Virtual martial arts lessons go positively viral

Sport Karate East are seeing more people than ever at their classes thanks to the Dundee club’s online sessions.

The South Road dojo has seen a surge in the number of people stepping on to the virtual tatami since the coronavirus lockdown.

Coach Richard Mallinson has been kept busy during the pandemic with new members joining his tutorials and taking part in challenges all over the country.

He said: “We’ve increased our membership in these times, with people down south even joining us online.

“We’ve taken on an extra dozen classes meaning we have close to 40 per week still. It’s great to see the demand is there.

“The smallest class size we have is 30 but we can accommodate up to 100.

“It’s great because it means we are still able to keep people physically and mentally fit and active. I am busier than ever, really – we’ve not missed a single existing class in this time.

“We’ve added daytime classes for kids off school and their parents and other adults have been getting involved, too.

“There are online challenges and quizzes being posted on to our Facebook group as well.

“Some of the parents have been very creative in terms of creating spaces in their homes to do karate. It’s been a real community effort.”

Mallinson added: “My only mission just now is to help people keep their physical and mental health strong.

“We are trying to keep everything upbeat online and everyone’s spirits happy in these times.

“We are surveying people to see what they want from us.

“We’ve even been taking tips from a local dance group next door to us called Launch Pad to get new ideas to keep the sessions fresh.

“It’s working a treat at the moment.”