Colorado Strong: Beloved septuagenarian proves age is an afterthought, conquers taekwondo black belt

A Monument woman spent Saturday alongside dozens of classmates who could be her grandchildren.

After passing a test, she earned a recognition that only proves she’s still in her prime.

Inside a Colorado Springs gym, generations of students are moving and kicking toward a taekwondo black belt, including Suzanne Louden, 77.

“If I didn’t do this, I’d probably be at home on the couch watching soap operas which are boring,” the retired grade school counselor said. “My husband’s friend once asked why doesn’t she knit? I knit and crochet, but to me, movement has always been most important thing.”

Louden calls taekwondo the art of living well. She stumbled into this art of her choosing after seeing a flier at her local shopping center almost five years ago.

“When I saw the sign one free lesson, I thought why not,” Louden recalled.

Suzanne’s proud son Thomas made the trip from North Carolina to see his mom prove that age is only a number.

“What can you say?,” Thomas said. “She’s 77, she’s an inspiration to the whole family. My daughters are beginning to take taekwondo because of my mom. I came out here, surprised her and had to make sure she wasn’t in a position where she could hurt me.”

A 5 feet of Louden kicks with a youthful vigor. She displays a youthful spirit she hopes propels her to a loafty goal.

“My mother lived until she was 99,” Louden said “I’m going to make it there, too, and, I’ll still be doing taekwondo.”

With that attitude and this constant exercise how can anyone doubt her?

This septuagenarian doesn’t even think of herself as the oldest kid in class.

Suzanne walks to any pre-teen or teen and ask for help with a kick or a position and they are only too happy to oblige.

She trains five days a week at least an hour a day.