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90-Year-Old Woman From Michigan Has A 5th Degree Karate Black Belt, History Achievement

Detroit woman celebrates 90th š›š¢š«š­š”day with 5th degree karate black belt

As she turned 90, Thelma Jones received her fifth-degree black belt. The Detroit woman has been practicing karate for 50 years, and has even used it to fight off criminals.

Thelma Jones isnā€™t letting her age stop her.

The 90-year-old from the east side ofĀ DetroitĀ has earned her fifth-degree black belt in Isshinryu karate, and she plans to keep going.

ā€œYou mention Miss Jones, and they go, ā€˜Oh I know Miss Jones, sheā€™s tough,’ā€ said grandmaster Willie Adams.

Jones takes lessons from Adams, a 10th-degree black belt, three times a week atĀ SouthfieldĀ Martial Arts.

ā€œIt really does teach you to listen, behind you, in front, and be aware of all things,ā€ Jones said.

When she was 60, she used her karate sš“€š’¾š“š“s to fight off robbers at a bus stop. Recently, she used what she has learned from karate to protect herself from a suspicious man following her, but with a different approach.

ā€œI crossed the street back, and he came at me. So, I went into the liquor store and waited until he left,ā€ she said. ā€œThat was karate right there, that was using your brain. I didnā€™t want to duke it out with him.ā€

After 50 years of karate, Jones has some advice: ā€œTake care of your body, take care of your mind, and think a situation through before you react.ā€

Jones isnā€™t the only older person at the dojo, either. Adams, who is 77, said many people are in their 70s.

ā€œThe retired, they come here to get in shape, builds up confidence, slow to anger,ā€ he said.

Source: fox2detroit.com

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