The Moose Mountain Karate Club in Carlyle has relocated to its own dojo.
Prior to the pandemic, the club held classes in the Carlyle Elementary School gymnasium for more than 25 years. However, like many organizations affected by health regulations and new protocols, school facilities were no longer open for use by outside groups. Typically karate classes ended in early March.
Club members continued to train in virtual classes when available, but everyone was eagerly awaiting a return to dojo training. In early May 2020, the club instructors realized that big changes would have to be made to continue having in-person karate classes.
As luck would have it, space was available in a shop bay right beside Living Skies CrossFit. After securing that space, the club began preparations to create the new dojo.
The first step was to install an appropriate floor for martial arts practice. The existing floor in the bay was solid concrete, so the club arranged to purchase martial arts mats to cover it. This has been the single most costly component to opening the dojo. The club has been successful in several grant applications and several donations were also received to help the club open its doors for classes on Oct. 20.
Moose Mountain Karate Club now has 50 registered members from Carlyle, White Bear First Nation, Manor, Redvers, Arcola, Wawota, Stoughton and Alameda.
The instructors and members of Moose Mountain Karate Club would like to thank all the volunteers who worked hard to prepare the dojo for classes, and for continuing to help with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the dojo.
The club would also like to thank the residents of Carlyle, the Town of Carlyle, the RM of Moose Mountain, Affinity Credit Union, the Arcola Optimist Club, the Carlyle and District Lions Club, and several private donors for their generous support.
