Miya (Miyako) Larimer

Miya Larimer

Miya (Miyako) Larimer was born February 22, 1931 in Kyoto, Japan.  As a little girl she wanted to take martial arts like her brothers, but gender-biased Japanese traditions of the time prevented it.  She'd go peek in the windows to watch the boys practice, and they'd chase her away, throwing rocks at her.

At the age of 63 she walked into Monroe County Martial Arts and asked if she could take classes.  Mrs. Scott asked her age, and Miya told a little white lie:  she said she was 57.  Mrs. Scott marveled at how young she looked for her age, and signed her up.

Miya was taking on a greater task than anyone could appreciate.  At the age of 21 she had open-heart surgery to remove scar tissue contracted from rheumatic fever.  Her physician told her she'd need regular surgeries to keep the heart free and clear of scarring.  He also told her she couldn't be physically active or have children.

Two children and a black belt later, Miya is quick to point out she never went back for another surgery.

Anniversaries are important to Miya.  On the 30th anniversary of her swearing in as a United States citizen she tested for her purple belt.  She approached Mr. Scott after the test and told him about how she'd fibbed about her age.  He wasn't upset.  He was impressed.

On another anniversary, Miya's 67th birthday, she tested for her black belt and passed.  Mr. Scott only waived one technique in deference to her age--front falls.  She performed every other required technique...and with a level of skill that humbled the middle-aged adults in attendance.

Miya started a women's Tae Kwon Do program at the Monroe County YMCA and ran it for six years.  At this writing she is preparing for her second degree black belt test.

Miya has been a loyal and dedicated member of MCMA.  It has been an honor having her as a part of our family.

Miyako at age 3

Miyako at age 5