Grandparents urged to take up kick-boxing to protect themselves (From Southend Standard)

Grandad kick starts new hobby aged 70

7:00am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Echo News

A FITNESS instructor is encouraging grandparents to take up kick boxing to defend themselves against attacks.

You’re never too old to take up the sport is the message people like Chris Fudge, 70, of Canewdon View Road, Rochford, are being told.

He’s just been awarded his first belt after taking classes when friend and kick-boxer, Alan Downing, 69, of Fairfield Road, Thundesley, encouraged him to get involved.

They were trained by former Army physical instructor Rob Read who runs a weekly class in Rochford, one of the few in the UK to be endorsed by the respected Lee Matthews British Military Marshall Arts group.

Mr Read, 46, who works for the NHS as a fitness coach, wants to encourage people like Mr Fudge to attend.

He said: “All of these skills are specific to self defence. It will help people deal with certain situations and know whether to become involved or not."

Mr Fudge, who has just gained his yellow belt, said he was disappointed he didn’t start kick boxing years ago.

He said: “I’d been meaning to do this for a number of years but because of my work, or seeing the grandchildren, I always found an excuse not to.

“I wanted to do kick boxing because I wanted combine both my hands and feet, and it appeared easier than judo and karate – appeared!

His friend Mr Downing took up kick boxing two years ago and currently holds a blue belt.

Mr Downing said: “It does give you confidence, especially when you hear stories about elderly people getting attacked. By learning this, it would make people think twice about approaching you.

Anyone interested in joining Rob’s classes can contact him at 07725 012426.