Empowering Seniors Through Taekwondo: A Shift in Perspective

Mr. Soh truly understands the importance of staying active. He notes that after taking just a few weeks off from his routine, he feels noticeably stiffer and less energetic. “I look at my friends, and they seem like sick men,” he remarked candidly. His goal is to maintain his active lifestyle and remaining engaged in physical activity.

Encouraging Older Adults to Embrace Taekwondo

Recently, TeamgOLD showcased their skills at a championship held at Our Tampines Hub, marking a significant event dedicated to older taekwondo enthusiasts in Singapore. This event not only highlighted their capabilities but also underscored the growing interest among seniors in martial arts.

Alongside TeamgOLD, another noteworthy participant was Club Diamond, part of the Ildo Taekwondo Academy. This club specifically supports practitioners aged 60 and above and has made a conscious effort to include women without black belts in their demonstrations. The aim is to inspire more women to join the sport.

According to Ms. Linda Sim, a taekwondo world champion and a founding member of Club Diamond, this initiative is essential for broadening participation. Although she is the oldest female member of TeamgOLD, she admits that the training atmosphere there can be quite daunting. “TeamgOLD has a lot of men, and they’re all black belts who engage in intense kicking and punching,” she explained.

However, at Club Diamond, Ms. Sim feels a sense of belonging and highlights the club’s mission: “This allows people like myself to continue enjoying, competing, and maintaining our health. It aligns perfectly with the principles of active aging.” She expressed a desire for older adults to pursue taekwondo actively, as they are often encouraged to opt for gentler exercises like tai chi.

“I want them to realize they can do taekwondo because it’s more energetic and physical,” she added, advocating for a more dynamic approach to fitness for seniors.

Conclusion

The growing presence of seniors in taekwondo indicates a shift in how older adults can embrace physical activity. With supportive communities like Club Diamond, more individuals are finding ways to stay active and healthy through martial arts.