Homa Bay residents turn to Karate lessons

Karate Homa Bay county head of karate coaches Hesborn Ouma Dondi trains children to mark opening of Karate club at Homa Bay Police Station. BY JAMES OMORO.

Residents of Homa Bay County now have an opportunity to train for martial arts following the opening of a karate club in the area.

The club, which was opened at Homa Bay Police Station, will enable the residents acquire self-defence skills, while keeping lifestyle diseases at bay.

Located in a hall within the police station, the club will host both children and adults. Homa Bay County head of karate coaches, Hesborn Ouma Dondi, said the initiative will help the residents improve on their health as they stay fit.

Ouma said many people die of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems, which result from accumulation of fats in the body.

“It is unfortunate that many of us die of lifestyle diseases for failing to do exercises, but this club should act as a remedy for such problems,” said Dondi.

The tactician added that the club will also equip locals with self-defence skills.

“Insecurity is one thing we need to be aware of, since everybody is prone to attacks. We are training our people on skills they can use while defending themselves, should they be attacked."

He said that since the club is situated within the police station, it will be easily accessed by the locals.

Ouma encouraged youths, county leaders and their children, to attend the karate lessons and benefit from the training.

“I appeal to our leaders to sponsor youths in sporting activities so as to promote sports in the county,” he said.

Among those, who have already registered for the lessons are members of Homa Bay County Assembly, police officers, youths and children.

Homa Bay County Assembly Minority Leader Isaac Nyandege, who is one of the trainees, said the training sessions will be of great benefit to him and his peers.

“Karate is an important sporting activity, which should not be ignored. Let our people register for the sessions, regardless of their age,” said Nyandege.