The culture of German sports clubs is like no other. Thanks to volunteer work, you can participate in and train for almost any sport at a low cost. Enthusiastic coaches are crucial to this.
Imagine you do karate for fun but are being trained by a 10-time European champion, and it only costs you around €20 ($23) a month. Sound unlikely? In Germany, it is possible.
At the Dojo Ochi karate club in the western city of Bonn, Melissa Rathmann volunteers as part of an eight-person team of coaches. In addition to her 10 European Championship titles, the 33-year-old has won numerous German championships and was twice runner-up in the World Championships. Despite her great sporting success, she has always remained loyal to her club.
Melissa Rathmann in action at the karate club in Bonn I
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