Senior Stick Fit

Senior Stick Fit is an Indiana-based fitness and martial arts program founded in 2012 to help older adults support their health, fitness, and quality of life. Its classes combine practices from Tai Chi, Qigong, and Kali stick training, drawing on traditional martial arts alongside modern insights. Instruction is tailored to the needs of seniors, with a gradual approach that begins with fundamentals and progresses to basic techniques. The program emphasizes overall well-being, including balance, flexibility, fitness, and self-defense.

A key offering is Senior Strong, a 30-minute, low-impact class designed specifically for adults aged 65 and older. The routines are moderately challenging and can be performed either standing or seated, making participation possible for people with different abilities. Senior Stick Fit is led by co-founder and chief instructor James Birkle of Jasper, Indiana. His more than 55 years of martial arts experience includes certification in Tai Chi and Qigong, as well as multiple black belts. The organization welcomes prospective participants to schedule a class.