A sport after 60 on Nuns’ Island: choose the right one, and try karate

Pool, walking, gym or dojo: a few simple questions help you find the activity that suits you.

• A regular schedule. Sessions at fixed times become an appointment in your week, easy to keep.
• A group. You see the same faces from one week to the next, and you learn together.
• Someone to guide you. An instructor who shows, corrects and supports you during the session.
• Visible progress. A clear goal at each stage, to measure how far you have come.
• The pleasure of learning. New movements, a technique to refine, a discipline to discover.

Karate ticks every box on this list, and the free trial class lets you check each one for yourself, on the mat, before you decide.

A regular appointment. Adult classes five days a week, at fixed times — the schedule gives the times.

A group of all ages. Adult classes welcome everyone from 14 up: at 60 or beyond, you train in the same line as everyone else, from the opening bow to the closing one.

An instructor throughout the class. They show each technique, correct and guide each student — What training in Kyokushin is like describes a class from start to finish.

Clear progress. Ten grades lead to the black belt, each with its stances, techniques and kata — Kyokushin karate belts gives the order. You present each grade when you are ready: you move forward at your own pace, measured against yourself.

Sparring, when you choose it. Kumite comes later, at the instructor’s invitation — What is Kyokushin kumite? explains how it is introduced. Basic techniques, kata, conditioning and flexibility are worked on with the group, each at their own pace.

Where to find us. At 550 chemin du Golf, on Nuns’ Island: suite 010 is on the lower level; access is by stairs. A question before you come? The dojo answers at 514-756-0984.

To learn everything before you start, read Karate for seniors: start at 50, 60 and beyond: what karate gives you, your first year step by step, the adapted version of the conditioning and flexibility exercises that the instructor suggests, and what to bring to your first class. For any health question, your doctor is the right person to ask.

The dojo is at 550 chemin du Golf, suite 010, on Nuns’ Island (Verdun), and also serves LaSalle, Pointe-Saint-Charles and the Sud-Ouest. Children train from age 4 to 13, adults from 14, five days a week: the schedule gives the groups and times, the pricing page the monthly rates.

The first class is a free trial: comfortable clothes and a bottle of water are enough — what to bring to your first class has the list.