Karate teacher continues his passion at 79
Karate master Malcolm Dorfman believes staying active, both physically and mentally, is the key to living a fulfilling life, and is showing that age should not stop anyone from embarking on a new chapter.
An individual’s golden years are often seen as a time when one reflects on the journey of their life, hang on to past memories, and finally takes a step back from the demands of everyday life.
However, that is not the case for Malcolm Dorfman. At 79, he says retirement has never been a part of his plan.
Dorfman continues to teach karate, train consistently, and build a future around the discipline that has shaped his life for almost six decades.
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After spending 42 years at his dojo in Parktown North, Dorfman decided to sell the property and take on a new challenge of purchasing a heritage house and building a new dojo there. Now, he continues teaching and imparting his knowledge about karate at his new location.
Before getting into karate, Dorfman practiced judo. He got to experience karate one day, at the age of 19, and that was the beginning of his journey. He soon realised that it is the discipline that suited him, hence committing his life to mastering and teaching it.
Today, he is still doing what he started nearly 60 years ago, mentoring, teaching, and remaining strong in mind, spirit, and body. “I will never retire. For me, retirement means not having anything really constructive to do in one’s life.”
Dorfman’s typical day starts with him handling administrative work. From there he will head to gym, and on some days, after gym, he visits his grandchildren for a bonding session. Thereafter, he goes back to his dojo where he’ll teach and train karate.
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Away from karate, which he describes as his life, he winds down by watching Korean TV series, his current watch being My Royal Nemesis.
Dorfman advises younger generations to never take their health for granted. “Don’t think that because you’re young and strong now, that can last forever.”
He encourages people to keep their minds active and to exercise in such a way that is gentle on the body, to avoid life threatening injuries. “Health can be maintained with effort.”
For Dorfman, growing older does not mean walking away from life; it simply means digging deep to find reasons to be part of it.
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