Elsie’s a karate kid – at 66!

ABBY GILLIES | 11th December 2009

Elsie George is 66, retired, and a black belt in seido karate.

The agile Aranui woman can regularly be seen at the New Brighton karate club, where she trains five times a week with sensei Peter McDonald.

"My husband calls me his hero. I can defend myself, but they’ve got to catch me first," she said.

Mrs George learns the Japanese martial art alongside students who are often less than half her age. But age has never been a barrier, she said.

"I’ve got the stamina and the will and the only thing that’s holding me back is my mind."

Mr McDonald said reaching second dan nidan black belt was a huge accomplishment.

"What she’s achieved at her age is a real achievement in every sense of the word."

Mrs George took up seido karate 14 years ago, because her daughters learnt it and the mental discipline and fitness needed for the sport appealed to her.

"It’s time for me away from the family and the pressure of everyday life.

"I must admit I got addicted to it."

Since then, she has outlasted both daughters and progressed through eleven belts to reach the level of black belt.

She trains on average two hours every Monday and Wednesday and one hour every Thursday.

Students are invited to advance to each level by their teacher and must demonstrate an understanding of theory, form and fitness.

In the past Mrs George has taken part in sparring competitions, but prefers to do kata – a set of formal defence and attack moves.

Seido karate is physical but gentle discipline, based on principles of love, respect and obedience, she said.

Karate is her main form of exercise, but the retired check-out operator also enjoys cycling and walking.

And she hopes to still be doing it when she is 100.

"We’ll see what happens. I’d like to continue for as long as my health allows me."