An Interview with Charles Rotenberg
In the movie, “Rocky Balboa”, Rocky is in his mid-sixties, going up against a fighter much more youthful in age in an exhibition match. At one point in the film, Paulie, Rocky’s brother-in-law, questions his motivation for the fight. Rocky tells him, “There’s still some stuff in the basement.”
Have you ever felt that way?
Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Charles Rotenberg who returned to Taekwondo at age 60 after a 25-year break. At 68, Charles is a 3rd degree black belt and unstoppable.
Charles took Taekwondo in his mid-thirties for a few years, achieving a high color belt before he and his son stopped going to class. Fast forward almost thirty years later, he was having lunch with his former instructor and suddenly had the thought that he should return to class. His instructor agreed, and he donned a dobok once again. Charles was allowed to keep his rank and got quickly to work to come up to speed relearning what he once knew. After working hard for two years, he tested and earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in 2016.
I asked Charles, what are the best results of your training? He lights up, and–full of the energy of a man half his age–replies, “First I am in the best shape of my life. Having never really stuck with any other form of exercise for very long, Taekwondo has helped me get into great shape. Second,” he adds with a laugh “I love the expression on people’s faces when they realize how old I am and that I am practicing Taekwondo!”
This surprise isn’t limited to those outside the classroom, but to fellow students as well. In fact, he was recently sparring with a much younger individual who, when finding out his age said, “If I knew how old you were, I would have gone easier on you!”
Charles who practices four to five times a week then adds, “It just makes me feel good overall!”
I ask if he has any advice to the more “mature student” returning to a martial art or wrapping that white belt around their waist for the first time?
“I would say try to find an instructor closer to your age, as they are more likely to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your body. I do have a few instructors that are in their twenties who are very aware when I am in the class, so if you are not able to find someone older to teach you, just make sure they are aware of your age and the possible limitations.”
Anything else?
“Be aware of your body and adjust yourself accordingly. Try not to let your ego get in the way,” he adds with a laugh, “You can’t save both your face and your ass at the same time!” Charles gives an example of this a few classes ago they were doing 1000 kicks and 500 jumping jacks to which Charles said he paced himself and did about 750 kicks and about 350 jumping jacks which is pretty darn good for anyone, let alone a 68-year-old!
By now, you might be thinking that Charles is an exception to the rule, perhaps a lifelong athlete with above average potential and skills. When asked about his physical capabilities, he explains that he considers himself an average man when it comes to natural athletic ability. However, with dedication and training, he’s able to accomplish quite a bit.
And so can you!
When I ask him if there ever was a time he considered quitting? He did not hesitate, but firmly replied, “No, there are times when I don’t want to go to class however, I know how I am going to feel afterwards and that pushes me to go.”
Although Charles realizes age does play into his practice (for example, he gets dizzy doing jump spinning kicks and he is not as flexible as he once was), he has no intention of stopping. His next goal is to test for his 4th Dan and then his 5th Dan when he will be in his seventies. He said he’ll continue to train for the rest of his life. If he dies at 90 while breaking boards, that wouldn’t be a bad way to go!
I enjoyed my conversation with Charles. We share the same passion to see others our age (meaning in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond) be encouraged to follow their desire to studying a martial art.
In Charles, I found a kindred spirit–someone whose journey was much like my own proving that anyone who puts their mind to becoming a martial artist can achieve that if they so desire. It’s never too late. You may not be kicking out the lights in the dojang like some of your younger students, but you will find a satisfying experience being a martial artist and discovering that you most certainly have something left in the basement!
Editor’s Note: To read more of David Ianetta’s perspective, be sure to check out the rest of his articles!
- Martial Arts Through The Years: An interview With Michael Robishaw - January 12, 2023
- The Life of an Adult Martial Artist: Is It Worth the Sacrifice? - June 18, 2022
- Motivation and Age: Do You Have Something “Still in the Basement”? - June 11, 2022
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