24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Event at Braehead to celebrate Karate Kid movie release
XSite Braehead in Renfrew will host live martial arts performances and workshops to celebrate the release of Karate Kid: Legends.
On Saturday, May 31, visitors will have the chance to watch dynamic demonstrations by black belts and national champions from JKS Glasgow, a family-run Shotokan karate club based in the West End.
The event will take place at The Living Wall, mid-mall, next to Pizza Express, with performances scheduled for 11:45am and 2:00pm.
Showcasing talent across generations, the demonstrations will feature young 'ninjas' and veteran martial artists up to age 65, including kata (patterns) and kumite (sparring).
People will also be given the chance step onto the mats themselves to get involved in free workshops during free workshops running from 12.15pm to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5pm.
No previous experience is needed, as instructors will guide participants through basic Shotokan karate techniques.
The event is particularly important to Seon McLaren, a 5th Dan instructor at JKS Scotland, who drew real-life inspiration from the original Karate Kid.
He said: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our talent at XSite Braehead to celebrate the launch of the new Karate Kid movie.
"I grew up watching the original movie, with it first inspiring me to try karate, and so being part of this event feels like a surreal, and full-circle moment.
"I'm incredibly proud to share this experience with my students and show the local community what we are all about."
'We hope to see plenty of new faces stepping onto the mats and giving it a go, and who knows, maybe this moment will inspire a new generation, just like I was all those years ago!'
Bruce Harley, XSite centre manager, said: "We are always looking for ways to showcase the brilliant talent within the local community, and what better way to celebrate than the launch of the new Karate Kid: Legends movie than with a performance from JKS Glasgow.
"This event offers something truly unique – allowing individuals to not only witness fantastic karate but also get involved themselves."
To mark the occasion, Odeon and Frankie & Benny's at XSite Braehead are giving one visitor the chance to win free cinema tickets and a meal.
All people need to do to enter is take a photo of the karate performance or workshops and upload it to Instagram, tag @XSiteBraehead and @jksglasgow, using the hashtag #KarateKidAtXSite.
More information about the event can be found on the XSite Braehead website.
