Two adventurous women are smashing it after gaining karate black belts aged 79
Beryl Bellamy and Susie McPherson both took it up just five years ago.
But they have now gained their 1st dan black belts.
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Their assessment included Tameshiwari – smashing wooden boards.
The rigorous six-hour grading assessment also included performing techniques and defences against attacks
Experts say that generally just one-to-two per cent of people who start karate achieve black belts.
Beryl, from South Petherton and Susie, from Merriott, near Yeovil. Somerset, began training at Nishikan Martial Arts, Wincanton in autumn 2020.
They saw an advert on social media during the Covid-19 pandemic, as reported by What’s The Jam.
“My friends just think we’re mad but I think it’s a frame of mind,” Beryl said.
“I’m in my late-70s and think it’s time to slow down but you ought to keep going while you can.”
Susie added: “I wish I had done it earlier.
“My family were pleased that I was doing it.
“It’s not all like competition karate and what you see in films.
“But it’s a challenge and it’s fun.”
Paul Hacker, chief instructor for Nishikan Martial Arts, added: “We’re very proud of them.
“They have worn their black belts since gaining them.
“The low percentage of people gaining black belts is due to the high commitment, consistency and hard work required to reach this advanced rank.
“Many students drop out or quit before achieving black belt status.
“Beryl and Susie successfully began to engage in and learn a martial art in their 70s and make the incredible achievement of attaining black belts as they approach their 80th birthdays.”
Their instructor Brett Jacobs said he was initially concerned when they began training.
“When they came in, I thought they didn’t realise what karate is and at the end I expected them to say it wasn’t for them but they returned every week,” he said.
“They’re brilliant to teach and impressive karate athletes.”
Their next dan grading is in a year and a half.
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