Students receive grading certificates
Thirty students of the Karate Kids Program recently received grading certificates, belts and awards to recognize their development in martial arts.
The Karate -Do Shotokai Karate Kids Program at the YMCA is one of the many programs offered that give children the opportunities they need to live healthier lives and develop into well-rounded adults.
Everyone is welcome at the YMCA – one of the reasons Bob Bennett teaches karate at the YMCA of Pictou County.
“Our community is a better place because of the Y,” said Bennett.
The Shotokai Karate program is available to everyone and it is included in the YMCA membership package. No one is ever turned away because of economic challenges.
“In the last 25 years I have taught over 1000 children at the (YMCA),” said Bennett. “In many cases, parents watching their children practice and grow develop an interest and starting practicing with them. So it becomes a family thing. The Y is a wonderful place to offer and receive quality programs.”
Recently, karate instructors put the swimmers in the swimming pool during its final training session before the summer break.
“It was the last class of the year and we wanted to go out on a fun note,” Bennett said.
“They had fun, we might want to make that part (of future karate sessions).”
Karate programs are available to children, youth and adults and will start again in September at the YMCA.