Getting a kick out of karate night at Boronia Salvos
As the clock strikes 6.30pm on a typical Monday, people of all ages gather at Melbourne’s Boronia Corps for an evening that stands apart from the rest. They are here to train their hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaken spirit through the disciplined practice of Japanese Kyokushin Karate. The energy in the room is palpable, as Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH discovered when she witnessed its transformative nature in action.
Clad in crisp white uniforms with belts tightly secured, people spanning many generations converge on Boronia Corps for yet another evening where the essence of community and martial arts intertwine harmoniously.
It’s Kyokushin Karate night, and a sea of red and black interlocking foam mats dominates the landscape as martial artists join forces to practice the unique art form that is transforming people’s lives, hearts and approaches to life.
Young lives have been changed in remarkable ways, while older generations have been motivated to become role models for their children.
And since the karate program launched last year, it has been a hit for the local community.
“It has just snowballed,” said Tracey Brown, The Salvation Army Financial Counsellor based at Boronia Corps. “In a short time, it has been a real hit. It has just taken off.”
Tracey still recalls the moment she was struck by a thought while watching her brother-in-law and others practise karate, which led to the exciting initiative being established at the corps.
After observing men and women practise their martial art for more than a year, including her now-husband, she suddenly realised the similarities between the values of the non-profit Kyokushin Karate and those of The Salvation Army.
“It was something quite interesting to watch,” she recalled, adding that it was a privilege to watch amazing people practice and embrace martial arts.
“But what really drew me was that their Dojo Kun (a sacred training space with rules) is equivalent to what the Salvos would call our mission and values. They recite it after every class. And there are some amazing similarities between what we believe and what they were talking about. It is very much about centring themselves on their faith and being better people in the community and trying to do good in this community. That is when I started to think, oh, okay, we are trying to change the world, both groups separately. And it was something that was sort of ticking around in mind.”
The ‘something ticking around’ in her mind prompted Tracey to have a conversation with Kyokushin Karate Sempai Aharon Claridge, who mentioned how he would love to open his own Dojo in Knox to positively impact young people, adults, and families who want to learn discipline, self-worth and ‘amazing life lessons’ – especially for those who can’t afford traditional, costly karate classes.
The conversation was to leave a lasting impression – and brought about a quick revelation.
“I quickly said, “Why don’t we join forces? Why don’t we do it here at the corps?’” Tracey recalled. “So, I wrote up a bit of a spiel of what it could look like and took it to the corps leadership team. They were like, “Let’s give it a go. It sounds a bit strange” and I had a few people say, “I don’t know what you are on about Tracey, but you know, why not?”
The idea was to run a Dojo in the worship building, where, alongside learning valuable life lessons through karate, there would also be a Salvos team present for emotional and practical support.
A key motivator was a 30 per cent increase in youth crime in the local area since 2020, along with widespread problems such as family violence, depression and anxiety, plus Sempai Aharon’s experience working with both young offenders. He has also trained in a number of dojos, assisting them with training.
And since the program launched a few months ago, it has been a resounding success.
People of all ages gather three times a week to practise Kyokushin Karate, which is a full-contact martial art where violence is not taught, in the church’s main auditorium where courtesy, respect, discipline and inclusivity are a core focus. Corps volunteers attend each practice session, offering coffee, snacks, a friendly conversation and practical and emotional support.
The Salvos’ main goal is to help make a difference in the lives of others while providing their premises for a program such as karate at their church – especially young people who have been bought in by the Salvos team, encouraging them to give it a go.
Tracey recalls a young boy who initially believed he could not do martial arts. “He pulled away from all sports,” she said. “He was sitting at home. He was starting to have a lot of problems in his life. He came for the very first class – and hasn’t left. He is there early. To see the physical changes in him, just the way he stands, he stands tall, and a ‘I can do this’ mentality coming in, is just amazing. To see them stand tall in their uniforms is absolutely amazing.”
The community has fully embraced the initiative, with support from local businesses and other Salvo programs that provide equipment, uniforms, and water. The classes are mixed age, with participants aged seven to over 80. The purpose is for young people to learn from older generations and vice versa. The program also includes young people from the corps’ youth group and a father from the kids’ programs.
Teaching and passing on important life principles to the local community members is important for Sempai Aharon, who began karate at just four years old. He emphasises the importance of discipline, self-control, respect, and character – values that have shaped his life, especially during past struggles with anxiety and depression.
“Karate has shaped me into the person I am today,” he reflected. “It can be for people who want to exercise and get away from everything or for those wanting to become a world-class fighter.”
Tracey highlighted several ways the Dojo had impacted the local community. One is introducing the community to the many other facets of the Army’s missional work, including the fact that churches do not have to compete with sports.
“We are both wanting to make a difference in the world and in our communities,” she said. “By pooling resources and collaborating, we can make a much bigger impact.”
The Boronia Corps team has witnessed a transformation in young people with low self-esteem, who have gained confidence, respect and discipline through karate. This growth, along with seeing them overcome issues such as anger and become calmer, fuels the team’s passion for the program.
As chaplains to the Dojo, the Salvos teams are committed to building community connections. One of the karate teachers also serves as a youth leader at the corps.
Sempai Aharon also ensures that affirming messages – such as You are not weak. You are a warrior. You stand tall – form part of the martial arts training.
“To see them instantly go, “Huh, I’m not weak, you are right” and the self-esteem and confidence grow in them is absolutely amazing,” Tracey said. “They come back into our programs saying, “I’m ready to listen. I’m ready to actually get help because I am a warrior, because I do matter.” So it is that amazing connection.”
The profound effect of Kyokushin Karate on some young participants has also been witnessed by their parents, who have reached out to the Salvos, noting their children have been changed for the better.
One parent mentioned how their child, just after one class, unexpectedly started doing the dishes without being asked. Another parent remarked that their child came home and just started helping out, adding in the comment, “I need to help more.”
Tracey believes the changes have come from learning respect and being available. Young people also help set up and clean up the Dojo Kun space, maintaining a tidy space and learning responsibility along the way – and they thrive on this.
The future of the Knox Kyokushin Karate looks bright.
The Salvos hope the exciting initiative will continue growing and eventually outgrow its current space to a larger one. Tracey added they would also love to see the connection between Kyokushin Karate and the Salvos expand: “Even if it’s just one person walking through the door and saying, ‘Oh, I really needed that,’” she said. “Then that is all it takes.”
Insights from participants:
“I just really enjoy the positive energy because people doing this tend to be more positive and have a ‘can do’ attitude to life. You learn to persevere in hard times too. I had some serious health issues a few years ago, and what I do here gave me that mental drive to get through it. The best thing, apart from being fitter and a little bit healthier, is that you can get around and enjoy your life a little bit more. This is something that you can do for life. It’s like an open book you never finish. There’s always something to achieve.”
– Frank
“Karate is everything. The people, the vibe of it. The values also speak to me too. The best part is being disciplined in my everyday life and being respectful to others. It’s all about the Dojo Kun - being strong in the mind and strong in the heart.”
– Kobe
“I like the camaraderie, training and fitness aspect. Also being a role model for my boys. I have two sons. I would like them to build a career and maybe one day to have their own Dojos as well I could train at. Karate has really taught me humility and being humble. Sometimes you have your ups and downs. But this place is a real leveller and you pick yourself up and keep going.”
– Lyndsay
“I love the mates that you make here and everything we do. I’ve got people that I know all over the state just because I’ve come into karate. It’s the type of place where you can get the absolute snot knocked out you, and then go and shake hands at the end. I just love that. Karate has taught me perseverance. To just keep going. There are days I think ah, I think it’s too hard. Then I think about some of the stuff I’ve done at karate, and I’m like, nah, that was harder. I can do this.”
– Angus
