winning the first Gold Medal for the country, she said that it was the proudest moment of her life and her best achievement ever.
Michelle Koh who represented Malaysia from 1987 to 1995 has collected more than 15 gold medals in KUMITE and KATA. Looking through the eight years of participation, there was never a year that she failed to obtain gold. Therefore, it can only be concluded as a tremendous achievement by a petite woman having arms made of steel. She was also awarded the Most Promising Sportswoman Award for Sabah in 1989 and voted as winner for Sabah Sportswoman for the year 1990 and 1994. With her tremendous contributions and achievements, the State of Sabah conferred upon her the title of Bintang Kinabalu (BK).
Her passion in sports never faded even though she already retired from Karate in 1996. In 1999, she decided to enhance her career by enrolling in the study of Sports Science in NSW Australia which certified her as a fitness instructor or trainer. Michelle’s career took another leap forward when she opened Gym Aerobic Studio called ScottMichelle Fitness Professional at Damai Luyang.
Recognised as a high-potential sportswoman and a person who is always on the move, Michelle danced her way into the hot new Latin American dance called Zumba. She got infected with this craze while travelling back and forth to her husband’s home town in Sydney, Australia. For the love of this Latin dance exercise, she took her licence in Perth & England and has now become the first recognised licensed Zumba instructor in Sabah. She was instrumental in bringing Zumba to the masses in 2011.
Achievements
* 3rd Dan Black Belt Karate Instructor
* Certified Australian Network Sports Science Fitness Instructor since 1996
* Certified Lesley Bender Pilates Mat level 1 & 2
* AFAA 2012 USA Group Fitness Instructor
* Certified First Aid CPR AED 2015
* License Zumba Fitness, B1 & B2, Zumbatomic, Zumba Sentao, Zumba Toning & Aquazumba
* Founder and owner of SMFP Fuze Fitness™
