Rising from a two-day coaching clinic in Lagos on Thursday, Karate coaches applauded the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) for the initiative, describing it as refreshing.

Although the course’s German resource person, Oliver Chen, failed to attend because of what officials said was logistics problem, three local coaches served as instructors.

Tidesports source reports that the course was attended by 23 coaches from 12 states, was to acquaint them with current rules and regulations.

Participants were drawn from Lagos, Delta, Kwara, Rivers, Cross River, Abia, Kaduna, Katsina, Imo, Anambra, Ondo and Enugu States.

Some of the coaches told Tidesports that they were satisfied with the development as it had been long they were updated with KFN rules and regulations.

Shola Shoyoye from Kwara said: “It has been a long time we got update on this sport; I must say the experience is refreshing.

“My experience from this clinic has shown me the reason why we always come back with poor results international championships.’’

Benson Okpada from Delta said that “the clinic has been an eye opener; we now know the latest rules of the sport, as well as the latest techniques.

“We are now acquainted with the international standards and will definitely impart the rules on our athletes back home.’’

Aaron Akporuovo, a karate instructor at the British International School, Lekki, said that the clinic had taught him so many things he did not know as a coach.

He added that before the course was held some coaches used to think they could get better marks with aggressive punches but now I have been taught otherwise.

KFN Technical Director David Jegede said that the federation would recommend a policy review to the board to ensure training of quality karatekas.

He described the clinic as refreshing and that it had helped them to identify some of the coaches problems.