Ashlyn Hunt tells how training with GKR gave her purpose and a supportive community to keep her going through her hardest days.

GKR Stories – Ashlyn Hunt

Ashlyn Hunt, Australia

Ashlyn Hunt tells how training with GKR gave her purpose and a supportive community to keep her going through her hardest days.

For most of my school years, I was bullied, mainly for my weight, but also just for being different. It crushed my confidence. I avoided speaking up, never saw myself as strong, and honestly didn’t believe I had much to offer.

I started GKR Karate to get moving and feel healthier, but it quickly became so much more than that. In the middle of my karate journey, I was diagnosed with a medical condition called a prolactinoma, which is a type of pituitary tumour. The medication I was put on made me feel terrible, constantly tired, foggy, and emotionally drained. It would have been easy to give up, but karate kept me grounded. It gave me a routine, a purpose, and a supportive community to keep me going through the hardest days.

Training helped me gain physical strength, but even more importantly, it gave me back my confidence, and the bullies became nothing. Their words no longer had power over me. I realised how far I’d come, mentally and physically.

Now I can lead classes with over 30 students and deliver speeches in front of crowds, something the old me would have never imagined. I’ve become stronger, healthier, and proud of who I am.

To anyone struggling: get angry, be frustrated, be upset, it’s okay to feel that way. But channel those emotions into your training. The progress will be better than you can imagine, and you’ll feel better after every session. Yes, it’s hard right now, but it does get better. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself and your instructors—GKR has your back.

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.