by DANIEL BEEKMAN
Oss! Arthur Scarzello stepped onto the dojo floor. Oss! Scarzello greeted a tiny girl. Oss! Scarzello bowed and flexed.
Scarzello, 74 years young, is Sensei Paul Zegarra’s oldest pupil. The longtime Pelham Bay resident attends karate class at the Bronx Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do on Bronxdale Avenue three evenings each week.
Scarzello also goes spinning, lifts weights and studies Brazilian jujitsu.
“I’m not Superman,” said Scarzello, laughing. “I’m not as flexible as I used to be. But fitness is conducive to good physical and mental health.”
On Monday, February 9, Councilman James Vacca stopped by the Karate-Do to celebrate Scarzello’s energy. Vacca and Scarzello use the same gym. Last month, Vacca sponsored a neighborhood “Day Out to Work Out” to promote exercise.
“I spoke to Mr. Scarzello at Planet Fitness,” Vacca said. “When he told me about his regimen, I was astounded. Spinning! Not many people of any age are up to early morning spinning.”
Scarzello retired after many years with the welfare department. He took up karate in 1968.
“There was a great deal of agitation at the time,” Scarzello said. “I was on vacation and I thought, ‘I’d better learn some karate.’”
Scarzello has earned a black belt. In 2003, his skills came in handy. Scarzello was waiting to spin at Gold’s Gym on Westchester Avenue.
“I saw a car across the street back up,” he said. “Five guys jumped out. One had a pole with a squeegee. I was alone. I prepared to defend myself.”
The bullies started swinging and Scarzello started blocking.
“They quit and drove away,” he said.
Exercise keeps Scarzello happy and relaxed. He punches like a 30-year old and smiles like a schoolboy.
“I come here, exert myself and leave a changed man,” Scarzello said. “I’m no longer tired. I feel as if I’ve accomplished something. It’s the endorphins, I’m telling you.”
Scarzello’s own Karate-Do class begins at 7 p.m., but he arrives early to help Zegarra teach. Scarzello calls the five-year old warriors “my darlings” and values the sense of community.
“He’s an excellent man,” Zegarra said. “He always shows up to hang out with the kids. He comes whether it’s raining, snowing or 103 degrees.”
Karate student Jay Castillo, 17, knows Scarzello well.
“He’s pretty amazing,” Castillo said. “When I’m older, I want to move like he does.”
Scarzello recommends karate to Bronxites young and old. Oss is a karate term that means “press my spirit,” he said. Scarzello’s bad knees don’t stop him.
“Mr. Scarzello is an inspiration to all of us,” Vacca said. “We should all strive to eat healthier and work out as often as possible. Whether you join a gym, take a yoga class or exercise in your own home, everyone can make time during their week to improve their health.”
