Irwin Mitchell Sponsorship Enabled Shitokai Scotland To Get New Equipment

One of Scotland’s most successful martial arts clubs has teamed up with a law firm to purchase equipment to ensure every child can enjoy karate and get involved in the sport at grassroots level.

Shitokai Scotland, through a sponsorship with law firm Irwin Mitchell, has managed to fund new equipment which will help the club’s para-karate classes, which take place every Thursday. 

The law firm, which has an office in Glasgow, is a keen supporter of disability sport. Through its Don’t Quit, Do It campaign, Irwin Mitchell seeks to support the benefits both physically and psychologically of being involved in disability sports and is supported by multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Terry Connell, who runs the para-karate class at Renfrew Leisure Centre, said: “Irwin Mitchell got to hear about the work we are doing with disability in karate and wanted to learn more about the project. They asked us to identify what type of equipment we required to help with our student’s development and inform them of the costs. 

“To our delight and that of the families involved, they agreed to purchase all the bespoke equipment we highlighted. Since the equipment arrived we have seen a marked improvement in our class structure options and we see the benefits and sheer joy on the faces of our students as they interact with the equipment and the creative routines we have created for them.

“Most companies look for elite engagement but what Irwin Mitchell has done is turn that concept on its head and we and the families with disabled children in our club are extremely grateful for the generosity and recognition shown to us.”

Through the sponsorship with Irwin Mitchell, the club has been able to purchase orange bell balls. This equipment aids those who are partially sighted to take part and to learn new skills. The club were also able to purchase free standing punch and kick bags.

Mark Higgins, Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Glasgow office, said: 

Expert Opinion

“I am absolutely delighted that Irwin Mitchell has been able to sponsor this new equipment, ensuring more people have access to karate.

“Through our work we have seen on numerous occasions how sport has been able to help our clients with either their recovery or rehabilitation. Unfortunately while there are over 12 million people with disabilities in the UK, only one in six actually takes part in sport regularly.” Mark Higgins - Chairman of WJM, Chairman of Ascent, and Partner of Irwin Mitchell

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit, Do It campaign.