Bringing Families Together

A father and his two daughters dressed in gis after a karate grading

GKR is often labelled ‘The Family Club’ for many reasons. Karate is an activity where the whole family can train, learn, and gain benefits together.

Many may not realise that GKR started out literally as a family club. Kancho’s first class had one student in it, his son Matt. Kancho always felt that karate was an activity that was for the whole family, and even titled his first book written in 1985, “Karate For Everyone’ placing a heavy emphasis on family values. While GKR Karate has since spread throughout Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and now Houston, the promotion of family values remains strong. Today, thousands of families train together at GKR Karate, and in each edition of Shimbun, we bring you the stories of these ‘karate families’.

The title of this article applies on more than one level.

Initially, it brings the individual family, as a unit, closer together. The opportunity to spend time together is just the beginning; beyond this, it gives them common goals – something they can work towards together – offering each other advice on techniques and motivating each other to improve. I know I have seen this in my family. My wife Vicky recently got back into training by attending classes with our son Nicolas. This has been great for both of them as they have a ‘project’ to work on together. Rather than simply seeing Vicky as a mum, he also sees her as a training partner and role model.

Extending further, we’ve had countless testimonies from parents who had a strained relationship with their teenage children because they had an inability to relate to them. Starting karate together, whether attending the same classes or not, gave them a means to relate to one another, and this helped heal and re-strengthen the relationship.

‘Bringing Families together’ also applies on a secondary level. It brings different families together. With workplaces expecting longer hours, the growing popularity of the Internet, and 200 TV channels, people are isolating themselves more than ever. Outside of our family, we hardly have time for anyone anymore.

Remember when you could stop and have a coffee and chat with anyone on your street? For most, these days are long gone. GKR Karate not only provides a place where a family can spend time together but also where they can meet other like-minded families and develop family friends again. Many of you may agree; close friends of the family are often other families in GKR.

In this edition of Shimbun, we get up close and personal with five families, the Zaloumes family, the West Family, the Kristen family, the De-Marino family and the Bounkeua family. What makes this issue different however is that these five families all know one another. They have not only managed to form a strong bond within their own family unit, they have formed relationships with other families. Thanks to their united passion, the adults and kids, despite any difference in age, can all relate to one another. What’s more, all share healthy attitudes and outlooks on life.

If you have a family that you have grown close to via training with GKR Karate, we would love to hear your story.

Families Who Train Together
Is Karate Improving Your Life?

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

Have a question or require further information? Contact us today.

About GKR

Bringing Families Together