By Lauren Wanko
Correspondent
At Berkeley Township Recreation senior citizens learn how to block from a punch, get out of a chokehold and defend themselves against a knife attack.
“People are not aware of crime and unfortunately. They think that they live in the suburbs and there’s no crime in the suburbs. That’s not true, there’s crime everywhere. You have to be alert and keep yourself safe,” said black belt instructor Walter Miller.
Miller has earned black belts in three martial arts. The retired accountant’s been sharing his passion to protect for decades. He says seniors can often be an easy target, but they can handle the moves taught in this class.
“All of the defenses are based on leverage, that’s why this class is geared for older adults. I teach folks of any type of physical condition and they can handle the technique because they don’t require strength. It’s only based on leverage,” Miller said.
“I don’t have to be this strong body builder girl in order to be able to help myself. I can do it by myself,” said Mary Ellen Holmes.
“It gives me confidence to be able to keep active again, to be able to get out and do what I want to do, not to be concerned about my age,” Doria Dalo said.
Sixty-one-year-old, Doria Dalo likes spending time outdoors. The Toms River resident now feels empowered and more comfortable when she’s out alone. Seventy-seven-year-old Carmin Vitale has been a student here for the past 12 years. He says the class is a mental exercise too.
“As you get older your reflexes slow down and you’re physically not able to do things when you were younger. You should always be aware in order to keep yourself safe in today’s society,” Vitale said.
Berkeley Township Recreation has been offering this senior self-defense class for about a decade. It costs $25 for eight, one-hour weekly sessions. And, for many of the students it’s not just about self-defense. For seniors who may be at an increased risk of falls they also learn how to improve their balance.
“My legs were getting weaker and this helped me with balance and strengthening my legs,” said Jack Inman.
Still, 63-year-old Inman appreciates the self-defense training.
“I feel more confident in what I can do, like properly throwing a punch, if I have to, or kicking,” he said.
Instructor Miller emphasizes two basic elements — escape and counter attack.
“The escape may be the block. The counter attack would be grabbing the neck of the attacker and doing a knee kick to the groin,” Miller said.
He teaches three basic blocks: high, middle inside and low blocks.
“After repetition you’re able to do this without thinking. You have no time to think. You have to react quickly and these blocks may save your life,” he said.
Students also learn how to protect themselves from a knife attack. They’re taught a series of moves and those skills enable them to take the weapon from their attacker and regain control.
The seniors hope they’ll never have to use these moves outside the classroom, but if they need to they’re ready.