Silver Tigers Roar!
Cover Stories | admin | May 9, 2010 at 11:32 amShouting out the Secrets of Staying Young in Body and Soul!
Shouting out the Secrets of Staying Young in Body and Soul!
Clint Robinson
He is apparently ageless and might be taken for a man 20 years younger, but a Sacramento area fitness icon gives all the credit for his youthful vitality to his regular workouts as one of the foremost teachers of Tae Kwon Do in America. Not nature or nurture, Clint Robinson says, “If you rest you rust,” everyone and anyone can benefit from regular exercise. The best endorsement for his success is his students, like Roseville’s Marilyn Hearon who says, “I’m loving it. I love how it makes me feel, the mental challenge as well as the physical.” The 73 year-old mother of seven says, “It’s awesome!” One hour a week makes all the difference in the world.
From roots in the Alabama countryside to the highest levels of accomplishment, Clint Robinson has grown to become one of America’s top martial arts instructors. The climb to 9th Degree Black Belt all began when Mr. Robinson joined the Air Force to see the world. One of the most interesting aspects of traveling was learning about the local culture. That knowledge became his inspiration to learn the traditional Korean martial art, Tae Kwon Do (TKD) that features fast, fluid motion and powerful kicks. Now, 41 years later Clint has reached the very top levels of accomplishment as Vice President of the United World Tae Kwon Do Association, an instructor at American River College and owner of 18 successful martial arts schools throughout the Sacramento region.
Settling in Sacramento, California, Mr. Robinson began teaching students at a small Broadway school in 1975. Now an accomplished Grandmaster in TKD, Mr. Robinson has taught thousands of students who now bring their children, and grandchildren, to his instructors for their introduction to the Black Belt self-defense and fitness training program. As he has said, “Life is a journey and while the destination is the goal, with TKD you achieve a healthy fit life along the way.”
For some adults a Black Belt is not their goal, particularly for those over 50 whose focus is primarily maintaining good health. It was that realization that opened the door to creating a completely new TKD-based health maintenance, low impact workout for adults called the Silver Tigers. Avid skier and 17 year TKD student Jim Kassis who is a Black Belt says, “I think that longevity, mentally and physically, is dependent on exercise and I enjoy the camaraderie of workouts.” As many adults are busy, the classes are one hour, once a week, and provide a workout featuring some of the classic moves of Tae Kwon Do, core-strengthening exercises from Pilates and flexibility and balance training found in Yoga. “Any form of exercise that makes you concentrate is beneficial.” Rancho Cordova’s Kassis says, “At my age (69) focus is tough, I don’t know what I would be like without it.” Just after Easter, Kassis skied from dawn to dusk enjoying a trackless run late on that windy day, “I can outdo most of my friends who are twenty years younger, as far as physical strength and endurance.”
There is no sparring or “fighting” involved and each Silver Tiger earns a belt specially created to denote their accomplishments. For many, the Silver Tiger Club also offers a great social experience to network with friends and share great memories while working out together. Often adults complain most ‘gym’ workouts are oriented to younger, social groups more interested in romance than fitness. The Silver Tigers program provides an atmosphere oriented to health maintenance and shared experience. Three times each month the Silver Tigers exercise, one session a month they practice self-defense moves and 65 year-old Wayne Needham says, “I learned other martial arts in hand-to-hand combat in the Army, but Tae Kwon Do used properly keeps an assailant from even touching you. With TKD you can disable an opponent from a distance.” Escapes based on simple, easy to remember moves from Tae Kwon Do give you great confidence. As 73 year-old Sinatra fan and former distance runner Marilyn recalls, “I had gone to New York City, totally by myself after 9/11 happened and walked the streets late at night and was never afraid.” Needham was much more direct, “An older person is much more likely to become a victim for a physical crime, and so just the fact that you are now able to defend yourself is an asset.”
Jim Kassis and Liz Passmore
If you are interested in learning more, Mr. Robinson has generously offered to provide Senior Magazine readers their first month of classes at no cost. In other words, Free to readers of Senior Magazine. Bring your copy of Senior Magazine and come workout, try it for yourself and pay nothing. Publisher Daphne Lang describes the benefit as ‘full of vim and vigor’ for those over 49. “When you start getting older you have to stop and think, it’s all mind and body. It’s never too late to start.” Marilyn Hearon says, “I had surgery and several screws hold my back together so I began Tae Kwon Do to help build strength and flexibility after my surgeon said, ‘go for it’, and I did.” The Silver Tiger program is just $10 per class with discounts available through the Silver Tigers Club. Wayne Needham says achieving health is priceless, “TKD will keep you healthy; give you cardio and vascular improvement; weight control from using up the calories and for an older person, you feel good after a workout so you become more active, achieve more. You get more flexible which means you are less prone to break things, sprain knees, hips and things of this nature.” Needham knows a little about falls as he is related to famed movie stunt director, Hal Needham.
Marianne Fulton and Rick Reed
The Silver Tiger Club also offers the opportunity to become mentors and assist with regular TKD classes should seniors care to come share the benefit of their experience with a younger generation. Wayne Needham currently trains with his grandson. As many older Americans find themselves separated from family by long distances, this chance to work with younger people is a unique aspect of the Silver Tiger Club. After a background check, Silver Tigers will work directly with Black Belt instructors to help young students achieve their goals as mentors in their class.
It’s no surprise that Robinson’s is often called, ‘the first name in family martial arts.’ Mr. Robinson says, “Come let’s hear you, ‘Roar like a Silver Tiger’”. For more information, call (916) 481-6815 and mention that you wish to take advantage of the first four weeks free of charge to see if you, too, can be a Silver Tiger! Your family will be proud of you. (don’t forget your copy of Senior Magazine). There is no age limitation.
Story By Rick Reed
Photos by Mark Long, ELEAKIS & ELDER
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I am interested in the free 4 wk trail classes for Silver Tigers. I live near Carmichael/Citrus Heights and curious as to the location of the classes.
Hi Rose, We are meeting at 12n each Thursday, at present, at the Carmichael school located next to Thrift Town at the corner of Marconi and Fair Oaks. Call Mr. Peschke our instructor for more at 979-9155. Hope to see you there, I am training with my wife and several neighbors. Best, R R
I am looking for a class in Petaluma, California. Thank you
Where is the nearest facility to the Greenhaven/Pocket Area?
Is ‘Silver Tigers’ offer in Elk Grove location? -Philip
Can you please list all the locations where the Silver Tigers program is available? I read about it in the Sacramento Bee on July 26 and it sounds like something my husband and I (in our 50’s) would really enjoy and benefit from. Thank you so much!
I am 74 years old & have always exercised .Lately I have just been doing an hour walk every day. I feel i need something more. Do you have any classes in Rancho Cordova or near to Bradshaw & Folsom blvd.
are there classes in the rio linda/elverta/natomas area?
Hi, I just read the article in the Sac Bee. Can you tell me where some of your locations are for the Silver Tigers classes in the Fair Oaks area. Also, exactly what is the Silver Tigers Club?
Thank you,
Vikki
I live near Fair Oaks and Greenback. Do you have any Silver Tigers near there? Also may I observe and talk to you about health issues before participating in your program?
Respectfully,
Judy
I’m interested in a Silver Tigers program in Elk Grove. Is there such a program?
I am interested in the Silver Tigers program. I live in the Elk Grove area and work in the Auburn/Watt/ Madison area. Please provide more info on class times and locations. Thanks.
the four lessons sound great. anything near North Natomas. Maybe Roseville is the closest.
Also would be interested in classes in the Rio Linda/Elverta/Natomas area
That’s my mom, Marilyn Hearon. She can kick some ass!!! You go mom!
I am interested in the Silver Tiger program. I live in Rocklin. Is there a program nearby? Thank you
Hi Betsy, I’m sorry but we haven’t reached Petaluma yet, perhaps in the future. Now only at our 19 Sac area location. Thanks for your interest, keeping moving. Best, RR
Any lessons in Natomas area. Would love to try it out.
Hi Ron, We have a location in Laguna West, our instructor is Paul Robinson.
9105 Laguna Main Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 475-1229 Get active, live long!
Hi Phillip, Come join us at Robinson’s Laguna West, our instructor is Paul Robinson. 9105 Laguna Main Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 475-1229
Hi Dan, Please talk with our instructor Paul Robinson, 9105 Laguna Main Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 475-1229
Hi Diane, We are not open in Natomas yet, but you could come to Watt Ave. just north of Elkhorn Blvd. Talk with Stan Robinson, our instructor. 6840 Watt Ave North Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 332-6979
Hi Susan, We are offering the classes based on local demand, and currently meet at Fulton/Marconi, Carmichael, Roseville, Elk Grove/Laguna, Watt Ave. North Highlands, Rocklin and Lincoln. Class times vary by location, and we are adding new evening and Saturday classes. visit http://www.robinsonstkd.com and come join my wife and I. It’s good for you and fun together. RR
Hi Dodie, We can offer the class at our Rancho Cordova location on Olsen Drive, if we get a couple people to come out. Can you find a friend to come along? Please call Master Willie Rankin, our instructor in RC 11009 Olson Dr Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 638-5411
Hi Carolyn, Your closest location may be Watt Ave. just north of Elkhorn Blvd. in North Highlands, but please visit the website for all 19 locations to check for yourself, http://www.robinsonstkd.com. Call Stan Robinson at Watt Ave. 6840 Watt Ave North Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 332-6979
Hi Vicki, We are offering classes starting at half a dozen locations. We have a location in Fair Oaks and another in Carmichael. 6324 Fair Oaks Blvd Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 979-9155 or 8066 Sunset Ave Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (916) 965-1659
Hi Judy, We will work with everyone to meet their individual needs with this class. You are always welcome to come visit Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do anytime. We have a new location in Citrus Heights, and established schools in Fair Oaks, Carmichael and North Highlands. I can’t be sure what’s best, so please visit the website, http://www.robinsonstkd.com to decide which works for you. Class times vary by location and we are adding new evening and a Saturday time. Fair Oaks may be closest, 8066 Sunset Ave Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (916) 965-1659
Hi Dan, Give Paul Robinson a try at the Laguna West location. 9105 Laguna Main Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 475-1229 or visit the website at http://www.robinsonstkd.com
Hi Ray, Please give Paul Robinson a call at Laguna West, 9105 Laguna Main Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 475-1229 or we also offer classes at other locations and you can best see where by visiting the website at http://www.robinsonstkd.com.
Hi Mona, We would love to have you join us but we don’t have a Natomas location open yet. Watt Ave. may be closest, give Stan Robinson a call 6840 Watt Ave North Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 332-6979 or visit the website at http://www.robinsonstkd.com for a complete list of locations.
Hi Bunny, Please consider visiting us at Watt Ave. it may be closest to Natomas. Give Stan Robinson at call 6840 Watt Ave North Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 332-6979 or visit the website to find a location best for you.
Hi Sharyn, We offer Silver Tigers in Roseville 7456 Foothills Blvd Roseville, CA 95747 (916) 783-3191 but check with Rocklin at 2620 Sunset Blvd Rocklin, CA 95677 (916) 624-2528 to see if they have added a class.
The location at 11009 Olson Drive in Rancho Cordova has a class on Tuesday mornings at 10:00. Call 638-5411 for more information.
Jim Kassis
i wan to know about that school…. how much i need to pay for month…
i love taekwoando i wan to practice…:D alot