Among the many fall programs offered through PWR, Intro to Karate and Self Defence, will be offered in Virden this September.
Karate has been a part of Sensei Scott Middleton’s life for over 30 years, and he is looking forward to instructing classes for the first time in Virden. His official rank is 6th Degree Black Belt, which he achieved in 2013 at an examination in Switzerland.
Middleton is also an International Level A Instructor/Examiner which took over five years of work in an extensive program and several training trips to New York City. Only a select few karate practitioners Internationally have reached his level. He has been formally teaching karate for over 25 years.
His wife Dawn, calls him crazy, when she sees him get up every morning at 5:30 a.m., seven days a week to train. She can attest to her husband’s discipline, effort, and commitment to Karate. This year alone he has taught Karate as a guest instructor in Winnipeg, Tillsonburg, Toronto, Calgary, New York City, Norway, Germany, England, Ireland, and Scotland.
A seven-time Manitoba Provincial Champion and Canadian National Tournament Finalist, Middleton has also competed in numerous competitions at all levels. His last competition was in 2013 where he came in first place at Brooklyn, New York.
“I have never approached karate as a “sport”. I strongly feel it is an art form that cultivates so much more from the practitioner than a sport can,” says Middleton. A few of the many benefits of learning Karate include: improved motor skills, balance, flexibility, awareness, discipline, manners, and confidence.
Middleton adds that one of the beautiful things about karate is that, “we are not solely focused on ourselves, but nurture and encourage improvements from those around us”.
The Intro To Karate classes being held this fall will focus on teaching the beginnings of Karate. Middleton states that this is an important step and will provide a solid foundation.
Middleton’s Self Defence class being held in Virden will provide the basic tools to become more aware of self-protection. He says, “There is perhaps no more important thing in life than being safe and having feelings of security. Unfortunately, many people only learn this after they have been victimized in some way.
“Anyone can learn Karate, a person’s state of physical fitness is not important,” says Middleton, “However, a good attitude and desire to learn are essential.” He adds that if you are considering learning karate “Ganbatte!” which in Japanese essentially means “Go for it!”
