Students beyond the age of 35 made up half of the recipients of black belts recently awarded at the U.S West Coast Taekwondo school in Hillsboro.
Kathy Fleming has one of those brand new black belts. The fifty-something grandmother with flowing hair, fit body, and determined attitude has come a long way from the reluctant stay-at-home mom who started Taekwondo with her son Colin. "I never thought I'd get my black belt," she confesses. "My friends at the dojang and Master Culbertson kept me going. They just wouldn't let me slow down or back off."
Sonya Wildgrube earned her new black belt alongside her son, Steven.
Although you'd never know it to look at the petite thirty-five year
old, she admits she started taking classes because "I'd had four
kids and my body was just too big." She credits martial arts training
for not only her increased level of fitness but for her improved
sense of confidence. "It took me awhile to even think I could get
my black belt. After I earned it I went straight out and got the
best, highest-paying job I've ever had." Her advice for mature adults
thinking of taking up the sport? "Like Nike says 'Just do it!' Really.
It's very fun and exercise that's fun will impact your life and
improve your body."
Frank Wildgrube, thirty-seven, participates because he enjoys the training and believes it is an excellent way to stay in shape. A skilled martial artist, who can often be observe mentoring other students, Wildgrube came back to Taekwondo after an extended absence. It took him a little more than three years to earn his black belt.
Involvement of adults at the school in Hillsboro indicates that
Taekwondo is quickly becoming the sport of choice for many adults
who want to become fit and to learn an interesting and challenging
sport. |
Students progress from the easy, beginning curriculum to more difficult and complicated forms, kicks, jumps and self-defense moves. Marie Hatton, a forty-two your old brown belt, has progressed from an out of shape, overweight beginner to a fit and lean kick boxing instructor. "I started because I had just turned forty and decided it was time. I've lost twenty lbs. and am stronger and more fit than I was in my twenties." Thirty-eight year old Paula Price notes, "I walk differently. It make me feel important. You can be any age when you start. I had just turned 37."
Each student progress at his or her own rate. Christine Webb, a
forty-five year old self-described "former couch potato" recently
earned her brown belt. "I love this sport," she says. The stretching
and the fitness work are toning and strengthening my body, but mostly
I love the mental challenge of learning new things and encouraging
my body to perform at just a little higher level at each workout."
Primary instructor, sixth degree black belt Jon Culbertson advises:
"The martial arts help keep the adult body functioning physiologically
through stressful time and day-to-day living. It will keep you from
being a captive in your own body. It is never too late to start
training in the marital arts or doing some type of physical activity
to keep your body young and alive."
Many of the older students participate in martial arts competitions.
Sparring, self-defense, and learning synchronized forms are favorite
activities for these students, as is board breaking. The students
spar at U.S. West Coast Taekwondo's school on Wednesday and Friday
evenings.
For more information, or to meet with, or observe, these students
at work, please contact Jon Culbertson at (503) 693-8206. |
