Scrolling Facebook one afternoon, an advert for a new karate school in Thirroul caught my eye.
“Would you boys like to try karate?” I asked my sons, Toby, six, and Jude, nine.
“Ooh, yes please, Mum!” Toby grinned, while Jude looked a little less enthused.
But before we could sign up, COVID hit, and everything went on hold.
Once restrictions finally lifted later in 2020, I took Toby along to the dojo to meet the sensei, Paul.
“Is he the only one?” I said, seeing the empty car park.
“My first student,” Paul said proudly, grinning.
Toby loved his first lesson, and soon word spread.
By the end of the year, there were around 20 to 30 kids training regularly.
Paul organised a gasshuku – a big training session where…
