Age no barrier to martial artists
By MARK I. JOHNSON
Staff Writer
Last update: 15 July 2003
At age 70, Richard Schraeder still gets a kick out of life.
He proved that recently when he traveled to Punta Gorda for three days of testing to earn a black belt in Okinawa-based Uechi-Ryu karate.
Walking down the street, Schraeder might not look like someone who can break a board with his fist. At 5-foot-10-inches tall and weighing 192 pounds, he tends to blend in with his peers, but he carries himself with confidence.
"I know I can defend myself and my wife. That means a lot to me," he said.
However, Schraeder stresses his form of karate is about defense rather than offense.
"This is not Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee," he said. "We are not here to attack anyone. When confronted, you are supposed to back off, but when you are attacked, you can stop it and defend yourself."
Schraeder found karate after moving to Edgewater about three years ago from the Ocala area. Interested in staying physically fit, the retired newspaper distribution worker and his wife, Carol, started looking for a gym and found Nautilus by the Sea in New Smyrna Beach.
Even with all the workout equipment, it was something going on in the back that caught Schraeder's attention -- Bob Otto's karate class.
Otto, a New Smyrna Beach police officer and sixth-degree black belt, persuaded Schraeder to give the sport a try, despite being more than six decades older than the youngest person in the class.
Today, Schraeder spends about 16 hours per week in training, which includes stretching, practicing his technique and sparring with his fellow students. He said karate has helped keep him flexible and makes him feel younger, especially when he is working out with his classmates.
"They cheer me on and keep me going," he said. "Bob (Otto) puts me with everyone."
Carol Schraeder said when her husband first expressed interest in martial arts, she told him to go for it but now says she did not realize the commitment the sport requires.
"I thought it would be like me going to the gym," she said.
Otto said having a student like Schraeder is rare.
"He is the oldest person I have ever heard of being presented a black belt," he said.
"Otto said while karate can be for anyone of almost any age, when you have a student like Schraeder, that truism is reinforced.
"Age does not matter," he said.
mark.johnson@news-jrnl.com
Age is no barrier...
Moderator: Available
-
Dana Sheets
- Posts: 2715
- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 6:01 am
Age is no barrier...
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJ ... 071503.htm
-
Jackie Olsen
- Posts: 619
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 1998 6:01 am
- Contact:
Isn't that great! I remember when I was growing up there was a couple in their 60s who started GYMNASTICS (Sokol Tyrs, ethnic gymnastic org). They inspired me then, as this guy does now.
Age/injuries certainly bring challenges to our training. But in return offer the gift of health, better outlook on life and a "spring in our steps & sparkle in our eyes."
Jackie
Age/injuries certainly bring challenges to our training. But in return offer the gift of health, better outlook on life and a "spring in our steps & sparkle in our eyes."
Jackie
-
Guest
I recently met a judo instructor from a town a short distance from home. (He's from the Takahashi Dojo Rick!)(I plan to start cross training with them this fall.) This Sensei spent some time telling me about his 78 year old green belt!
Laird
Don't forget to bring home the chips!! We can accomplish nothing until we get our asses of the couch2Green wrote:
...can I please have that framed to put on top of the TV where my wife can see it?
Just grumbling.
NM
Laird
