I refuse to be thought of as “the old guy.” Even at the age of 72.
When I stepped onto the mat for my first martial arts class in over 40 years, that’s exactly how I was worried about being seen. By the end of the first class, though, all of that worry went away.
I first started taking martial arts when I was in law school. I enrolled, took classes for about 2-3 years, and even earned my black belt.
Then life hit hard. I had to study for and take the bar exam. Then I began working at a very busy, prestigious law firm. At the same time, I was also starting my family. Before I knew it, I had been away from formal martial arts training for over 40 years.
I turned 70, and my granddaughter was taking Tae Kwon-Do at Master Gorino’s. I always missed my martial arts training and was looking for something to keep me sharp in my retirement years.
So, while taking my granddaughter to one of her classes, I met with Master Gorino, told him my history, and asked him about taking lessons for myself again. Master Gorino encouraged me to take advantage of the trial period, to see how I liked it.
I really liked it.
I like the physical part because Tae Kwon-Do is a great workout, and I know it will keep me in shape. I like the mental aspect because with all of the forms and patterns I need to be able to remember, it keeps my memory sharp. And as a senior citizen in a world that certainly isn’t getting any less violent, I liked that Tae Kwon-Do could help me defend myself. I might look more vulnerable, but I’m not.
I see the benefits of martial arts for people of all ages and backgrounds. I said before that I have a granddaughter at the same Master Gorino location that I train at, on Niagara Falls Boulevard. But, I also have a grandson who trains at the other location under Master Sharratt.
Master Gorino has over 40 years of experience, and is a 9th degree black belt. Master Sharratt is a fifth degree black belt, with 30 years of experience of her own. And both are extremely involved in every aspect of their schools. The benefits of studying under that much hands-on experience is immeasurable.
Someone in my position, who is starting over at a much older age than most other students, naturally has different limitations on how I can train. My knees and hips can’t do what they used to . Master Gorino and his team are experienced enough to not only recognize that, but to know how to accommodate me to help me achieve my goals.
The instructors here are focused on making every student here the optimal version of themselves, regardless of age. They have me doing things I never thought I would be able to do at 72, but they’re always respectful of my limitations.
Another reason I love it here is my fellow students. In the year and a half since returning to martial arts, they have never once made me feel like “the old guy.” Everyone is as friendly and helpful to me as they are to everyone else. The environment here is just incredible.
If you learn nothing else from me, let it be this: It is never too late to start. Regardless of your age or health circumstances, if you’re ready to learn, Master Gorino and the other instructors here will find a way to help you become the best version of yourself.
Tae Kwon-Do has become a very important part of my retirement years, and I sincerely hope that other retirees will read this and look into coming here to develop themselves physically and mentally.
Don’t worry about being “the old guy.” Definitely don’t let it keep you from signing up. At other schools, where they have a one-size-fits-all approach to instruction, you might get left behind. But not here. Not at Master Gorino’s.
Master Gorino’s Tae Kwon-Do offers a trial program for individuals and families in Buffalo, NY and the surrounding areas that allows you to get a feel for the different classes, meet our instructors, and experience our dojang. It’s a great way to see if Tae Kwon-Do is right for you. To learn more or to sign up, visit the Contact Us page or call (716) 836-KICK (5425) and a member of our team will follow up with you on next steps. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Pil-Sung!
