His Majesty The King Honours International Tit Tar Practitioners for Service to Bhutan
His Majesty The King honoured 21 Tit Tar practitioners from across Asia for their volunteer service in Bhutan, where they treated more than 1,000 people and trained Desuups in traditional therapeutic techniques.
His Majesty King Jigme recognised a team of 21 traditional Tit Tar practitioners from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore for their compassionate and selfless service to the people of Bhutan during a special ceremony held at the Grand Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong.
The team was led by Master Chris Leong and Master Erik Leong, who were conferred the National Order of Merit (Gold) in recognition of their outstanding leadership in bringing a group of dedicated Tit Tar practitioners to Bhutan to serve communities across the country with skill, compassion, and generosity.
Bringing Healing Through Service
The practitioners volunteered their time and expertise to provide Tit Tar treatment during the Global Peace Prayers held in November 2025 and during activities commemorating Her Majesty Queen Jetsun's 36th Birth Anniversary.
Across the two programmes, the team provided treatment to more than 1,000 people, helping to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support physical recovery. Their contribution extended beyond direct patient care.
Working in partnership with the Desuung Skilling Programme, the practitioners also trained Bhutanese Desuups in Tit Tar techniques, helping build local capacity so that these skills can continue benefiting communities long after the team's visit.
Motivated by friendship and affection for Bhutan, the practitioners have pledged to continue supporting similar initiatives in the future. Their service has strengthened people-to-people ties between Bhutan and their home countries while contributing to the wellbeing of those they served.
Understanding Tit Tar
For many, Tit Tar may be unfamiliar. Tit Tar, sometimes known as Dit Da or Dit Da Jow therapy in parts of the Chinese martial arts tradition, is a form of traditional bone-setting and therapeutic manipulation that has been practised for centuries across Chinese communities in Asia.
The practice focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including joint discomfort, muscle strain, sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, and mobility-related issues. Practitioners use a combination of manual techniques that may include joint adjustments, pressure-point therapy, massage, tendon manipulation, and traditional therapeutic methods aimed at restoring movement and reducing pain.
Historically, Tit Tar developed alongside Chinese martial arts schools, where practitioners treated injuries sustained during training and combat. Over time, the discipline evolved into a specialised healing practice that combines knowledge of anatomy, movement, rehabilitation, and traditional therapeutic principles.
Today, Tit Tar practitioners serve a broad range of patients, from athletes and manual workers to elderly individuals experiencing age-related mobility challenges. While methods and training systems vary among practitioners, the core objective remains the same: helping people recover function, reduce discomfort, and improve quality of life through non-surgical, hands-on treatment.
Building Skills for Bhutan's Future
The collaboration between the international practitioners and the Desuung Skilling Programme reflects Bhutan's broader efforts to equip citizens with practical skills that can serve communities and create new opportunities.
By training Desuups in Tit Tar practice, the initiative seeks to ensure that knowledge gained from the visiting experts can continue benefiting Bhutanese communities in the years ahead. The programme also demonstrates how international partnerships can contribute to skills development while supporting public wellbeing.
Ms Coco Kho and Mr Mohammed Asrul were awarded the Desuung Pin (Bronze) in recognition of their dedicated service as instructors under the Desuung Skilling Programme.
A Recognition of Service and Friendship
The recognition bestowed by His Majesty The King highlights not only the practitioners' professional expertise but also their commitment to serving others without expectation of reward.
Their work in Bhutan stands as an example of how volunteer service, knowledge sharing, and international friendship can create lasting benefits for communities. As the partnership continues, the skills transferred through the programme are expected to support ongoing healing and rehabilitation efforts across the country.
