It’s been quite a long time since I’ve posted a bit of ninja wisdom but something remarkable happened recently. It reminded me- and taught me- the true power of perseverance. The oldest student at my Taekwondo dojang is Master Jerry. Master Jerry just celebrated his 91st birthday, which makes him the oldest active 7th Dan Black Belt in the WORLD.

Master Jerry is much loved by everyone because he is so positive. He serves as such a role model to all of us. If we run to warm up, he runs. If we spar, he spars. He offers students great insights on how to improve their form. He encourages us- and he also tells us never to give up. I remember meeting him for the first time and laughing about how late I was starting my martial arts journey. He responded, “You’re forty? That means you have a good 40-50 years still!” No excuses here.

Last weekend, Master Jerry took his 8th Dan black belt evaluation test. Now, if you know any black belts, you know that every black belt level test is no small feat. Students are tested over many different forms and combinations. They face full-contact sparring. They perform board-breaking. And lastly, they are required to do a number of physical endurance challenges. I have seen many teenagers take black belt level tests and run entirely out of steam.

Well. Last weekend, Master Jerry did all of these things. Not only did he hold a plank. He also did pushups- thirty of them! Y’all, he did jack-knife leg raises. He performed all eight black belt forms, back to back. (Just remembering those is such a feat! They are complicated and long.) Master Jerry also broke boards and sparred and did kicking and punching drills. To top it all off, he meditated. Because being an 8th Dan requires total integration of mind body and spirit.

Through it all, Master Jerry didn’t even think of complaining. Instead, he met every challenge with a yell and a “yes sir.” What a ninja warrior. He is the epitome of what perseverance looks like.

At 91 years old, Master Jerry embodies what it means to have an indomitable spirit. And he proves that age is just a number, and perseverance has no age limit.

The next time you think you can’t do something, think of Master Jerry. And think again.