Tai Chi students learn walking stick self-defence

From left to right, Carol, Sue, Ruth and Joanne all said they benefited from the classes

A group of older people who have learned to practise Tai Chi using walking sticks and umbrellas have said it helped them feel more confident about going out at night.

Tai Chi is a Chinese form of martial arts that is known for its slow, intentional movements and positive impact on health and wellbeing.

Participants in the classes at Foxwood Community Centre in York said learning how to use a walking stick or umbrella to deter would-be attackers had helped them feel “more secure”.

Class instructor Betty Sutherland said those taking part had all “brought a bit of humour” into learning their new skill.

Members of the class said they felt "more secure" while out walking at night thanks to their new skill

Ms Sutherland said: “Tai Chi gets bad press for being for older people and that it’s really easy, which gives the impression it’s not a real sport.

"But it is a real form of self-defence and it's about showing you’re not going to be a walkover."

She added that for those taking part in the classes, learning Tai Chi was "about learning something new and keeping the grey matter going".

Class instructor Betty Sutherland said as well as having a serious side, the classes were meant to be "fun"

Participants Carol, 77, and Sue, 78, said they attended the class to “keep fit and make friends”, as well as improve their “balance and concentration”.

Meanwhile, Joanne, 75, added that the skill “makes you feel a bit more secure as you know how to defend yourself”.

Another of those taking part in the class said that if she was “out walking at night with my walking stick, I would obviously now feel a bit safer”.

The walking stick Tai Chi classes are held regularly at Foxwood Community Centre in York

However, Ms Sutherland said that while the classes did have their serious side, she added that learning the ancient martial art was "also fun".

“You wouldn’t do it unless you were into a bit of fun, so we’ve brought a bit of humour into it," she said.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.