A martial arts way of life

In grading to black belt status in Te Kao last month, Rose Lazarus Spicer admitted feeling a slight sense of discomfort in promoting her achievement - as it risked contradicting the humble nature expected from highly ranked martial artists - but believed she had an important and inspirational message to share with other women.

"I got my black belt the other day. I had breast cancer, I had an aneurism [stroke]. I just wanted to tell people, mainly women, you get cancer, life still goes on. I survived. I want women to know you have these things ... you can carry on," said Spicer.

Indeed it took five years of intensive martial arts training for Rose Lazarus Spicer to complete her shodan black belt grading in Te Kao last week alongside her son, 12-year-old Te Waa Spicer, and Sasha Johnson who also celebrated reaching this level.

The trio belong to the Whanake Rangataua Martial Arts Club in Te Kao - which has been running for nigh on three decades apparently - and run by instructors Andrew and Mani Ihaka. Rose and Te Waa hail from Te Hapua and join another young club member Cruise Maaka who obtained his shodan grade in November 2012.

In its report on the recent grading, the club made special mention of Rose who, in the past few years, has had to overcome several serious medical conditions.

"Alongside her 12-year-old son, Te Waa, her mental discipline, commitment and attitude towards training and the martial arts way of life helped her achieve this status, remarkable, especially at 57 years of age."

Spicer herself stated earlier this week that the focus she put on training toward her black belt goal over the past five years had made her more determined to overcome any adversity encountered on her path.