Clubs across Liverpool are making an effort to support those in need or struggling with the effects of Covid-19, disabilities or mental health issues.
With the importance of sport – and exercise and daily walks being pushed heavily during the pandemic – we explore how this has grown further.
Sport must be accessible to all, as stresses of lockdowns have demonstrated.
Many people faced similar stresses before Covid because of finances, personal issues, disabilities or other battles not always visible to the eye.
Sensei Peter C’ailceta, founder of South Sefton Academy, helps those in need or those who are looking for a positive outlet or stress relief.
He runs the all catering Ju Jitsu & Kobudo gym that teaches discipline and self defence, but also takes the stresses away from day to day life.
Sensei Peter welcomes everyone at the club, and urges those nervous or experiencing high pressure that sometimes come with other martial arts and self defence clubs, to come and visit the academy.
The academy wants to provide a service that allows people to build up self confidence, battle anxiety, depression or other mental issues and also learn a valuable form of self defence.
Sensei Peter recognises, with young children who visit his classes, that there has been an influx of members joining with ADHD and other mental health conditions.
He understands sometimes schools are unable to connect with children properly and give them an outlet that works for them.
This is where he feels gyms benefit kids with mental health conditions the best.
The Academy does not just cater for children.
Sensei Peter said their membership has been extended further, and covers members up to 70 years old.
Classes also support adults with mental health conditions and offer private classes for both adults and children if their conditions deem this necessary.
The social element of the club is a sense of great pride for Sensei Peter.
He expressed to us how new members are introduced in their best fitting environment with other members helping them feel comfortable along the way.
You can contact the academy through email at [email protected], their website: ssjjka.com, or call them directly on 07939800381.
