My husband and I started a Karate Club in Rustenburg, North-West Province, South Africa. We are affiliated and registered with JKA Shotokan.
On various occasions, we have come across special needs children who would love to do Karate. The challenge is that we currently practice on a normal tile floor. This could pose a serious risk to students when practicing, falling, or tripping. Normally we practice on soft foam ‘carpets’ call Tatami mats. They are 40 mm thick. Unfortunately, these mats are extremely expensive.
We truly have a passion to help children. We would love to outfit our Karate Club with the necessary equipment and protective measures to expand our horizons and help children with special needs too. However, until we purchase the Tatami Mats we are very limited in what we can do or offer the special needs community.
We are asking for your help and contributions, no matter how big or small, to assist us in equipping our Club in order to include the special needs community and help them participate in karate also.
Thank you in advance.