For Franz Shijaku, karate is more than a martial art. After roughly 10 years of training, the Grade 11 student wants to give youth the opportunity to build confidence, stay active and develop discipline through his free community program, Rise Karate. Shijaku started karate at six through a school program before moving to a traditional dojo. After volunteering as an instructor for roughly two years, he received permission from his kyoshi, the head instructor at his dojo, to teach independently. His program offers free karate lessons to youth, generally aged 16 and under.
“I’ve learned a lot about discipline, confidence, and, of course, physical activity from karate,” Shijaku reflects. The decision to offer the program at no cost comes from Shijaku’s desire to make physical activity and martial arts more accessible to families who may not be able to afford traditional karate programs. “I figured that [teaching for free] would benefit me as a person, and others physically and mentally,” Shijaku says.
Shijaku also credits karate with helping him through his own challenges. While progressing through the ranks, he reached a point where he lost motivation to continue despite being close to earning his black belt. After speaking with his instructors and kyoshi, Shijaku says their support helped him regain his motivation and changed how he viewed his own journey. Now, he hopes to provide a similar source of encouragement to the youth who participate in Rise Karate. “I hope they learn how to maintain their bodies with a plan to not give up” Shijaku says. “To pursue what they want.”
For beginners, lessons focus on foundational karate skills, including basic self-defence techniques and kata, a sequence of karate movements. Shijaku aims to teach a basic white-belt kata within a student’s first two lessons. However, Shijaku says the program is intended to teach lessons beyond physical movements. At the end of lessons, he plans to discuss what students learned and how those skills can apply to their lives.
“They’re not just learning [karate] to learn,” Shijaku explains. “There’s other strengths and other skills they’re learning beyond that.” The program is currently held in Shijaku’s backyard or at a local park while he searches for a permanent rental space. Shijaku has found the positive responses from participants to be encouraging, particularly when he sees students enjoying themselves and forming connections with their classmates. “People smile, people laugh, they’re having fun,” Shijaku says. “And there’s also a community too, where they can make friends with their fellow classmates.”
Moving forward, Shijaku hopes to secure a permanent location, find additional sponsors, grow Rise Karate’s social media presence and expand class sizes. He says one sponsor, Molly Maid, has already offered to cover weekly rental costs. For youth who may feel self-conscious about trying karate, Shijaku encourages them to pursue activities they enjoy regardless of external opinions. “I feel like when you find something you like, you should pursue it,” Shijaku says. “No matter what others think.”
Rise Karate currently offers free weekly Sunday classes for youth. Those interested can contact the program through its Instagram page, @risekarateproject, or by email at risekarateproject@gmail.com.
