Carlos Martins, Head Karate Coach at Budo Juku Martial Arts School gives a brief roundup of students who have been impacted by studying martial arts.

Nine-year-old GEMS Wellington Silicon Oasis School student Ethan D’Souza started practicing martial arts at the age of four and has already gone overseas to represent the UAE in several countries including England, Slovenia, and Portugal. Can Ozturk, 16, from GEMS Metropole School began training four years ago. Having battled with self-confidence, he improved at school and has become much more active. “Martial arts gave me the confidence to face any kind of barrier that comes across my life,” says Can.

GEMS Wellington Primary School students Saheli Godahena, Abhay Pabbhathi, and Thevanya Godahena may have had a bumpy start but they have learned the importance of cooperation and the value of working hard and training together. They do everything together and if one of them misses training, the class just isn’t the same.