A Community of Strength and Friendship
In the heart of Kalihi, a small gym is becoming a hub for a unique and inspiring group of individuals. This community, known as the “Kupuna Class” at CrossFit 808, brings together people who are all 65 years or older. What makes this group special is not just their age, but their dedication to fitness and the strong bonds they’ve formed.
The class starts with an intense workout that includes squats, kettlebell swings, and rowing. It’s a challenging routine, but the participants embrace it with enthusiasm. One of the standout members is 86-year-old Judi Osato, who has become a symbol of determination. She jokes about needing to keep moving to avoid being “put under,” but she clearly enjoys the workouts. “It’s fun… although I grumble,” she says.
The journey of this class began five years ago when Osato’s daughter sought out fitness after a family health scare. Her aunt had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and research suggested that lifting weights could help slow the progression of the disease. The idea sparked a new initiative. “One morning she came in and said, ‘Hey, do you think you could do a training session with my aunt and my mom?’” recalls Elyse Umeda, the gym owner.
Initially, the workouts were gentle, focusing on bikes and rowers. Umeda remembers the first session with Grandma Judi and Aunty Jan. “They couldn’t even get on the rowers,” she recalls. But as the participants grew stronger, so did the interest in the class. What started as personal training sessions has now evolved into a group of 10 members who meet twice a week.
While many initially joined for the physical benefits, they soon found something more valuable: a sense of community. The friendships formed over time have become a key reason why they keep coming back. Mary Perreira, one of the newer members at 67, describes the experience as feeling like family. “From day one, that’s how it felt to me. This is family,” she says.
Perreira joined five years after retiring and noticed her daily activity levels dropping. “I’m not really the type to go just on my own to a fitness place,” she explains. “This got me motivated and I look forward to coming.”
Umeda emphasizes that the goal was never just to create a fitness class. “It’s not like ‘Ugh, I have to work out.’ They want to be at workouts. It’s a holiday. ‘Can we still come in?’ ‘Yeah, come in.’ So for me, that was the end goal—to build a community and keep it healthy.”
The Kupuna Class at CrossFit 808 is more than just a workout—it’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the joy of staying active. Whether it’s for the physical challenge or the friendships, the members find motivation in each other and in their shared commitment to health. For those looking for a different kind of fitness experience, this group offers a unique blend of strength, camaraderie, and inspiration.
