When Karen Gigikos took her first Taekwondo/Hapkido lesson two years ago at the young age of 64, she had no idea how it would change her life. The mother of seven daughters, 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Gigikos simply thought the classes looked like fun.  Now, after having earned her first black belt as well as numerous trophies and awards, she’s set her sights on becoming a world champion.

Gigikos will give a live demonstration, and discuss her martial arts experiences, at the 3rd annual Seniors Spring Show™, to be held April 3-4, 2006 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake.

“I used to watch martial arts on TV when I was real little, and was intrigued,” Gigikos recalls. Then in 2004, shortly after eight family members including her husband and parents died of cancer, Gigikos met martial arts Master Instructor Stephan Stenzel. “He invited me to come by and watch his students at his Minneapolis/New Prague Centers. I kept coming to watch and finally asked if I could join a class. I started training, and the more I did the more fun it became! I never thought I’d get a black belt. But Master Stenzel always told me that if a person in a wheelchair can, if a man he knows with one arm did, and a man who did not complete the second grade – Abraham Lincoln – became one of the most revered presidents of the United States, it’s not the dream that quits but only the dreamer. So I started to believe him.”

Gigikos began training three to four times a week, a schedule she still maintains. “I have trained about 650 hours in the last year and a half,” she confirms. She won the Minnesota state titles in 2004 and 2005, and has earned more than 20 trophies, a dozen medals, and a leader certificate. “I still have goals I’d like to reach. I’m going for another black belt. I’d also like to become a world champion. And I want to be an instructor someday.”

Some might find it amazing to learn that Gigikos has accomplished all she has despite having had two knee surgeries, a stent in her heart, and having a parathyroid tumor that left her feeling rundown. “My doctors are all for this! They say it is helping and strengthening me,” she says.

Gigikos adds that seniors should not be afraid to try martial arts. “All seniors should consider this. It teaches you valuable self defense lessons. There are so many easy things you can do to protect yourself! Also, this is an art that does not weaken you, but safely strengthens you mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. You’ve got all kinds of padding. You’re taught where to hit. A good master will watch over you. I do a lot of blocking and striking with my arms, elbows and hands, more so than my feet although I use them as well. The other day, I was able to break a green board when other students in the class could not!”

Gigikos says that the martial arts have helped improve her emotional outlook as well, saying: “I’m on a high!” For additional information on martial arts classes within the Twin Cities, contact Stephan Stenzel at 763-427-1083 or via e-mail at stenzeltkd@aol.com.

The Seniors Spring Show™ is an opportunity for seniors and caregivers to explore hundreds of products and services targeting their age group. There also are interesting speakers, great entertainment, and hundreds of dollars in free prizes and giveaways. For additional information, and half price tickets visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256.

The Seniors Spring Show™ is sponsored by KSTP-TV, KSTC-TV, Medica, Humana, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota, Stressfree Living, Senior Times, and Media Relations, Inc.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Karen Gigikos, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.