Grunting Grannies Tackle Tae Kwon Do

INCHON, Korea, May 10, 2006 — -- They may look like a bunch of ordinary grandmothers out for a little morning exercise, but one club in Asia has women in their 70s addicted to Korea's traditional martial arts.

Five days a week a tae kwon do master puts a group of older women through an intense two-hour regimen to increase flexibility, build strength and test endurance.

Chi Bok Joy, 74, says she's never felt better or healthier.

In addition to its health benefits, tae kwon do will also keep them safer. Just watch a mugger try and snatch a purse from one of these women.

Cho Cho Gae, also 74, says she'll slug a would-be attacker and kick him, sending him running off in tears before he has the chance to steal any of her belongings.

In this class, the grandmothers grunt and chop through blocks of wood.

While most have been practicing tae kwon do for only about five years, many have already been awarded the highest ranking in the sport -- the black belt.

Their instructor says it proves tae kwon do can benefit people of all ages. The only problem with teaching the elderly, he says, is an hour later they sometimes forget what he's told them.

At age 80, one participant says that's a minor problem. Three years ago Kim Yin Bok was crippled with arthritis and diabetes; now she moves comfortably during the practice sessions she attends.

They're all tough, proud and independent, thanks to this exercise, and they're still getting a kick out of life.