Special to The Post-Searchlight

The Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA recently began a new karate program for various age groups.

The first night was Thursday, and the program is already a “huge success,” said Jim Holton, sports director at the YMCA. The students are being taught the basic fundamentals and the correct forms of “Shotokan Karate,” he said.

Classes are for ages 6 through adult and held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with beginner classes taught from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and advanced classes being taught from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first two classes are being taught by Don Whaley, a third-degree black belt.

A third advanced adult class is being taught from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays by fourth-degree black belt Mike Sims, who has taught since 1977 and holds Olympic coach and judge certficates.

“All of these classes teach students self-discipline and self-confidence as they progress through the belt ranks,” Holton said. “We are honored and very happy to have both Don and Mike teaching here now.”

For more information, call Holton at the YMCA at (229) 243-0508.