A Cold Start

It was a cold, miserable winter night in February 2019 when it hit me—I was really getting older. Nearing 65, I found myself trawling the internet for something—anything—that might turn back the clock. Vitamins, miracle treatments, even plastic surgery crossed my screen. But deep down, I knew these weren’t the answers.

Then I stumbled across something unexpected: Kuk Sool Won. A traditional Korean martial art? Intrigued, I read on. Something about it struck a chord. Maybe, just maybe, this was the path I was looking for.

The First Step (Or 84 of Them)

I reached out to the local club and messaged Andrew, the organiser. “Is it okay for someone… well, someone more ‘mature’ to join?” His response was immediate and reassuring: “Absolutely. There’s no age limit.” That was all the encouragement I needed—or maybe all I was going to get.

One Wednesday night, nerves jangling, I climbed into the car. My wife Yellena drove me to the club, listened to my doubts, and then promptly pushed me out of the car when we arrived. No turning back now.

Andrew met me at the door, read my apprehension like a book, and calmly told me, “You’ll be fine. With the right mindset and attitude, Kuk Sool Won can change your life.”

Then came the first test: three flights of stairs—84 steps—with Andrew cheerfully chatting beside me. I tried to act casual, tried not to pant too loudly. When we arrived, I saw a sea of young, fit bodies. I questioned everything.

And yet… I stayed.

An Unexpected Spark

I joined a full three-hour session. Acrobatics that felt like Cirque du Soleil. By the end, I was drained—but I was buzzing. I felt alive again. Something had shifted.

As I made my way out, legs trembling, I had a RoboCop moment—wobbling and stiff, barely able to descend the stairs. It was a wake-up call. I was seriously unfit.

But would I go back?

Superheroes and Surprises

I signed up. And what a surprise—the people were welcoming, the atmosphere electric. Despite my age, I was never treated as an outsider. I made genuine friends, training partners who inspired me.

In my mind, they became superheroes. There was Spiderman with his incredible flexibility, the Lizard with smooth agility, and the Intellectual—calm, unpredictable, and razor-sharp. Steelman, unassuming but powerfully strong. The Gazelle—gentle but fierce. Ironman, pure dynamite. The Lady, quiet and deadly. And the Tsunami—pure energy in motion.

Yes, it sounds a bit childish, but this mental cast made every session feel like another thrilling episode in an epic series.

A New Chapter Begins

That Monday in February marked the beginning of something new. Like a child on the first day of school, I walked into the dojang full of excitement and hope.

The early days weren’t easy. It wasn’t just the physical demands—it was the mental challenge. Learning forms, memorising techniques. But to my surprise, my brain adapted. With the support of Andrew, Sarah, and all the instructors, I progressed.

One year in, I reached Blue Belt. That was when it really hit me: Kuk Sool Won had changed everything. My confidence, my fitness, my understanding of what I could achieve. It opened a Pandora’s Box of new energy, knowledge, and joy.

Reaching Higher

Fast forward a few years. In 2022, I was honoured with the title of Dahn Bo Nim and entered the Black Belt programme. I even took part in my first tournament in Liverpool and a group grading session—way outside my comfort zone. But I came out stronger.

By November 2023, alongside Lewis and Felix, I reached my goal. I received the title of Jo Kyo Nim and the Black Belt was tied around my waist by Andrew himself. It was, and still is, one of the proudest moments of my life.

Never Too Late

It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s true: it’s never too late. Whether you feel too old, too tired, or too unfit—your body can surprise you. Kuk Sool Won has been my key to better health, a better mindset, and a better life.

Now, at 71, I train four times a week and still feel those butterflies before class. Because every session brings something new.

Don’t waste time feeling old. Come and see what you’re capable of.

Kuk Sool Won might just be the adventure you didn’t know you needed.