KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 -- Silence descended across a rented sports hall in Petaling Jaya as more than 40 curious visitors gathered to watch members of the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Kyudo Club practice Japan's ancient martial art of archery.

Inside the hall, as heavy rain poured onto the thin zinc roof, causing a huge roar to reverberate through the arena, young Malaysians lined up alongside foreigners from countries including Russia, Syria and Taiwan, all dressed in flowing hakama trousers and white keikogi tops as they prepared for the afternoon's demonstration.

The crowd quietened almost instantly once the ceremony began.

Members moved carefully in synchronisation during an opening ceremonial performance before senior practitioner Ng Jim T...