Policies
Karate Tōushi and
mental health
In line with our mission statement “Karate for everyone” and our strive to be as inclusive as ever possible, we strongly believe our clubs should be a safe place for anyone struggling with mental health, for example depression.
One of the most important needs for us, as human beings, is to have a sense of belonging to a bigger group. If we can be that welcoming group of friends and peers for you, that is worth a lot.
Also, there’s nothing better than going home after a good and hard training session, feeling that you have achieved something! Karate is exercise for both brain and body. This ancient martial art is very much in line with the modern idea of “mindfulness”, to be "in the current moment". Since karate is challenging for both brain and body equally, there is no time to be anywhere else in your mind whilst training.
Physical activity in general is helping to relieve stress and anxiety, and karate is no exception there. It can be as challenging or as relaxing as you like. Your biggest challenge in karate training is yourself. Our trainers are there to help you to be and feel the best you can, not to let you down by telling you off. We build up ability by inclusion and praise, not by harsh words and yelling! Although shouting is an integral part of karate… So that we do, at our enemies, not our friends!
If you struggle with mental health even if it is ever so little, feel free to come and talk to anyone of us, in confidence, and we will try and see how we best can help to fulfil your needs. There is no such thing as a “silly question” or being “too sensitive”. We are always willing to listen to your thoughts and concerns. This is of course completely in confidence and will not be discussed outside the group of our trusted trainers. And if we don’t know, we can’t do anything to help.
The regularity of the karate sessions can also help if you are struggling with mental health. You will know that on a set time on certain days of the week, you will get out of the house and meet people that are friendly and supportive. The trainer-led sessions are supporting you to actually do something. If you are feeling down, the only thing you have to do is to get to the training. After that, the trainers will take the lead and have you going in no time at all!
Karate for Mental Health
The Karate for Mental Health vision is to create a fund via government grants, donations, fundraising, and sales of merchandise in order to provide support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are struggling financially.
The main focus of Karate for Mental Health is to improve the mental health and well-being of people through the practice of Karate.
It is our hope that via this support we can create positive changes for as many people as possible, enabling them to reap the benefits of Karate and promoting the inclusion of everyone.
Equality and diversity
How inclusive is Karate Tōushi?
At our clubs, we firmly believe that karate is for everyone. We welcome individuals of all ages, races, genders, religious beliefs, and physical abilities.
Our clubs are committed to fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Here, every member's opinion is valued and respected. A fundamental principle that we all embrace is Respect – not only for our instructors but, importantly, for each other. We believe karate training should be enjoyable and conducted in an open, welcoming environment.
Should you ever have any concerns about behavior or the club's atmosphere, our instructors are always available to listen and address any issues.
