TWO women have formed a karate club for people who want to boost their physical and mental health as well as learning self defence.

The Forest (Totton and Eling) Karate Club has been established by Zerina Shafi and fellow instructor Sheryl Groves, who have 50 years' of experience between them.

Zerina, a 4th Dan, is a national and international judge and referee.

She has a huge amount of competition experience and has won medals at top-level events including the world championships. Sheryl is a 2nd Dan with 15 years’ training experience.

One of the club's main aims is to help children and adults tackle new challenges after two years of lockdowns and other restrictions.

Sheryl said: "We want to encourage everyone to improve their mood, vitality and mental health, especially now that we're all emerging from the pandemic.

"We've all spent far too much time in our homes, away from others. We feel that now is the time to join a friendly club, gain confidence, make new friends and learn useful skills."

Sheryl described karate as an excellent form of self defence but also listed its other benefits.

She said: "It's a superb workout which increases your cardiovascular fitness and strengthens and tones your whole body.

"It's also good for weight loss as well as raising your stamina and flexibility levels and improving your balance and mobility.

"You will also find that your energy levels increase over time."

The all-inclusive club is open to everyone but the two instructors are particularly keen to hear from people who, like Zerina, come from an ethnic background.

Sheryl said: "There are fewer opportunities for such women to get out and do sport. We hope Zerina and her accomplishments may inspire them."

The club trains on Saturday afternoons at Totton & Eling Community Centre in Testwood Lane, Totton.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Zerina on 07908 091531 or Sheryl on 07971 256007.