One of the oldest practitioners of Martial Arts in the area has vowed to continuing his training. Ken Nevison, of Shildon, recently celebrated his 84th birthday and, despite his age, still manages to train at least once a week. Ken started his Martial Arts experience at the age of 58 and earned his first black belt in Taekwondo at 62 years-old – receiving his second degree black belt at the age of 64.
In 1999 he started training at The Shildon Martial Arts Centre under Richy Welsh, studying Kick Boxing and Filipino Kali for almost 10 years. After taking a break due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, Ken recently started his training again at the relocated martial arts gym, Auckland Martial Arts Academy.
Richy Welsh, Senior Instructor at the Auckland Martial Arts Academy said, “Ken is an amazing gentleman. It’s very easy to say ‘oh I’m too old or too tired tonight etc.’ – but here is a guy, 80 years older than our youngest student, who refuses to give in.
“He is an inspiration and I hope to have him as a student for many more years.”
Ken now continues to study Filipino Kali and still manages to practice kick boxing on the punch bags and equipment.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
