AGE IS NO OBSTACLE: Instructor Katey Wallace is hoping to recruit people for a new over 50s martial arts class to be held at The Hub, Barnard Castle
AGE IS NO OBSTACLE: Instructor Katey Wallace is hoping to recruit people for a new over 50s martial arts class to be held at The Hub, Barnard Castle

A MARTIAL arts class for the over 50s is being launched in the dale.

Instructor Katey Wallace, who has been teaching for over 20 years, will lead the class every Tuesday between 10am and 11am at The Hub, in Barnard Castle.

“People associate martial arts training with younger people but nothing could be further from the truth,” she said.

“The benefits of martial arts for older people are huge, including better health, improved fitness, better memory, strengthening joints, co-ordination, flexibility and much much more.

“I’m hoping this class encourages parents and grandparents to step out their comfort zone.”

The oldest student Katey has taught was 92, while an instructor friend in Milton Keynes helped three septuagenarians achieve their black belt – and this has inspired her to do the same in Teesdale. She said: “Nothing is impossible. I’m not looking for a big class just a handful of people who want to learn.”

Booking is essential. Contact Ms Wallace on 07901 650796. The first class will be held on Tuesday, January 29.

Anyone who can’t make the morning session but would be interested should also contact Ms Wallace, as an evening class in planned for the future.