YMCA karate room nearly complete

By Editor | November 22, 2011 |

The Fayette County Family YMCA has nearly completed construction of a new room that will primarily be used for its karate program.

In addition, the number of participants in the Y's fall and winter programs have been very strong, according to Program Director Amber Daulbaugh.

"The Dojo" was put into use earlier this month, and it serves as the training room for the approximately 20 youth who are currently enrolled in the karate program.

The only aspect of the room left to complete is installing a punching bag.

“This gives them their own place, and it's specifically tailored to them," Daulbaugh said. "We’re hoping that that can promote more participation in karate.”

The Dojo took the place of some under-utilized space in the YMCA by the batting cages, and it took about a month and a half to two months to get the room to a point that it could be used.

And if everything aligns over the next few years, The Dojo will be an early phase of more re-arrangement.

“Our goal is to move the batting cages upstairs on top of The Dojo, and where the batting cages are currently, our vision is to have a racquetball court,” Daulbaugh said.

Karate classes are offered year-round at the YMCA for children and adults, and they are instructed by Derrick Jones.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, classes are offered for advanced children from 5-6 p.m., beginning children from 6-7 p.m. and adults from 7-8 p.m. On Saturdays, adult classes are offered from 10-11 a.m., and children's classes from 11 a.m.-noon.

Registration cost for classes is $20 per month for members and $40 per month for non-members.

Fall programs

Daulbaugh said the fall sports season was a success for the YMCA.

“It was great,” she said. “We only had one rainout.”

The YMCA had the following number of children participate in the fall sports.

•Soccer: 76
•Flag football: 65
•Co-ed volleyball clinic: 39
•Dodgeball: 26

Winter program sign-ups

Sign-up is still ongoing for many winter sports programs.

For more information regarding any of the programs mentioned below, contact the YMCA at 283-1258 or visit www.fayetteymca.com

•A basketball league will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays next January and February, with the deadline to register being Dec. 17.

Each child who is registered will receive a T-shirt that will serve as their uniform.

The league is separated into two age groups (grades 1-2 and 3-5).

Those in grades 1-2 will play games on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and those in grades 3-5 will play games on Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.

Registration for the league is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers, but anyone signing up for both the basketball clinic and the league can register at $40 for members and $80 for nonmembers.

•The YMCA is also offering a kindergarten basketball clinic on Saturdays next January and February, with the deadline to register being Dec. 17.

Each child who is registered will receive a T-shirt that will serve as their uniform.

The clinic will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Jan. 14, 21 and 28, and Feb. 4, 11 and 18.

Any parents wanting to assist with the clinic should contact the YMCA.

Registration for the clinic is $20 for members, and $40 for nonmembers.

•The YMCA is accepting registrations for an adult basketball league, with the deadline to register being Jan. 7, 2012.

Anyone aged 18 and older or who is graduated from high school can participate in the league.

Games will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (depending on interest) from 7:30-9 p.m., starting on Jan. 10, 2012.

Registration for the league is $20 for members, and $40 for nonmembers.

•The YMCA is holding a Parent’s Night Out on Dec. 3 from 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Children, including nonmembers, are welcome at the YMCA during that time for an open gym, face-painting, movies and food. A bank will be available to protect childrens’ money.

Children may also have their photo taken with Santa Claus for $5.

Registration for the evening is $10 per child, and $5 for siblings, and registration begins at 4:15 p.m. Parents may pre-register their children at the YMCA.

•On Thanksgiving, the Fayette County Family YMCA will be open to anyone – including non-members – from 7-10 a.m.

The following day, the YMCA will be open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.