In a post-pandemic world where many people continue to be less active, one sport has found a whole new popularity. In the past year alone, the number of Canberra region locals training at Go Kan Ryu (GKR) Karate has doubled as people of all ages and backgrounds are reaping the benefits.
“We joined just after Covid, I think we’d stopped doing all the sports and we noticed a massive difference in the boys – their fitness and their energy levels really lifted after starting, which then helps their mood,” says Sarah Oates.
Both Oates boys, expressed an interest in martial arts when younger son Jono began asking his parents, Rick and Sarah to try it out. Waiting until Jono and Zac were a bit older and wanting to ensure they chose the right martial art for them, the family started looking.
“I wanted to make sure that it was going to be something that was safe and a good environment. Where they were learning skills, but they were also learning not to use them for bad but understand the skills and know how to use them appropriately,” says Sarah.
Picking the right one in GKR Karate, Jono enrolled, then just two short weeks later the rest of the family signed up. Watching a lesson and witnessing the fun, non-judgemental and encouraging training style, they thought it could be something the whole family would enjoy.
“When we turned up, there were people as young as six but then there’s people who are 80-plus there as well,” says Rick. “Everybody was super friendly and welcoming when we came along. It just seemed like a really good place to do it as a family.”
“I got the family involved because I was really enjoying it and then my dad started remembering some of [the moves]. I simply said, ‘you should join’,” smiles Jono.
Now, a year later, they have all progressed in belt colour, competed in competitions and Sarah is undertaking training to assist with lessons. Classes are catered towards skill level with everyone invited to join.
Offering more than just physical training, increasing confidence, discipline, respect and self-control are core aspects of the GKR philosophy. Their non-contact karate style provides a full-body workout, improving coordination and strength.
School-aged students are encouraged to better their focus on their studies and behaviour while at school and support anti-bullying sentiments. The Oates say the sport has improved their children’s fitness, discipline, focus and confidence, and they want to continue progressing to achieve their black belts.
“Being thrown in the deep end with the sparring competition, all of us were feeling nervous,” says Rick. “Coming out of the other side of that we can see they are carrying themselves a little taller and proud of their efforts. It gives them that going into day-to-day life as well.”
Additionally, the benefit for the family unit has been undeniable. They are spending more quality time together when before they were often doing sports separately or with just one parent. When not training, they find themselves talking about karate, their upcoming comps and encouraging each other.
“We’re not just sitting on the edges, spectating,” says Rick. “We’re doing it together and having that time together… It’s been quite good for our family to be supporting each other through those experiences and challenges.”
The first GKR Karate dojo was established in Adelaide in 1984 and since then has grown in popularity. Today, GKR has more than 1,000 locations across three countries. In the Canberra region, GKR is the most popular martial arts club, training more than 1,000 students at various locations each week.
People from all walks of life sign up either solo, with a friend or, like the Oates, as a whole family. The welcoming nature of the sport ensures that if you do sign up alone, it won’t be long before you find some friends in the club.
No longer seen as a sport for males only, around half the students at GKR Karate are female, many coming for self-defence or fitness in a welcoming environment.
“As a woman, it’s important to understand how to use your body and how to defend yourself,” says Sarah. “I think being strong into older age is something that I really want. I want to know that my body is capable and strong.”
From out-of-shape to super fit, GKR Karate caters for all fitness levels as students train at their own pace.
“I think it’s worth having a shot,” smiles Sarah.
Visit gkrkarate.com for more information.
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