AKS Quarterly Newsletter

The DoJo

Dave Thomas
8th Dan AKS

Defying the Ages

Dave Thomas

About fifteen years ago, I was leaving class with my student and good friend, Father Jim Wyse. Class that night had been particularily vigorous and I was feeling the effects all the way to my car. "I may have to consider retiring. Tonight's training kicked my butt." I whined. "Funikoshi taught til he was 86," my dear friend replied.

"Okay, never mind." Game, set and match. The retirement lament was off the table. We changed the conversation so he could regale me with his in-depth knowledge of Spiderman.

One of the realities of the American Karate System is that many of the senior black belts are in their sixties, and a few if us in our seventies. As we discuss students, techniques and forms, we also manage to work in our last medical appointment and current prescription buffet. But in spite of our advancing years, we still bow in and give 100% for our students. We are talking about prefection of techniques and improving self-defense when our friends outside martial arts are researching retirement villages.

I reluctantly turned 72 years old last week. At this point in my life I would like my birthday to pass unnoticed, but between my friends on Facebook and my wonderful family, my birthday gets more attention than I deserve or care for.

When I am on the floor, I do stretching and warm-ups with the class, but not with the same vigor of 30 years ago. I still occasonally spar with my students, and I am honored that they allow me to score at times. Every class is great fun, hard work and pushing the envelope, and the students enjoy it too.

When I put my uniform on and stand before my class, I want them to know that the "old man" with thinning gray hair, still has something to offer them. I want them to know that I am there for them, to help them build and grow their skills. I want them to learn what I was taught, so that if the need ever arises they can use their skills to keep themselves safe. But more importantly, I want my students to know that desire and committment will triumph over years. That the years on the calendar don't define the person.

And with any luck, many years from now as the next generation of AKS Black Belts walk to their nuclear powered mode of transportation, they can share with a classmate, "I can do this because my teacher taught well into his seventies."