Black belt for Thetford martial artist - at the age of 73

Mr Eves' love of Kuk Sool Won first began 10 years ago when he started taking his son to lessons at Thetford's then newly opened school.

He would often stay and help the school’s master instructor, Kris French, before eventually becoming a parent volunteer.

Then, after his son Joshua decided to have a break, having achieved his own black belt, Mr Eves realised that he was not ready to leave. 

Encouraged by Mr French, he took up the sporting activity – which encompasses a whole host of skills from weapon training and self-defense to meditation and martial arts moves – and has dedicated himself ever since. 

Mr Eves, of Fulmerston Road in Thetford, said: “I’ve never been one to sit around watching telly. 

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“I was 68 at the time but I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it, especially the physical aspect. 

“In fact, I don’t get ill often, and I really think it does keep me healthy; I really love it.” 

Mr French added: “Jack is an absolute pillar of the community. 

“He is a governor for several local schools and will do anything for anyone in the community.  

“He accumulates hundreds of miles in giving lifts to local people without transport. 

“His amazing story highlights this most recent success of his.”  

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It has taken Mr Eves five years, countless hours, and perfecting memorising 231 individual self-defense moves to achieve his black belt status. 

So inspired, the retired business owner will now be leading the Silver Tigers class for the over 50s, taking place every Friday evening between 6pm and 7pm at the Kuk Sool Won of Thetford, at the Charles Burrell Centre. 

Kuk Sool Won is not a style of martial arts but a system of styles, incorporating the entire spectrum of the Korean fighting arts.