Karate black belts awarded to 79-year-old athletes

Two 79-year-old women have been awarded their black belts in the martial art of karate after taking up the sport aged 74.

Beryl Bellamy, from South Petherton in Somerset, and Susie McPherson, from Merriott in Somerset, began training at Nishikan Martial Arts in autumn 2020 after seeing an advert on social media.

"My friends just think we're mad, but I think it's a frame of mind," Ms Bellamy said.

"You can think 'I'm in my late-70s and it's time to slow down,' but while you can, you ought to keep going."

Their instructor, sensei Brett Jacobs, said he was initially concerned when they began training.

"When they came in, I thought they didn't realise what karate is, and at the end I expected them to say it wasn't for them, but they returned every week," he said.

"It is unusual for people to start and begin as novices in their mid-70s and get a black belt," Mr Jacobs added.

"They're brilliant to teach, pretty old school, and forgetting their age they are impressive karateka [karate athletes]."

Husband 'keeps distance'

The pair went through a rigorous six-hour grading assessment in Wincanton earlier this year, which included performing techniques, defences against attacks and breaking wooden boards.

Ms McPherson's daughter and granddaughter have also reached the same rank.

"I wish I had done it earlier," Ms McPherson said.

"My family were pleased that I was doing it, but my husband just keeps a distance as it goes over his head.

"It's not all like competition karate and what you see in these films, but it's a challenge and it's fun."

Both women plan to continue training for the next stage in their black belt journey, with their next dan grading in a year and a half.