BEVERLY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — For Rona Lischinsky's 70th birthday, she isn't just blowing out candles on a cake, but breaking a few boards as well.
The grandmother and martial arts instructor at Safe Harbor Martial Arts and More in Beverly is a fourth degree black belt in the Korean art of Tang Soo Do. To celebrate the milestone of reaching 70, Lischinsky will break 70 one-inch boards in 70 seconds.
"I wanted to do something special," Lischinsky told WBZ NewsRadio Friday. "I know 70 is a big year and I think I feel the healthiest and strongest I have ever felt."
Breaking the boards is one of twelve monthly challenges that she will attempt to accomplish during her 70th year. Other challenges include hiking a 4000 ft. mountain and competing in the Fenway Park Spartan Race.
Lischinsky, who operates Safe Harbor alongside her husband Joseph, wants to inspire the women that attend the self defense courses at her dojo that age is just a number.
"The women come in, they’re timid, they don’t know what is in store for them," Lischinsky said. "And at the end of the four hours, they’re empowered, and it’s inspiring. And I think especially for some of the middle aged women and senior women who come, they see me doing it and they think, well, if she can do it, maybe I can do it."
WBZ's Kendall Buhl reports.