GKR Stories – Nikita Abel

Nikita Abel, Australia

Nikita Abel from Queensland in Australia, decided she wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines and watch her son when he started karate, she was going to join in too. In GKR Stories this week, Nikita details the benefits her and her family have experienced since starting with GKR.

Growing up, I was told I shouldn’t do martial arts, so when my son expressed an interest in starting, I found myself re-evaluating my ideas around martial arts and training.

My son did a trial with GKR Karate and another club. I loved the atmosphere of GKR and immediately decided that I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines and watch, I was going to put on a gi and train alongside him. Our whole family joined GKR and enjoy training and grading together.

One of the amazing things about training together is creating memories, especially when we learn a new kata. Each of us picks up certain aspects of the kata so when we go home, we can help each other put the bits together.

Personally, karate has created a great mindset of focus for me, and I am proud of the fact that I walked through the doors of the dojo for my first class and gave it a go. I was 35 years old and overweight, but despite my doubts about my age, or my weight, I embraced a willingness to learn and took the initiative to try.

Looking back, I would tell myself to ease up on the self-criticism regarding my abilities and simply persevere, the only obstacle in my path was my own self-doubt. By being gentler with myself, my passion for karate has flourished and my skills have developed in their own time.

As a family, doing karate together has been an amazing experience and is a big part of our lives. It prompted me to take my children on a trip to Japan to connect the arts to their culture and is something I will hold dear for the rest of my life. I plan on doing the Okinawa trip in the near future for a training experience at the birthplace of karate.

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

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

GKR Stories – Nikita Abel

Nikita Abel, Australia

Nikita Abel from Queensland in Australia, decided she wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines and watch her son when he started karate, she was going to join in too. In GKR Stories this week, Nikita details the benefits her and her family have experienced since starting with GKR.

We want to hear your story

Why GKR Karate?

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