Fighting fit at 82

The 82-year-old has been practising aikido, a martial art that focuses on teaching self-defence without harming the attacker, for 45 years and is a seventh dan black belt.

‘It keeps one fit all the time, it’s a very intense sort of martial arts (and) you never stop learning,’ he said.

‘It’s character building; it builds your inner self and confidence and is non-aggressive.’

Mr Humphreys started learning aikido in England with several friends, but he was the only one to keep it up.

He is now principal instructor of Wanneroo-Joondalup Aikido Club, which he helped establish in the early 80s after moving to Australia.

‘I still wanted to do aikido, but had to travel around so thought, why not start our own (club)?’ he said.

‘We’re a very close knit club and are a non-profit organisation, we only charge so we can pay for use of the premises.’

Mr Humphreys said aikido can be learnt by anyone.

‘There’s no strength to it, it’s all done by movement of the body and it’s very mental,’ he said. ‘I do it for enjoyment and because you’re always learning.’