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Shinkyokushinkai Karate and Kick Boxing Club is holding free lessons.

During the school holidays the club members want to share their love of martial arts with the community.

"We think that everyone should be able to do something, encourage the young people to be active and try an art instead of sitting at home and watching TV or playing games," sixth dan black belt Peter Lowl said.

"It's anti-bullying, especially the young ones. We encourage and talk to them about using their radar, which is basically their instincts."

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Other topics covered include knowing what's right and wrong, and when to approach an adult or someone for help as well as basic manoeuvres to protect themselves.

While these lessons are held in the school holidays, they are open to anyone of any age or gender. "Not only the kids get bullied, but also people at work as well."

It's not the first time the club, based in Merrilands School Hall, has ran free lessons. Lowl advises participants to wear loose fitting clothing and bring an open mind.

"If they want to know maybe a technique to defend themselves against, whether it's verbal or active, they can let us know. Sometimes being verbal hurts as much as it does when it's physical."

Lowl's son, Bevan, recently won gold in the Arnold Classic Australian tournament.

Free classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm. People interested in joining should email Peter Lowl on peterlowl@clear.net.nz.