- Claire Bradshaw
Martial Arts that’s Good for Your Heart
When you think of karate, jiu-jitsu or other martial arts, it’s easy to assume only those at a certain age, fitness or experience level can participate. But that’s not the case – and the team at Pollet’s Martial Arts will be the first to reassure you of this. Their range of classes is for everybody: individuals, families, kids or people with special needs. No matter who you are or what your goals may be, you’ll be welcomed with open arms at any Pollet’s dojo.
Pollet’s Martial Arts Newcastle is the largest arm of the Pollet’s family, which features centres throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Pollet’s is one of the heavy hitters of martial arts in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, featuring the most extensive range of classes in the region – six disciplines under one roof. Classes are offered in Adamstown, Medowie, Edgeworth and Valentine, and you can be sure you’re in the best of hands at every venue. All instructors are trained under ninth dan karate master, Hanshi Ian Pollet; Newcastle’s head instructor is fifth dan karate black belt Shihan Danny Crouch, who leads a team of four qualified, experienced black belts.
Whether you’re interested in karate, Kobudo, Muay Thai, Kempo Jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts or boxing, there’s a class at Pollet’s for you. Offerings range from the Little Tigers program – a specialised syllabus for two- to six-year-olds – through to gradings, tournaments and private lessons. With a friendly, supportive, non-intimidating atmosphere and no fitness or experience requirements, you’ll feel welcome as soon as you step through the dojo doors.
So, why choose martial arts classes for yourself or your kids? As well as giving the whole family a chance to get active, martial arts training is a fantastic self-defence initiative, empowering students to protect themselves. The syllabus at Pollet’s derives from the teachings of grandmasters in Okinawa and Thailand; it’s rich in culture, but also based around principles of safety, common sense and environmental awareness. The techniques you’ll learn and the reflexes you’ll develop through your training will improve your confidence and help you to feel safe.
Apart from the self-defence skill set, you’ll build (and the fun you’ll have), what else will you gain from taking classes at Pollet’s? It goes without saying that there’s a wide variety of health and wellness benefits to be found through martial arts training. Firstly, your cardiovascular system will get a workout through the cardio and endurance training aspects of martial arts. With classes averaging an hour in length, you’ll be sure to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. You’ll also increase muscle mass, agility and strength while losing excess fat and becoming more toned. Your flexibility, coordination and balance will improve, too, which helps to reduce the chance of injury in both training and day-to-day life.
The mental benefits of martial arts training are just as significant as the physical. It’s a highly effective outlet for improving the symptoms of a variety of conditions such as autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety or high stress. Both adults and children living with these conditions can experience a range of benefits from the structure, focus and discipline of martial arts. Pollet’s also offers specialised classes for those with mental or physical impairments, providing guidance throughout the journey towards a healthier body and mind.
The Adamstown dojo is a fully equipped two-level facility, offering more than 35 classes per week (and it even plays host to kids’ birthday parties, complete with action-packed games!). There’s a great variety of classes across Pollet’s Medowie, Edgeworth and Valentine venues as well. So if you’re ready to kick off your martial arts journey, visit www.pollets.com.au, call 4952 2444 or email newcastle@pollets.com.au for more information.
Second Image: Below: Layton Hills, who has lost 45kg during his time training at Pollet's
