The sounds of footsteps shuffling fill the room. The air buzzes with excitement as a group of students gather. They bow, inviting one another with warm feelings and respect to the Karate Club.
Founded by junior Oscar Nanda, the Karate Club has been growing, constantly welcoming new members and inspiring students to learn the values of martial arts.
Nanda has been learning karate at the Boston Budo karate club since he was three years old. He was inspired to create a club for the high school after realizing there was no other program, neither a school club nor a sports team, that offered the opportunity to practice karate.
“I needed to provide the experience for anyone else who had that dilemma of not knowing how to continue their karate or martial arts after middle school,” Nanda said.
Nanda has many hopes for what his club might bring to the community, including creating an enjoyable space for diverse martial arts students to practice and learn the fundamentals of karate.
“There are these things called kata, which are forms. Anyone of any age of any level of physical ability, you can practice them. Meaning that they’re universal and every single kata, regardless of how it’s practiced, can provide benefits in terms of focus, balance and also being able to express oneself,” Nanda said.
Junior Aika Oki, a club member, started karate when she was in elementary school. She often participates in the lessons provided by the club and appreciates what it has to offer.
“Being in a class and doing it with everyone else, giving feedback, helping each other out and improving the body are big aspects of the class,” Oki said.
Oki said it provides a welcoming environment where everyone is at ease, regardless of experience.
“You start learning things step by step and having fun in the club. Even though it might seem daunting at first, it’s casual, and if you’re interested at all in these sorts of martial arts and also if you’re interested in Japanese culture, I would recommend it,” Oki said.
In addition to the welcoming environment, junior Elliot Chin, one of the club’s first members, said there are a lot of other motivations for joining the karate club.
“For me, it wasn’t so much about the karate itself. It was just exercising and having fun, and I believe the club just serves that,” Chin said.
According to Nanda, there is no reason to be nervous about attending the club as a new member because it is an incredibly welcoming community.
“Just jump in and join the group, and you’ll be welcomed. There’s a lot for you to learn. There’s a lot to be excited about,” Nanda said. “It’s not a commitment. You don’t have to stay forever. You can leave any time, you can leave once you’ve found that karate has given you what you’ve come to the club looking for.”
