Apple Valley seniors know their golden years aren't limited to knitting and reading the newspaper.
The spirit, or shouts of “hire”, of High Desert seniors practicing roundhouse kicks in a karate class at the Applied Martial Arts Academy can be heard from Bear Valley Road to Highway 18.
Don Burnell, 60, of Victorville, is a teacher at the academy. He has been practicing martial arts for over 40 years, inspired by Bruce Lee's prowess.
As Burnell grew to the ripe young age of 60, his aches and pains increased. He decided to incorporate Jukuren Karate-do, or “old-fashioned karate,” into the academy's agenda to accommodate local residents who were experiencing similar “ageing pains.”
Burnell, who turned to martial arts after being bullied at school, believes everyone has the right to feel safe. Advanced Karate classes are a direct approach to self-defense.Burnell students learn for the first time Bunkaior movement analysis to understand how techniques can be used in self-defense situations.
Burnell told the Daily Press that as people age, their bodies and minds become weaker, making older people more susceptible to elder fraud and crime. According to the teacher, self-defense is one of the most important tools for seniors to maintain as they age and inevitably become weaker, which is the driving force behind the newly launched Senior Karate class. There is.
Academy advanced class
The age-friendly karate classes began at the Applied Martial Arts Academy about eight months ago and are open to anyone over the age of 40. Apple Valley Studios has no upper age limit, in fact, the older the better.
Classes are intimate and last one hour every Saturday afternoon.
James Suber, 59, and Angela Sheets, 64, are regulars in the class. The two students said they manage their health by maintaining weekly martial arts classes.
“You should never underestimate your size or your age,” Sheets told the Daily Press after delivering a string of well-received high kicks.
Regular karate classes are too strenuous for seniors, so Burnell modifies almost every move in his classes for seniors. Instead of military-style strength-oriented training, seniors focus on movement concepts.
“A body in motion stays in motion,” Burnell told the Daily Press. “Students don't even need to be fully mobile. As long as they're willing to get out, we'll work with them and their illness.”
Older adults still undergo sweaty training, but this modification makes the exercises less taxing on the body.
Health benefits of advanced martial arts
Self-defense is more than pepper spray and safety whistles. Martial arts for seniors ensure safety even in the most dire situations.
Research has shown that martial arts can also improve older adults' self-confidence and overall health, including balance, flexibility, and agility. Other health benefits of advanced martial arts include:
- Improved mental clarity
- Improved strength
- stress relief
- Improved mobility
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved sociability
Burnell said she wants her fellow senior community members to be healthy and safe from predators. He is passionate about growing advanced karate classes and encourages his great-grandparents to get involved as well.
Classes will be held on Saturdays from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at 13631 Navajo Ave, Unit 103, Apple Valley. Monthly passes are $60 per student, and parking and studio entrances are located at the back of the building.
McKenna Mobley is a reporter for the Daily Press and can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.
