SYTL Karate’s first birthday party kickstarts new mojo at Honiton Dojo

Devon’s fastest growing traditional Karate club marked its 1 year anniversary last Saturday (16 September) with a special celebration event at the relaunch of Honiton’s LED Leisure Centre.

SYTL (Say Yes To Life) was launched in September 2016 by Sensei Paul Batters, a Japanese graded Black Belt, with the support of LED Leisure whose members train for free as beginners, then half price after their first grading.

Having started with just a handful of students, the club now has over 100 attendees per week from the age of 4 to 74, many of whom turned out for a special Birthday party and family fun class on Saturday.

Karate teacher and Personal Trainer Paul, started the club with the aim of making quality Martial Arts affordable and accessible to all, no matter the age or ability level.

He said: “It's an honour and a privilege to see the changes and improvements in so many people of all ages in such a short time.
Over my 14 years of teaching experience I've seen first-hand the benefits that Karate gives every student; the confidence, fitness, concentration, discipline and, of course, self-defence, learned through Martial Arts is second to none.

"I’m very proud of all of our students and look forward to the SYTL family growing and growing so that we can help as many people as possible.”

SYTL Karate Club has members ranging from white belt beginners to 6th Dan black belts. It also helps students with many physical and psychological challenges including ADHD, autism, Aspergers, anxiety, depression, dyspraxia, and amputees to name just a few.

In addition to regular classes, SYTL also holds a wide variety of events throughout the year such as Karate pool parties, flying kick competitions, tournaments, fancy dress Karate and Christmas classes with ‘Sensei Santa’.

Regular gradings are held to enable students to progress and be rewarded as they gain experience and improve in ability. SYTL’s gradings are internationally recognised.

Paul added: “For those who are unsure about learning Karate, we are also starting a new “Fight-Fit” class which is a Martial Arts-based circuit class for teens and adults. You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great!”

The club runs eight classes a week at Honiton Leisure Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a variety of sessions covering all ages and abilities.

To find the best class for you and book a Free Taster session go to www.sytl.co.uk or contact sytlenquiries@hotmail.com  or CALL 01395 239143.