Mesa seniors earn karate belts at Optum Community Center

A year ago, Jeanne Young would have asked what planet someone was from if anyone suggested she take karate. On Sept. 24, the 70-year-old earned her orange belt at the Optum Community Center in Mesa, joining 12 other seniors who earned orange or yellow belts.

The students, ages 64 to 85, demonstrated drills and kata (forms) after six months of practice.

Instructor Ilana Obrand, a decorated Shotokan black belt, modifies the movements for older adults and different ability levels.

The class is not about fighting. It uses controlled martial arts exercises to help seniors improve balance, coordination, mobility, strength and concentration.

Those skills can make everyday activities safer and easier. Practicing stances and deliberate movements challenges students to shift their weight, steady themselves, and remain aware of their bodies. These abilities help with walking, turning, reaching, and recovering from a misstep. Repeating the sequences also gives students mental exercise as they memorize patterns and follow instructions.

For Young, who has osteoporosis, balance was a particular concern. She said the class has improved her strength, balance, and endurance and made her more confident in daily tasks. The progress has also helped ease her fear of falling. She values the concentration required to learn each movement and the discipline of attending class.

Optum Community Center in Mesa is at 6005 E. Southern Ave. Go to optum.com.