A Riverside Adult Karate Testimonial

Mary started WCRB Karate in the winter of 2023. Prior to starting she had three heart attacks and open-heart surgery.

Her doctors told her that her bypass failed due to calcification. Upon hearing the news, she was determined to get better and committed herself to exercise.

One day at work, she happened to meet Master Batiste (the karate instructor at Riverside Wellness and Fitness). She told him that she was interested in taking Karate but wondered if she might be too old (62); not only did he assure her that she was not, but he also told her how martial arts was a kind of “Wonder Drug” for people ages forty and up.

He talked about how research has proven that martial arts are a great way to exercise the heart, increase bone density, improve mental acuity and alertness, improve spatial awareness, balance, respiratory and cardiovascular function and more! She was sold.

A week later she was having her first lesson. Admittedly it did not go as well as she would have liked. Not only did the class show that she was out of shape, but because of a lack of balance - due to ageing - she had to hold on to the wall in the kicking portion of the class.

Someone else might have said, “This is not for me” and walked out that night never to look back, but not Mary. She committed herself to living the martial arts credo of mastering martial arts by mastering yourself.

After three months of solid training here is what she reported:

·        She no longer falls an average of three times a month.

·        She is now capable of using her left hand equally as well as her right at work.

·         Staying active developed “collaterals” and effectively made a bypass around her bypass.

·        There is no damage to her heart from her previous heart attacks because of staying active and exercising.

·        Her balance has improved, and she no longer must hold on to the wall when kicking.

·        She also reports that her flexibility has gotten better, and tightened muscles are helping to support her back!

 Soon she will be qualified to test for her Gold Belt (a landmark achievement for someone in her starting condition).

               Is it a miracle? NOPE! It is just how martial arts works. Why not be like Mary, overcome your inhibitions, and give adult karate a try. You will be glad you did.