23 Dec New York Post: Badass senior citizens learn self-defense
While the NYC native of Chinese descent always felt safe living in Manhattan, life here has changed radically since the pandemic first overwhelmed the city in March of 2020, which prompted unprecedented — and unwarranted — violence against Asian citizens due to COVID-19 having originated in China.
Martial arts instructor Sammy Yuen, an Upper West Side father-of-two, wants vulnerable populations to be proactive, and works with students well into their 80s on striking and punching drills during the weekly Tuesday class for seniors. The cafeteria-style room, complete with large refrigerators and a gleaming disco ball hanging from the ceiling, is a bit of a departure for the martial arts master, who is used to practicing in tricked-out fitness studios.