A 90-year-old woman is proving age is truly nothing but a number.
Thelma Jones is a Detroit native who recently celebrated her 90th birthday by earning her fifth-degree black belt in Isshinryu karate.
According to Fox 2 Detroit, she has used her 50 years worth of skills to fight off criminals.
She recalled a time when she was 60-year-old and came across robbers. “I crossed the street back, and he came at me. So, I went into the liquor store and waited until he left,” she said. “That was karate right there, that was using your brain. I didn’t want to duke it out with him.”
“It really does teach you to listen, behind you, in front, and be aware of all things,” Jones added.
Jones takes her lessons from a tenth-degree black belt grandmaster, Willie Adams. She trains three times a week at the dojo.
“You mention Miss Jones, and they go, ‘Oh I know Miss Jones, she’s tough,'” said grandmaster Willie Adams.
Adams, 77, also trains all of the major police departments and other law enforcement agencies in the area. According to the studio’s website, he is also a private investigator in Michigan and actively participates in the local D. A. R. E. program aimed to keep kids away from drugs.
Southfield Martial Arts Studio shared an announcement congratulating Jones for her achievement on their Facebook page.
They wrote, “Congrats to Sensei Thelma Jones on her promotion to 5th degree black belt and on her 90th Birthday! She is an inspiration to all of us! Please check the following links to view the interview with Fox 2 News Charlie Langton.”
Related Story: Naomi Osaka Earned Record-Breaking $55 Million In The Past Year
Jones wants to continue learning new skills in karate for as long as possible. She encourages others to do the same and motivates those who may not believe they can do what she does. She shared advice with those wanting to stay in shape or start something new.
“Take care of your body, take care of your mind, and think a situation through before you react,” she said.
Happy Birthday, Thlema! We hope to see you kicking butt in your sixth-degree black belt soon.
Check out Jones in action:
