No one messes with black belt Jean, 64 (From Echo)

No one messes with black belt Jean, 64

11:00am Monday 9th March 2009 in Search

THE emotional and psychological effects of violent crime can often leave victims traumatised and deeply scarred, but for one elderly woman, the experience led to a decision to take up a sport that would have a profound impact on her life.

Jean Crate, of Albion Road, Westcliff, has just achieved a black belt in Shotokan karate, at the age of 64.

About eight years ago the shop worker was assaulted during an armed robbery, and although not seriously injured, Jean was determined to master self-defence.

“That had a lot to do with my decision to take up karate,” explains Jean, who works at the Co-operative supermarket, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

“I was on my own in the shop when someone came in and jumped the counter with a knife. I was just bruised and shaken up, but I wanted to be able to defend myself if it happened again.

“I hope it never does, but if it did I would be prepared.”

The path to this remarkable achievement began four and-a-half years ago when Jean first attended the Westwood Karate Academy.

“I went with my grandson David, who was seven at the time, and it just went from there,” she says.

“I have never been sporty and was a bit of a self-confessed couch potato. I started going twice a week, but over time my interest grew and I now train six times a week.”

The academy meets in community and sports centres across south Essex, teaching 400 people who range in age from four right up to Jean’s age, who is the oldest member at 64.

Yet the new black belt says her ability is not hindered in any way by her age.

“I’m the oldest in the academy and the next oldest is a 61-year-old man, but he’s just a baby,” jokes Jean.

“There is no age discrimination at all.

“Sometimes I will be up against a 14-year-old, and then I could be fighting someone who is 6ft tall, but that is the whole point.

“If you are walking along the street and get attacked, it could be any type of person.”

Run by husband and wife Alan and Carol Parrish for more than 15 years, the academy’s emphasis is on aspects of personal development including fitness, confidence and self-defence skills.

In a typical session, members will learn techniques such as punching, blocking and kicking, as well as improving their health levels.

“I never feel nervous about fighting anyone because I enjoy the physical contact,” admits Jean.

“It’s a bit of a challenge being able to keep up with someone who may be faster or more agile than you, but that’s what I like about. In the first year I lost two stone and it’s much better than going to the gym or doing a work out. As long as you are improving and going forward that’s all that matters.”

Jean picked up the prestigious belt last month after an assessment from Sensei Masao Kawasoe of the United Kingdom Traditional Karate Federation, a governing body for the sport.

The fighter had to display speed, power and technical ability in the exam which is divided into three sections; kihon which deals with basic blocking and kicking, kata which examines patterns of movement, and kumite, sparring with an opponent for just over a minute.

“I was nervous about all three,” she says.

“You just have to shut your mind off and go for it.

“When I found out I’d passed I was over the moon, and I wear my black belt with pride now.”

The highest colour belt is just the latest accolade for the karate queen, who picked up a bronze medal at a national competition in Blackpool, last year.

Carol Parrish, who has been teaching karate for more than 20 years, says Jean is a great role model to others learning martial arts.

“Many people of her age are sitting down in doors drinking cups of tea, so it’s a fantastic achievement,” she chuckles.

“Jean just looks like a normal lady of her age, but put a karate outfit on her and she’s a force to be reckoned with. She trains six times a week which is amazing and is a true inspiration for other women, and anyone else for that matter.”

The deep effect karate has had on the shop assistant is reflected in her new approach to would-be thieves.

“I feel more confident in life now and I’m taking a stand against shoplifters,” she states.

“I will challenge people if they’re causing trouble in the shop, and this has led to one or two arrests.

“I think they find it more of a shock that they have been challenged by someone of my age.

“One of my former managers said I’d saved the shop a lot of money, but I’m no hero.”