Ogun Karate Association Trains 100 Youngsters In Sparring, Flexibility Drills, Self-defense

ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Karate Association has successfully concluded a 3-day intensive training programme aimed at nurturing young talents and instilling discipline among children in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The programme, which ran from Monday to Wednesday, brought together about 100 children aged between 5 and 17 years.

Participants were drawn from both public and private schools across the city, reflecting a broad interest in martial arts among young people in the state.

Sponsored by Architect Gbenga Akande, Director of Brick Mortar and Lion Ltd, the training featured a range of activities including self-defense techniques, kata (forms), kumite (sparring), flexibility drills, and power development exercises.

Speaking at the event, the lead coach of the Ogun State Karate Association, Mr. Saka Tajudeen Abiodun, described the initiative as both a developmental and back-to-school engagement programme designed to keep children productively occupied during the holiday period.

According to him, “The benefits of karate go beyond physical fitness. It teaches discipline, focus, dedication, and self-confidence. It also helps children learn how to control their anger in difficult situations. We teach them self-defense as a way of life.”

He added that such programme plays a crucial role in shaping the character of young participants, preparing them to face life’s challenges with composure and resilience.

In his remarks, sponsor of the training, Arc. Gbenga Akande emphasized the importance of sports in youth development.

He said, “I see sports as a means to motivate young people and channel their energy into something positive. Karate, in particular, is a discipline that helps build responsible individuals and instills strong moral values,” he said.

Akande noted that this is not the first time his organization has supported such an initiative.

He emphasized that, “Last year, we sponsored a one-day programme. This is the second time we are supporting an event like this, and we are already planning a championship next year, with a possibility of inviting participants from other South West states,” he revealed.

He reiterated that the primary goal was to help children grow into responsible adults, stressing that consistent engagement in structured activities like karate can significantly influence their development.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State government has also pledged support for the initiative, assuring that equipment will be provided to some schools to further encourage participation in the sport.

The Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka disclosed on Wednesday.

Isiaka posited that, the training programme marks another step in promoting grassroots sports development in Ogun State, opining that such initiatives will continue to inspire and empower the younger generation.