Sport
6 March, 2023
Free karate program offered for elderly residents
Karate is being offered to Maryborough residents aged between 60-80 as a means of keeping fit and healthy. Peter Jackson, karate instructor and sixth Dan at the Kokoro Kai Goju club on Gibbs Place, is offering free classes to those in the age...
Karate is being offered to Maryborough residents aged between 60-80 as a means of keeping fit and healthy.
Peter Jackson, karate instructor and sixth Dan at the Kokoro Kai Goju club on Gibbs Place, is offering free classes to those in the age bracket as a means of giving people an opportunity to learn karate, and enjoy a social environment with like-minded people on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 pm.
Initiatives such as providing health benefits will be encouraged throughout classes. Jackson says that classes will be simplistic, but plenty can be gained out of participation.
“The fact of the matter is that they can exercise, so the class will consist of gentle stretching and gentle exercising for the 60-80 age group, as I’m in it myself, as well as self-defence. You can’t have them jumping in the air, performing side-kicks and things like that, but there’s still a lot a person can do if they are getting attacked, so they can learn that at the same time. It gives someone in that age group an interest, helps their health, bone density is also important, stopping osteoporosis, and they’ll also feel a bit more confident,” he said.
“I can also teach people how to use their cane as a weapon for self-defence.”
Jackson, who is 67, is drawing on personal experiences to provide the classes.
“I’ve been teaching for 30-40 years, but it’s something to offer through my own experience. I’m 67 now, I have had arthritis and other physical injuries, I’m finding out how much I can’t do. I’ve had to re-assess myself how I would use my martial arts at my age, and it’s made me think about the whole age-level in the area,” he said.
“It’s also a social opportunity, as they get to meet other people and might not get out that often. It’s a free class, and there’s no commitment. The pension is small and you can’t do much, so it’s something that I can offer as I have a full-time dojo that is getting paid for by the standard class members.”
Jackson is looking for at least five to six members.
To book places in the karate class, contact Jackson at 0418 358 231 or email peterj_cvb@bigpond.com.