A NORTHERN suburbs family has used their passion for karate to create a martial arts centre in Alkimos.
Blake Coleman (24) heads the Shobukan Martial Arts Centre, with his parents Shane and Justine Coleman and brothers Paddy (28), Zane (15) and Ashton (10) all involved in the sport.
Since opening in February, the centre has grown to about 150 students and almost outgrown its premises in The Gateway shopping precinct.
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READ NOW“It’s been a huge response; we’ve had a lot of families joining up,” Shane said.
“It’s something that’s definitely needed up here.”
Blake was recently appointed captain of the WA Karate Team, which will compete in the National Karate Championships in Queensland in August.
The Currambine resident started doing karate when he was five and has competed in the state team several times since 2003.
“I used to watch my older brother doing karate, then I started when I could,” he said.
Blake said he enjoyed teaching and passing on his knowledge of the sport to members, who ranged from three years old to adults.
“It’s a good social thing for children to build their confidence,” he said.
Shane, who has been the state team coach for the past six years, said the club’s focus was to make a difference in the community and embed good values in children.
“We are moral-based; we teach them all about different life values – respect, discipline,” he said.
Son Zane will also be part of the state team competing in the national championships.
WA Karate Foundation chairman Dion Panossian, who runs Shobukan’s Wangara club, welcomed the growth in karate’s popularity.
“It’s exciting time, with karate making its first appearance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020,” he said.
