Boxing Up Self-Defense for Older Hoosiers

When you think of those who know self-defense, seniors might not always come to mind. A former boxer is trying to knock out the misconceptions while helping them stay active.

"I think that every senior should know how to protect themselves," 74-year-old Leslie Vaughn said.

She joined about a dozen others at the Centerwell Senior Primary Facility on the city's northwest side to participate in a boxing class led by former heavyweight boxing champion 'Relentless' Lamon Brewster.

"It's these seniors that helped me to become successful by them pushing me at a time when they were young. I don't want them to feel like people have forgotten about them, so I started this program," Brewster said.

Brewster comes to the primary care center twice every month to teach the senior boxing classes for free.

The workouts consist of five stations, with three rounds of exercises practicing various boxing moves and skills.

"The boxing class is excellent, and it keeps you moving and your body moving," Vaughn said.

She told WRTV the classes are about much more than just throwing out a few right hooks.

"We come here, and we laugh and we talk and we drink coffee and we eat. It's just the atmosphere, it helps us to stay young," Vaughn explained.

The goal is to not only make sure the seniors stay active but also provide them with the tools to defend themselves if they ever need to.

"Whenever seniors are out, they're usually the targeted ones," said Athena Salisbury, community engagement professional. "The more that we can equip them with good moves, good posture, good techniques, I feel like we can keep them safe."

Vaughn added, "If you're able to defend yourselves to hit the vital part, you have time enough to call for help."