Students of Mark Holding’s Mitsuru Karate Club have been getting a taste of the great outdoors as they refuse to be beaten by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lockdown has failed to deter chief instructor Mark and his dedicated members, whose ages range from five years to adult. Since late March there have been around 500 sessions at an average of 25 to 30 a week.
“I set off on Zoom and began in my front living room,” said Mark. “People took to it although a few didn’t because they maybe didn’t have the technology available or couldn’t get their heads around doing it on TV.”
Popular outdoor classes, in generally favourable weather, have also been held for the past few weeks at Castletown Rec in Penrith.
“These have proved very worthwhile — and I’ve only got wet twice!” said Mark.
“It’s just getting all the kids together as much as anything. We’ve a lot of only-child kids and it’s been really good for them, socially. The kids have missed the face-to-face sessions.”
He has also held free online fitness classes for students and parents — one of which was attended by more than 40 participants.
Indoor lessons will start at Penrith early next month although some, in other areas of Eden, have already resumed for members of a club which boasts 22 England internationals.
