Senior karate classes: Apple Valley residents don't let age determine their ability
Apple Valley seniors know that the golden years aren't limited to knitting and reading the paper.
The kiai's, or "hi-yah" shouts, of these High Desert seniors can be heard from Bear Valley Road to Highway 18 as they practice their roundhouse kicks in karate class at the Academy of Applied Martial Arts.
Don Burnell, a 60-year-old Victorville resident, is the sensei at the academy. He's been practicing martial arts for over 40 years, inspired by the prowess of Bruce Lee.
As Burnell matured to the ripe young age of 60, so did his aches and pains. He decided to incorporate Jukuren Karate-Do, "old hand karate," into his academy agenda to accommodate community members who felt similar "pains of aging."
Burnell, who turned to martial arts as a result of bullying in school, believes that everyone has a right to feel secure. Senior karate classes are a direct approach to self-defense. Burnell's students first learn bunkai, or the analysis of the moves, to understand how the techniques can be used in self-defense situations.
Bodies and minds weaken with age, Burnell told the Daily Press, rendering elder individuals vulnerable to senior fraud and crime. Self-defense is one of the most important tools for seniors to maintain as they grow older and inevitably weaker, according to the sensei, and is the drive behind his newly offered senior karate classes.
Senior classes at the academy
The elder-friendly karate classes debuted at the Academy of Applied Martial Arts about eight months ago and are open to anyone above the age of 40. There's no age ceiling at the Apple Valley studio, in fact, the older the better.
The classes are intimate and last for an hour each Saturday afternoon.
James Suber, 59, and Angela Sheetz, 64, are class regulars. The two students said they take command of their health by maintaining the routine of weekly martial arts classes.
"Never underestimate size or age," Sheetz told the Daily Press after a series of echoing high kicks.
Normal karate classes are too intense for seniors, so Burnell modifies almost every move for his elderly-aged classes. Instead of militarized strength-oriented training, the seniors focus more on the concept of movement.
"A body in motion stays in motion," Burnell told the Daily Press. "Students don't even have to be completely mobile, we work with them and their ailments as long as they're willing to come out."
The seniors still get a sweat-inducing workout, but the modifications ensure that the practice isn't too jarring on the body.
The health benefits of senior martial arts
Self-defense goes beyond pepper spray and a safety whistle. Martial arts for seniors ensures safety in the most dire situations.
Studies have shown that martial arts also improves the self-confidence and the overall health of older adults, including balance, flexibility, and agility. Other health benefits of senior martial arts include:
Enhanced mental clarity
Improved strength
Stress relief
Increased mobility
Improved cardiovascular health
Increased socialization
Burnell said he wants his fellow senior community to be healthy and protected from predators. He's eager to grow his senior karate classes and urges even great-grandparents to show up.
Classes are from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at 13631 Navajo Ave, Unit 103, Apple Valley. Monthly passes are $60 per student, and parking and the studio entrance are located in the back of the building.
McKenna Mobley is a Daily Press reporter and can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: High Desert senior citizens karate chop their way to fitness
