A $9,000 government grant has helped with the establishment of a "Karate For All" program at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC)

The program is designed to be cost-effective and the Community Enhancement Program funding helps to make it possible.

Karate For All replaced an existing program and introduced a new instructor, Sensei Shaun Johnson, in the brand new martial arts facility of the sports centre.

SLSFSC members only pay $25 per month for the program and nonmembers, $50. For that, they receive two lessons per week.

"We tried to keep the cost down as much as we possibly could," explains Brian Neave, assistant general manager of the SLSFSC "It makes it achievable for families to send their kids to karate."

Plus, he notes, karate is both mentally and physically beneficial.

"The benefits of karate are overwhelming. It helps develop self-control, self-discipline, self-awareness and confidence. The biggest thing for children in karate is confidence. It's not about combat, it's about confidence in ourselves and it's a wonderful program."

About 95 people registered for the winter session and early in the going well over 80 had signed up for the spring offering.

People ages 5 to adult are welcomed to register.

"It's a growing program and we encourage everybody to come down and give it a go," says Neave.