On Wednesday, January 18 - the students of Our Lady of the Rosary School were visited by members of Sylvan Lake Traditional Karate.
Each gym class had the opportunity to learn about karate from owner, chief instructor and black belt - Doug Smith along with one of his senior pupils, brown belt Garreth Jones.
“We have come in and taught all the gym classes of all the age groups,” Smith said. “We have given them basic introduction of what karate is and hopefully they have some fun and want to pursue it further.”
Smith, who was slightly slowed by a herniated disc in his back, helped direct the students while Jones, who is currently being graded for his black belt, did the heavy lifting.
“Because karate is so comprehensive, it’s hard to give them the whole idea so we try to give them some fun with the little kids,” Smith said. “I like to show them one self defense move - so it’s a useful class as well.”
Smith, has been learning karate for over 30 years and teaching for over 20, enjoys the opportunity to introduce young people to his passion.
“It’s a blast – they have fun and I have fun. We feed off each other,” he said, adding that many of the students will go home looking to take up karate.
Smith is always pleased to accept new students and works along with parents to help accommodate their financial concerns during difficult financial times.
“With the times we’re in right now it can be tough for a lot of parents with the economy,” he said. “We try to accommodate that. We have programs available for people with reduced incomes.”
Smith added he had “a lot of fun” and that “it was good to see all of the kids.”
If you would like more information about Sylvan Lake Traditional Karate, you can log on to their website at www.sylvanlaketraditionalkarate.com.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com