Celebrating our older martial artists

DBN Margaret from Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero

At our martial arts school we are privileged to teach students from aged 5 to 75. It’s extremely rewarding to see the development and growth our youngest students as they learn the fundamentals of our martial art. It is exciting to know that they have decades of life ahead of them and that the guidance and training they receive while at our school may positively influence their lives in some way.
 
It is equally rewarding though to work with older students. Our oldest student, Dahn Boh Nim Margaret, joined our school three years ago with her granddaughter. She was 72 when she started her martial arts training. Both are now well on their way to achieving their black belt. Working with DBN Margaret constantly reminds me of the importance of embracing and celebrating the experience and contribution older people bring to all aspects of society.
 
There is an uncomfortable reality in our society. Older people can face discrimination because of their age, although it is often subtle. The elderly can be seen as a burden on younger taxpayers, due to the health and pension costs that old age and retirement bring. Their views and experience can be dismissed as lacking in relevance to the younger population. Social isolation and elder abuse are all too frequent realities. Current research indicates that about half of older New Zealanders experience some level of loneliness, and 8-9% feel lonely all or most of the time. Elder abuse is also prevalent.  Around 10% of people aged over 65 will experience some form of elder abuse. These statistics are not unique to New Zealand. They represent a global phenomenon.
 
In the martial arts world, we often focus on physical prowess and athletic ability, which are associated with youth. However, it is important to also embrace and celebrate our older martial artists. There are many reasons for this.

• They have a wealth of life experience. If we are prepared to listen, they have much wisdom to share.
• They are generous with their time. Volunteers are typically seniors and martial arts clubs rely on students volunteering their time for activities like fundraising and working bees.
• They provide emotional support and friendship to others. We all go through tough times when we need support from those around us. Older students know how hard life can be and are a great source of compassion and guidance.
• They are inspirational. Despite physical limitations and pain, they are dedicated to their training and role model tenacity. They don’t give up, are patient, and show us how age does not need to be a barrier to learning and personal development.

I am by no means old, but at 50 I am aware that the golden years of old age are not that far away. When I watch DBN Margaret training I am inspired. I hope that in 25 years time I am as physically fit and committed to my training as she is now. She reminds me to never give up, to always strive to learn more, to physically challenge myself, and to be humble while I am doing it. Every martial arts school can benefit from older students like DBN Margaret.

JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero

Note: Dahn Boh Nim or DBN is black-brown belt rank in Kuk Sool Won™.

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