Korean War veteran, 85, earns black belt

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- An elderly Fullerton man has a new lease on life, thanks to karate. On Saturday, he achieved a major milestone by getting his black belt.

When Chuck Geitner, 85, started at the American Martial Arts Academy in Fullerton about five years ago, he could barely even walk.

Instructors helped him with his stretching and flexibility so he could do those karate moves. Now, Geitner can kick up to his waist without falling.

He received his black belt Saturday, which Geitner says makes him proud of how far he's come.

"I take the challenge, and when there's a challenge or if somebody tells me I can't do something, then I resolve instead to do it, so I do it," Geitner said.

Geitner says the next goal is to get to the next step in the black belt level. Geitner is also a Korean War veteran.