Alan Towers, from Annan Lonsdale Cinema, has kindly agreed to show a short promotional clip of the club prior to showings of the film which stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.
For more than 40 years Borders Shotokan operated out of schools, church halls and other spaces in the community.
It was not until 2021 when it opened its purpose built facility at Provost Mills. It is the only fully equipped, full time, Japanese style dojo in the area which is directly registered with Japan.
The club, which currently boasts around 20 members, offers classes in both traditional and sports styles of Shotokan Karate, tailored to suit all levels. Separate classes are available for juniors and seniors.
Senior instructor Sensei Alistair Mitchell is the only qualified 8th Dan instructor belonging to a Japanese organisation in Scotland.
From Kirkpatrick Fleming, the 69-year-old has practised the martial art form for 51 years. He is a former world, European, Commonwealth, British and Scottish champion.
Alistair said: “With the release of the new Karate Kid film, we are looking for people who want to get involved. We are looking for juniors and adults.”
After pairing up with Active Schools, Borders Shotokan has also been going into primary schools in the region to give sessions and offer free lesson passes to those interested in coming along to the dojo.
Benefits of karate include improved fitness, better mental wellbeing, increased confidence and discipline.
At Annan you can go right through the belts – from White to Black –all the way to the Dan Levels, guided by fully qualified instructors. Alistair also pointed out that Shotokan Karate – one of the main four styles – can be a lifelong study.
Members have opportunities to attend seminars and travel over to Japan. Alistair added: “We go to Japan usually every two years, one of the seniors is coming with us this year. We will be training with the Japanese senior grades.
“We also go to seminars every two or three months where we have the opportunity to train with Japanese in this country.”
The club is based at Unit 3U, Provost Mills North, Queensberry Street, Annan.
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