Alberton women break stereotypes, earn karate yellow belts at 61
Two Alberton Retirement Village residents have proven that age is just a number and not a limitation
Petro Coulthard and Wilna Jenkinson, residents of Alberton Retirement Village, have shattered stereotypes by earning yellow belts in karate at 61.
Their remarkable journey began six months ago when they joined Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Academy.
Inspired by an advertisement, they embarked on this new adventure seeking self-defence skills and personal growth.
According to Riana Roos, senseis Llewellyn Oosthuizen and Veronica van den Heever introduced karate lessons to the village after witnessing residents’ vibrancy and enthusiasm during a concert.
Karate transformed their lives, boosting confidence, posture, muscle development and concentration.
“Karate is not a race; you can take as many years to learn it. It teaches valuable skills like self-defence techniques and how to handle challenging situations,” explained Coulthard.
Coulthard, a self-taught electrical engineer with over 35 years of experience, faced early retirement but found a new purpose in teaching engineering to three students outside the village.
After she got her pension fund, Petro bought a place at the retirement village. Her passions include reflexology, bible study and misogyny. Previously an avid swimmer, Coulthard now enjoys the social aspects of karate.
Jenkinson, an event coordinator, model and dancer, revisited karate for self-defence after a traumatic experience in her 30s.
Jenkinson found herself being assaulted by someone close to her heart and after this, she decided to learn karate. Recently, she faced profound losses: her beloved dog passed away in June last year, followed by her mother’s passing in July after a long illness.
Now, she cares for her 83-year-old father in the retirement village.
Earning their yellow belts symbolised achievement and hard work.
“I feel like I’ve achieved something in my life. I’ll continue to do karate for the rest of my life; I want to grow in it,” said Jenkinson.
Sensei Jacques Albasini praised their dedication: “Their hard work and dedication have enabled them to achieve their goals in more than a satisfactory manner. Teaching them gives me and other instructors a wonderful sense of belonging.”
Despite life’s hardships, Jenkinson and Coulthard find joy in the retirement village’s vibrant atmosphere.
“This place is a holiday resort, not a retirement village,” Petro laughed.
Friendly residents and diverse activities in the retirement village fuel their enthusiasm.
Coulthard and Jenkinson’s inspiring story showcases determination, friendship and karate’s transformative power in overcoming life’s obstacles regardless of age.
