Simon Carson, a 66-year-old martial arts enthusiast and former secondary school headteacher, began his judo journey at age 63 and is now training for his green belt at Haltemprice Judo Club with the long-term ambition of earning a black belt before turning 80.
From Shotokan Karate Second Dan to New Ground Challenges
Simon’s martial arts background began decades earlier when he took up Shotokan karate at the age of 14, eventually securing his second dan black belt at 62. However, long-standing fascination with judo’s grappling techniques prompted him to pivot into a new discipline upon entering retirement. “I had always been interested in judo and had read books on the art,” Simon stated. “I was very aware, though, that my own grappling was pretty poor and it seemed obvious that to improve I would need to train with experts!”
Walking into Haltemprice Judo Club for the first time presented distinct mental hurdles despite his martial arts background. “I felt a little anxious in the changing room putting on a judogi, but at least I knew how to tie the belt! When I walked into the dojo, though, everyone was very friendly and welcoming and my age didn’t phase the coaches, even though I hadn’t revealed it in my initial phone call for fear of being told I was too old,” Simon explained.
Belt Progression and Competitive Randori Realities
Initial concerns regarding pre-existing knee problems and the physical demands of sparring against younger members dissipated as coaching staff provided encouragement. Over a three-year span, Simon advanced through the red, yellow, and orange belt grading tiers, setting his sights on the upcoming green belt assessment. Reaching milestones in judo carries a unique psychological weight compared to his earlier karate grades. “When I took my 6th Kyu, red belt, grading, and passed, I was over the moon. It possibly meant more to me than my second dan in karate, probably because it is such a different skill set,” Simon noted.
| Attribute | Karate Background | Judo Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Age Started | Age 14 | Age 63 |
| Current Rank / Goal | Second Dan Black Belt | Green Belt (Working toward Black Belt) |
| Primary Focus | N/A | Grappling, Throwing, and Randori |
Testing his technical competence outside standard club training, Simon entered the York Festival of Judo, squaring off against three higher-graded opponents in their twenties. While match outcomes did not fall in his favor, the tournament validated the supportive club culture and the physical viability of competitive randori for older practitioners. Beyond physical conditioning, Simon serves the Haltemprice club as Club Welfare Officer, utilizing his professional background in educational leadership to support club members.
“What keeps me coming back to the mat is that I really enjoy the challenge of learning new skills, the fact that I am making progress, despite the frustration, the support and camaraderie of my club mates, positive feedback from my first rate coaches, and the exhilaration of randori,” Simon said. Addressing adults hesitant to step onto the tatami later in life, Simon offered a straightforward assessment: “They say that the best time to start learning a new skill was 10 years ago, and the second best time is today. For anyone thinking of starting judo in later life, my advice is do it now! You’re never too old.”
