WESTWOOD—If 80 is the new 60, then a Westwood couple who move like Jagger and kick like Jean-Claude Van Damme —and recently attained black belts in taekwondo—have raised the bar even higher.
On March 24, new black belts Dr. Robert and Norma Walsky will celebrate another momentous occasion: their golden 50th wedding anniversary.
The couple met at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City when he was a resident surgeon and she was a nurse. Now, at a youthful 79 and 84, the Walskys are active in the martial arts, and due to their dedication, strength, and perseverance particularly over the past five years, both climbed the rungs of proficiency to their first dan black belt.
DP Martial Arts Academy in Westwood congratulated the couple online on Jan. 30, saying in part that it was “an inspiring display of commitment and perseverance.”
It said, “The Walskys, who have been dedicated members of the martial arts program for several years, proved that age is no barrier to success. They demonstrated exceptional skill and determination during their journey to the coveted black belt.”
The couple’s instructor at DP Martial Arts Academy, Master Doug, said “Norma and Dr. Walsky are an inspiration to us all. They embraced challenges and demonstrated that age is truly just a number. Earning a black belt is a significant accomplishment, and they have earned it with hard work and dedication.”
DP Martial Arts Academy, at 609 Broadway, says it takes pride in “fostering an inclusive environment that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to pursue their martial arts goals” and that “as the Walskys proudly wear their black belts, they continue to inspire their fellow martial artists and serve as shining examples of the ageless pursuit of personal growth and achievement.”
Taekwondo, a combat sport developed during the 1940s and 1950s by Korean martial artists, has been gaining in popularity in the West.
Following a test that required the Walskys perform many taekwondo defensive techniques, they received their personalized black belts at a ceremony at their academy on Jan. 27.
Robert, who turns 80 in May, is a retired vascular surgeon still affiliated with Englewood Medical Center. He’s had both knees and a shoulder replaced. Norma is a retired clinical social worker with two replacement hips.
The couple have lived in the borough 44 years and have three grown children out of state—two sons and a daughter—and two grandchildren.
Asked what their kids and grandkids have said of the couple getting their black belts, Norma beamed, “They think it’s terrific.”
The two are quick to point out that additional levels of training distinction are there should they feel inclined to go further.
Robert said, “Our martial arts journey has been an incredible experience. It’s not just about the physical aspect; it’s about mental fortitude and pushing our limits. Achieving the black belt at this stage of our lives is a testament to the power of continuous learning.”
He said he and Norma love taekwondo because it allows them to exercise as a couple—to improve balance and fitness. He said the black belt represents competency in forms and maneuvers, including techniques for blocking, punching, kicking, and turning. Earning a monogrammed black belt, he said, was a thrill but not an end in itself and that they planned to keep practicing and keep active.
Norma said when both started on their taekwondo journey neither had dreams of obtaining a black belt. The students said, “We did it for the exercise and discipline of the sport.”
As they passed tests for lower belts, such as white, yellow, green, purple, red and brown, she said the black belt came as “a nice reward” for their dedication. She said she also takes Zumba classes and lifts weights.
Robert said he was not taking taekwondo “to become a fighter. We were there to do exercises, gain better balance, and just get better over time. The belt was not as important as the exercise and gaining benefits from the exercise.”
As for celebrations planned for their golden anniversary, Norma said nothing’s been decided yet.
They certainly have well-wishers on DP Martial Arts Academy’s Facebook. A few comments:
- Alejandro Alex Iglesias: “This is beautiful.”
- Brianna Ibarrola: “Congratulations, what an amazing accomplishment! They are so inspiring! I’ve always admired their determination and perseverance. They truly embody what it means to have an indomitable spirit. Thank you, DPMA, for always encouraging all students to achieve their goals and never give up!”
- Kimberly LaRose: “Love this! Congrats Norma and Bob!”