Meet The 90-year-old Black Woman With A 5th Degree Karate Black Belt

Thelma Jones is a 90-year-old African American from Southfield, Michigan, who has a 5th-degree black belt in Isshinryu karate.

Jones has been practising Karate for the last 50 years. The veteran does not plan on stopping. She still takes Karate lessons 3 times a week at Southfield Martial Arts Center. Her legs have never relented and she remains sharply unfazed by old age.

Her instructor, Willie Adams, is a 77-year-old grandmaster with a 10th-degree black belt. He admitted to Thelma’s toughness and precision. “Anyone who knows Miss Jones would say that she is “tough.”

Thelma Jones was drawn to Karate due to its ability to make her attentive. “Karate really does teach you to listen, behind you, Infront, and be aware of all things,” Jones explained to Fox 2 Detroit.

Karate was well utilized by Jones. As a matter of fact, there were times she had to use her karate skills to defeat criminals. At 60 years of age, she was able to defend herself from robbers at a bus stop.

Most recently, she suspected a man was tracing her tracks. According to Thelma Jones, she was able to evade the man tactfully because of the senses she developed through karate. Eventually, she didn’t have to fight him off.

Usually, old age has been depicted to mean being frail and weak. However, Jones, who maintains her agility and shape at her age, wants to motivate others like her to follow suit. “Take care of your body, take care of your mind, and think a situation through before you react,” Jones admonished.