We have the power to shape what aging looks like. For Marilyn Crawford, it’s living into her favorite shirt: “Growing old is mandatory, growing up, that’s optional”.
Nestled within Raynham Marketplace on 1470 New State Highway, Unity Martial Arts is home to a family dressed in crimson, focused on training their bodies and putting their hearts into martial arts. On Saturday September 26, 2026, the dojo held phase testing for a group of their black belt students. Among them was 75 year- old Marilyn Crawford.
Trained by Sensei Brandy and Sensei Joey Fischbach to earn her 5th degree black belt, Crawford’s journey did not start there. We called her to find out first hand how she began training in martial arts.
Crawford explained, over 21 years ago, she entered her name into a raffle, not thinking much of it. After receiving the news that she had won a month free at the dojo, she thought to herself, “What the hey, why not?” As she trained, Crawford came to the realization that this is where she belonged, embarking on a journey that would lead her to not one, but five black belts.
Having worked as a psych nurse for 26 years, Crawford understands first hand what it is like to be there in support for others. “I’m like the Dojo Mama, despite me being old enough to be their grandmother,” she explained. The Tiny Tigers and Little Dragons refer to her as “Mama,” loving each time she walks through the door.
Crawford attributes her success to the support of her family, allowing her to continue on in ways that she never thought she’d be able to. “If you told me 22 years ago I’d be doing this, I would have never believed you.” Crawford states. Crawford’s family grant their gallant grandmother nicknames such as “Kung-Fu Grammy” and “Ninja Nana”.
Her husband’s support is something Crawford is especially thankful for. Married for over 53 years, she explained how his support never wavers, even when Crawford works at Unity Martial Arts every night of the week. He simply tells her, “Take care and be safe”. He is popular at the dojo as well, earning the nickname of Papa Jack, that students excitedly call out when he visits.
Since being awarded her first black belt, the most exciting part for Crawford continues to be helping others, noting that it is wonderful to see the youngsters who once donned their own white belts becoming masters and going off to school, chasing their own dreams.
Crawford takes pride in being able to actively help those aspiring towards their black belts. “I’m told I can be mean and scary, but once I work with them, they all say how lovable and sweet I am,” Crawford states. In remembering what it was like to be a white belt, Crawford makes a great sparring partner.
“Just because you are a black belt does not mean you know everything,” Crawford emphasizes, explaining that you never stop learning, just as her late father had told her.
Crawford’s father also gave her permission to not grow up, a mantra that she keeps near to her heart each day. “They laugh with me cause they say I’m an old lady, I just refuse to grow up that’s all,” Crawford says.
Crawford even proudly owns a shirt claiming, “Growing old is mandatory, growing up, that’s optional”.
For Crawford, earning her fifth black belt has been a wonderful journey, but it is not the end she is concerned about. “A journey means there is a destination down the road, but I don’t worry about getting to that point. Why not enjoy the journey we’re given and have fun?” she asks.
Not worried about what’s to come, Crawford is focused on keeping things moving forward. With the support from the dojo instructors and members, including co-owners Sensei Brandy and Master Instructor Joey Fischbach, Crawford continues to learn.
Finding physical and mental strength in martial arts is a rewarding processes, one that Marilyn Crawford has combined with community and relationship building as part of Unity’s family.
Source & Photographs: unitymartialarts.org, Owner Joe Fischbach, and Black Belt Marilyn Crawford
Written by: Caitlin Shea, Fairfield University BuzzAround Intern and Jacquelyn Rose.
