My name is Trina Brotherton. If you’ve thought about doing Kenpo JOIN/DO IT! It has been a very important and beneficial part of my life.
Don’t let age, weight, or fear stop you.
I started karate at the age of 47. I was a middle aged, chunky mom who had never done a formal sport other than horseback riding events in her life. My friend talked me into coming to an “introductory” class – ok she begged me so she wouldn’t be alone. I went to humor her. Picture the second class (it was a two-class commitment) – there I was, able on my best day to do 5 knee pushups, overweight, watching young teenage black belts doing the FITNESS EVALUATION test – high knees, diving under bars, running patterns etc. that I was expected to do next. But the kindness and encouragement of the teachers and those young people sparked a Kenpo desire in me that has never stopped. Nine years later the whole family is doing Kenpo (my husband is delighted as a long-time martial arts enthusiast who tried to get me to try it for years).
Earning my black belt this last year was a milestone up there with graduating from Veterinary school, marriage, and the birth of my children. As Mr. John Sepulveda said, “Focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot”. I may not kick as high or hit as fast, but I can hold my own sparring. My forms may not be as fluid as the youngsters but by darn I learned them and can execute them. It may have taken me 9 years (yes, I am now 56) but Kenpo has improved my flexibility (mental and physical), strength, hand-eye coordination, and courage. And sparring is good therapy. I have grown to love the Kenpo family and the people that are drawn to it. The Lt Donadio family showed me how amazing AKTS people are and that led me to camps and even more amazing Kenpo family members.
I wish I had started when I was younger, yet I appreciate some things more at this age and love what I am able to do physically and mentally because of it. I love Kenpo! And yes Ms. Plowman, I start ju-jitsu later in August (can’t believe I’m saying that) . I feel like my journey has just started and hope to do this for decades to come