Training with the greats: Ryu Senshi Dojos head instructor Barry O’Connell pictured after training in Thailand.
Seymour’s martial arts school Ryu Senshi Dojos is celebrating five years of training.
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And head instructor Barry O’Connell hopes more people sign up to participate in classes as they kick off for the first time this year.
“We’ve been back a week-and-a-half, and we only have 10 on the floor,” he said.
“It’s pretty much the worst numbers since we opened.”
Mr O’Connell said they would normally have 50 participants in each session, but COVID-19 restrictions have hit the school hard.
“COVID has certainly thrown a spanner in the works,” he said.
The school currently offers classes in Zen Do Kai karate for adults and children aged six and over and Muay Thai for anyone over 16.
It is hoping to add classes in Filipino weaponry later this year.
“We are one of the only activities that allow multi-generational participation,” Mr O’Connell said.
Family: Instructor Barry O’Connell presenting daughter Cheyenne with her brown belt.
“We currently have several parents training alongside their children, and at one point I was fortunate enough to be training three generations of one local family.”
While many people assume martial arts is solely combat skills, Mr O’Connell said there was a range of other skills invovled.
“Punching and kicking are not the sole aim of martial arts training,” he said.
“Training also helps people with building their confidence, balance, flexibility, strength, fitness and discipline.”
For more information about the martial arts available in Seymour, phone head instructor Barry O'Connell on 0439 909 733.
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