Age is just a number—especially when it comes to pursuing a lifelong passion. But here’s where it gets truly inspiring and a bit controversial: Can someone in their seventies convincingly restart a sport like karate, and even aim for a black belt? The remarkable story of Clifford Mendez from Chaguanas challenges common perceptions about age and athletic pursuits.
At 72 years old, Mendez has made a bold comeback to karate after having paused his training for a staggering 50 years. His journey, which began in his teens, paused when he was 22, and resumed recently, exemplifies that it’s never too late to chase a dream—no matter how long it’s been on hold.
On December 20, in a momentous milestone, Mendez was officially awarded his brown belt and accompanying certificate by the Shotokan Karate do International Federation (SKIF TT), an organization with strong roots and ties to Japan. The ceremony was held at La Joya Complex, located on Eastern Main Road in St Joseph.
What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is that Mendez's entire karate adventure spans over five decades—culminating now in a renewed commitment to master the discipline and attain his black belt. "This is 50 years in the making," he shared. "I’ve never once thought about quitting. As I get older, I often wish I had started earlier or done this or that. My wish is to do it now—that’s why I’ve restarted."
The journey back onto the mats has been a test of resilience. With brown belts now training shoulder-to-shoulder with black belts, he finds himself in a different category of competitor—one that defies stereotypes. Having only recently returned to training just over four months ago, Mendez faced initial challenges. He explored various organizations, but logistical issues like distance made consistent training difficult. Determined, he sought instructors willing to train him at his home several times weekly to keep up.
His efforts paid off when he connected with Sensei Ian Sammy, the chief instructor and president of SKIF TT. Sensei Sammy arranged for trainers to conduct home lessons, which proved to be intense but rewarding. "When I started, I felt like giving up immediately," Mendez recalls. "Training was tougher than I anticipated, and my instructor didn’t hold back. I told him to push me—no mercy. I want to earn my belt, not just get it because of my age. I want to know I truly earned it and that I am capable."
After about four months of dedicated home practice, Mendez transitioned to the La Joya dojo, where he immediately felt a warm sense of belonging. "I felt so comfortable, like I was part of the team from the start. And I realized I was on par with everyone else—a real boost to my confidence," he said. Soon after, he was deemed ready to sit for his brown belt exam, which he successfully passed on December 17.
Beyond karate, Mendez’s life is full of service and continuous learning. He studied print technology at George Brown College in Canada, served on the advisory board of John Donaldson College (now the University of TT), and previously held the position of PRO at the Caribbean Students Association.
Karate also runs in his family—his sister Claudia Mendez trained with another organization, TASK, and earned her own brown belt. Known as the "kata queen" among peers, she was part of his motivation.
Although he considered resuming his karate journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, health concerns delayed his plans. This year, however, he committed wholeheartedly, training three to four times weekly, pushing through pain and discomfort, guided by Sensei Sammy’s encouraging words. "Sensei always reminds me to take things at my pace, which helps me stay motivated," Mendez explained. "His support makes me confident I’ll achieve my black belt. SKIF is family-oriented; members genuinely look out for each other."
Training alongside much younger practitioners has been a mental challenge, yet Mendez encourages others not to let age deter them. "It’s just a matter of overcoming that mental barrier and jumping in. Just do it," he advises.
He emphasizes that karate should never be used to provoke violence. Looking back, he recalls avoiding conflicts in his youth, walking away from confrontations, even competing against black belts during tournaments when he was a purple belt.
SKIF TT’s website states that their training programs cater to individuals aged four to ninety-four. Sensei Sammy mentioned that Mendez is among the organization’s oldest members, adding that a 62-year-old student is also preparing for her black belt next year. "Most people don’t expect to see someone at Mr. Mendez’s age with such dedication," he noted. Although karate was traditionally designed for adults, training has evolved to include children of various ages with tailored programs.
According to Sammy, beyond physical fitness, the discipline focuses heavily on self-protection, respect, and self-control. "Mr. Mendez’s goal is to reach his black belt, and we are committed to helping him achieve it. He has two more brown belt levels to earn within the next year, and after that, he’ll pursue his black belt. It’s important to remember; becoming a black belt involves more than just passing an exam—it requires dedicated training and perseverance."
He further added that students admire Mendez’s work ethic, seeing him as an inspiration that it’s never too late to reignite a passion and complete what was started decades ago. So, whether you believe age is a barrier or a motivator, Mendez’s story raises a compelling question: Is it possible for others to follow suit and defy age-related stereotypes? Or is this inspiring journey a rare exception? Share your thoughts—do you agree that passion and dedication can truly conquer age, or do societal norms still hold some limitations? The conversation begins now.
