Tom Webber with his new rank—Orange Belt!
Tom started Shotokan Karate at the Anza gym at age 86, earning his orange belt at age 87. He is still going strong and focused on earning a higher rank in 2024!
So, who is this guy? Tom is from a family of five brothers and two sisters and grew up in La Grange, Ill. His earliest memories were of his two oldest brothers enlisting in the Army the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and went to Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. Tom and his wife Diane have been married for 47 years and raised six children (four boys and two girls). Of those six, three boys and his youngest daughter served in the military. He has 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He lived in California, Colorado, and Washington, and finally settled in Cedar Rapids until his move to Quail Creek. He and Diane were looking for a place to retire and started researching places on the Internet. He kept coming across Green Valley and Quail Creek. After visiting twice, they bought a villa. Tom says, “It did not take long for us to realize it was the best decision we could have made. The quality of life, the people, and the variety of activities here could not be better.”
Tom heard about the karate classes offered at the Anza gym. “At my age, I wanted an activity that would help me with everything—my mental and physical well-being, coordination, flexibility, and balance. I attended a couple of classes and was impressed with the level of instruction from Sensei Herum (4th Degree Black Belt) and the tremendous support and help from the other class members. It is really like finding a new family. It is a wonderful learning experience, along with great health benefits. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new activity!”
What is a typical class session like, Tom? “The beginning and ending of karate class involve bowing in and warming up. We do stretches that will help with balance and prepare us for whatever techniques we are going to be using. We do lots of basics, known in karate as Kihon, learning the proper form and technique for stances, punches, kicks, and blocks. Often the next step is Kata—drills that will teach you how to move from one position to another. After time and practice, you might advance to Kumite, which are drills derived from the Kata that are specially meant to teach self-defense. I feel so confident each step of the way and very supported. I am making my mind and body stronger with each class, all while making new friends along the way.”
If Tom can do it, you can, too! Classes are at the Anza gym on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. Stop by and visit with us!