We were all on our knees, my husband, Michael, facing one great-niece, I another. As one, we lowered our heads towards the ground; a solemn bow of greeting. Michael and I undid the knots of our belts, carefully folded the fabric, placed them on the ground, and pushed them toward the girls, bowing again. With a third bow, each of the girls presented us with a respective new belt, which we proudly tied on.
Our Sensei, also on his knees, supervised our first-degree black belt ceremony at the dojo where all four of us had been training for the past four years. If anyone had told me I would be getting a black belt in Kenpo karate at any time in my life, I would have dismissed the suggestion immediately. Not for a moment, until I was 59 years old, did I ever wonder about, let alone want to spend up to 12 hours a week, learning how to punch, kick, strike, and intentionally hurt another person.
So why did I? Well, it started with this conversation, when Michael said: “I just met a really nice guy who owns a karate dojo.” Michael has a black belt in judo from his twenties and was a naval officer, so he is well-trained in self-defense, and has always been my “protector.”
We travel widely, but we are not always together. I enjoy my independence and, to maintain that solitude, I needed to be more vigilant and learn how to react appropriately to danger. We have encountered personal threats, such as potential pickpockets in St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Over the years, he had mentioned wanting to get back into martial arts training to renew his skills.
“Sounds like a good idea,” I said.
“I thought you and I could do this together.” After seeing the look of horror on my face, he said, “It’ll be fun!”
“No, martial arts are definitely not for me; I don’t like the idea of hitting anyone,” I said. “I have never even made a fist!”
Imagine two rabbits sitting on their hind legs, waving their front paws (like the dog-paddle swim stroke) at one another – this is how my childhood friend and I would “fight,” faces averted, of course.
“I heard the group class is a great workout, and we are looking to add more aerobics to our routine….” We have both kept active throughout our lives, he with golf, me with group classes at the recreation centre, and we walked/jogged together. But the jogging was affecting my knees and hips – and not in a good way.
I was hooked after the first group class. It was a great workout, even though I was not familiar with many of the moves. And yes, the class did involve punching and kicking but because the targets were handheld pads, it all seemed less “violent.” By the end of the hour, I was breathing hard and glad to have worn a headband (which did not quite stop the sweat from dripping into my eyes.) The men and women were welcoming and not as aggressive as I had imagined. Even the brawny guys were friendly and helpful. There was a mix of ages, although we were definitely amongst the most chronologically advanced! And perhaps more important to me, the gym was clean; it didn’t smell sweaty (other gyms we visited had triggered my gag reflex).
The next thing I knew, I had joined Michael in taking private lessons, three times a week, to learn the karate moves and work our way up the belts. These lessons took an hour, after which we would join in the group workout class. At home, we spent about an hour every day, practicing the moves we had learned up to that point.
Starting karate at an older age meant we had some limitations. I had some difficulty matching esoteric names to the moves (e.g. Opening the Fan or Legions of Ming). Our balance wasn’t as good; our knees didn’t bend as deeply; our arms and shoulders didn’t reach as high; we were not as strong as in our younger years; and occasionally I got woozy. But our instructors took it all into consideration during our training, and practice of proper techniques helps to “make perfect.”
We have built strength, stamina and speed. My roundhouse kick has improved but I admit my flying back-kick needs much more practice. So, even when we are on vacation, we bring our Kenpo books and drill; it is a good way to pass the time between flights or waiting for appointments.
So, what are the basic requirements for a first-degree black belt? We memorized the names and performed 250 moves/sequences (as well as their variations and mirror images), divided into nine belt levels. Through repetition, we have built muscle-memory, which helps the body react automatically to dangerous situations.
Kenpo is a self-defense practice, which means that unless someone attacks us, we maintain self-control. There is no question the moves can be violent, but they can also be adjusted to fit the situation. For example, diverting a drunken colleague from an unwanted hug may not require breaking an arm, but that and more might be needed to stop a stranger grabbing you on the street.
The benefits for me have included improved memory, stamina, strength, a shared activity with my husband and new friendships. I have reshaped and resized my body, and I am proud to show off my sculpted arms, shoulders and back! As I mentioned, our teenaged great-nieces have been practicing as well, and we have seen the boost in their confidence. The benefits to our inter-generational relationship have been priceless (but that is another story).
SIDEBAR:
An Interview with Sensei David Jaenen, 4th Degree Black Belt,
Kenpo Karate, Victoria Professional Self Defence
Q: What are some of the benefits of practicing kenpo karate?
The biggest benefit is getting out and moving. Research has shown that physical exercise can help older adults fight depression (one of the most common psychiatric conditions of seniors), decrease stress and anxiety, increase resilience, improve mood and make people feel better about themselves and their situation.
Moving builds or maintains muscle mass, which helps seniors retain balance and stability, prevents falls, and enables them to keep living independently.
Moving strengthens the heart, and keeps blood circulating efficiently.
Learning and remembering moves forces the brain to think and helps it develop and maintain cognitive function. Constant practice also builds muscle memory, so the body reacts automatically to situations. The training will also build self-reliance and, no matter the age, having that little extra confidence puts you in a better state of mind.
Being around younger people makes you feel better. It is not always about karate. Working out with younger people and passing on your life experiences benefits everyone. It is about being with like-minded people sharing an experience – doing something as simple as a crunch.
Seniors are targets for all kinds of attacks, whether it is physical or mental. Kenpo karate increases physical and mental resilience and might save your life.
Q: What kinds of adjustments do you make for an older person wanting to learn karate?
We recognize that an older person might not be able to function physically and mentally the same as a fit 20- or 30-year-old.
Technique is more important than speed and power. Some of the moves need to be modified to ensure success, as the range of motion, strength, speed, and/or gripping power might be diminished. Repetition and the practice of certain other moves such as a simple eye strike does not require power but can immobilize an attacker as effectively as a punch.
Each student is unique, and an older person might require more time and patience to be taught. Going through the belt system, this might mean only accomplishing one move in a teaching session. Any belt system requires a test of all the moves. However, the test is more about understanding the move than being able to demonstrate the whole move. For example, if a move requires a flying back-kick (springing off one foot and spinning around to kick backwards with the other) but the student has issues with vertigo and dizziness, if they can walk through the move without jumping, but can turn slowly and describe the attack and the physical components of the defense, they could pass the test.
Q: Who participates in the group classes?
Our group classes are co-ed, with about 60 per cent women, and include a range of ages from teens and up. We ensure that everyone feels welcome.
Off-duty instructors or individuals with higher belts can team up with new students to ensure they have a safe workout at a pace they are comfortable with. Everyone can get a good workout and learn something new in the process.
Q: Do you offer any other classes?
We offer private lessons for anyone who wishes to go through the belt system. We hold more generalized women-only, as well as school-based self-defence seminars. We are creating a seniors-only program.
Q: What do you, as a Sensei, gain from teaching?
I am passionate about self-defence. I love teaching it and showing it. To see the amazement on a student’s face when they complete a move effortlessly and understand what type of impact it would have on a would-be attacker is priceless. Seeing a smile on their face and a change in their body posture as they build confidence in themselves is gratifying for everyone involved.
Anyone who spends time learning self-defence will be better for it, even if they do not pursue the belt system. It is something that should be practiced weekly for the fitness aspect, but the moves may save your life.
It has been said: “I would rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” Our world has become less respectful of people and knowing some self-defence is beneficial. Staying physically and mentally active as we age is so important; our bodies are not made to last forever, but if we can prolong the decline even by a few years, that improved quality of life is a gift.
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