Parkinson’s Karate Club (YMCA Shoreline)

ON BREAK FOR SUMMER. WE WILL SEE YOU BACK AFTER SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION!

About Allen Alston’s Parkinson’s Karate Club

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago my doctor said the best way to hold it at bay was through rigorous exercise. I’ve been participating in the Shoreline YMCA’s Pedaling for Parkinsons and the Rock Steady Boxing program, which is held locally at Cappy’s Gym in Seattle. Both programs are excellent and were obviously designed by people who understand the physical conditioning needs of people with Parkinsons.

What struck me was how similar the boxing program is to a karate training regime. Forty years ago, I was a serious student of karate. I worked my way up to Black Belt and ultimately managed a branch Dojo for the Washington Karate Association. But things change. I got married, went back to my original career and moved away.

After all these years I still practice on my own. The beauty of karate is that once you learn the basics you can practice solo, at home or in a park. A spin room or boxing gym is not necessary.

As with all exercise programs I believe working out with others is much better than solo. There is a lot to be said for peer pressure. I never would have believed I could spin for an hour. This is why I am forming an informal group to use karate as a self-defense against Parkinsons. I will share what I know about karate and what I have recently learned about exercise since my diagnosis.

The Shoreline YMCA, where I take my spin classes, has agreed to let us meet in one of their exercise rooms. Like their Pedaling for Parkinsons program, participants would not need to be members of the Y.

If you would like to participate, contact me.

Allen Alston
(206) 327-2311
alston12@comcast.net