Having practised traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate jutsu for 30 years, Prout is a proud advocate of the benefits that the discipline instils on top of self defence - focus, resilience and confidence.

Now she is primed to instil those lessons in a new generation when her dojo opens in Medowie on Monday.

"I'm really looking forward to being about to share what I love doing," Prout said.

"Its been part of my life for so long. It's who I am. Opening a new dojo and sharing something I am so passionate about is very exciting."

The first Okinawan Goju Ryu karate jutsu dojo opened in Nelson Bay in 1973. Prout's father, Sensei Tino Rossi, took over as head instructor in 1989.

This is his 30^th year as head instructor at the Bay dojo, based at the PCYC.

Prout, now a black belt third dan, started her training at Nelson Bay dojo in 1987 when she was 7 years old.

The Medowie resident continues to train under Rossi and Sensei Peter Oberekar, chief instructor at the Hamilton dojo, but has been an instructor herself for 20 years.

The style of karate Prout teaches is not competition-focused but traditional in that it promotes discipline and structure.

She said while fun, learning karate had benefits that assisted children and adults in all stages of their lives.

But particularly for children, karate is shown to improve concentration and focus, can help them develop awareness of dangerous situations, values and respect, enhance self confidence, self esteem, strength, flexibility, fitness and balance.

"What I really like about traditional-style karate is that it's fun, allows you to learn but it also really makes you earn your achievements," Prout said.

The eldest two of Prout's three children, aged 7, 5 and 2, are now training, making it three generations of family members to train under this traditional style karate.

It was encounters with parents of her children's friends that sparked the idea to open a dojo in Medowie.

She looked for a suitable venue in Medowie for six months before being offered to use the clubhouse at Ferodale Sports Complex two nights a week.

Prout will add these two nights to her twice weekly trips to Nelson Bay where she trains students at the PCYC on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Starting from Monday, April 29, lessons for children aged 6 to 12 years old will operate out of the Medowie sport clubhouse during the school term on Monday and Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

The first lesson is free to new students.

The aim is to build the dojo's student base until 2020 and then begin offering senior classes.

For more information or to register for classes phone Prout on 0405 602 668.