WHILE karate has long been popular across the world for people of all ages and athletic ability, more and more are turning to the art for self-defence.
Over the past 15 years, Karate Budokan International Noosaville has seen about 2500 people through its doors and currently has 400 students aged from four years to 72 years, enrolled.
There are a number of reasons people take up the art, whether it be for general fitness, building confidence, co-ordination, focus or self-defence.
Having trained since the age of 12, chief instructor Shihan Wayne MacDonald has 35 years of experience behind him and believes that the sport is becoming increasingly attractive for reasons of self-defence.
“I believe the importance of self-defence has increased especially in workplaces,” Shihan said.
“Self-defence really has become as important as first-aid with the crime rate skyrocketing.”
Shihan explained however, that the most important thing learnt through karate is not to have to use it.
“Once you take up karate there tends to be a confidence about you that exempts you from fitting into the “victim profile”, this is reflected through the way one speaks, stands and carries themselves.
“No longer are you an easy target and this is often all it takes to deter possible attackers.”
Karate Budokan International is offering a free introductory program with the first session a private lesson.
For more information call 5455 5222 or email sensei@karatebudokan.com