Mackay’s Kim Challender is believed to have set a martial arts record by becoming a karate black belt at the age of 83.
Kim recently went through a grueling test to advance to the sport’s high ranking, after training regularly at the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club’s hall at Bucasia for the past seven years under Sensi Helle Smith.
She is the oldest in her club and doesn’t know anyone in Queensland of her age who has been awarded a black belt.
Kim joined the club with her family when it first opened, and although the effort involved in training is intense, she says it’s all worthwhile.
The family connection includes her daughter Candy and her husband Taizo, who are both black belts, and their daughter Meeka, who has been doing karate since she was five.
“Meeka is 12 years old and going very well,” Kim said.
“She’s grading her way up.”
Candy and Taizo had moved north from Melbourne and were looking for somewhere to do karate when they received a flyer in the letterbox about a new club starting in the Northern Beaches, and the family was among the first to join up.
Kim’s training and bouts are all non-contact, although some contact is allowed by black belts, but with safety gear such as heavy gloves and protective clothing such as shin guards.
“If you want to get something you must practice and practice,” Kim said.
“Practice makes perfect, and you have to put in the effort as your body has to get fit.
“It’s really good for seniors as you can gradually work your way through the belts and build up the fitness.”
Kim’s other sport is table tennis, which she and her late husband John started playing at the Mackay centre in Bridge Road in the 1970s, and she is still a keen competitor in the Tuesday morning fixtures.
“It’s a sport I enjoy as it’s good for anyone of any age,” she said.
“You’re inside the hall out of the sun and don’t get sunburnt and it’s good for anyone to do from beginners to more advanced players.”
Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne
