SEVEN FIELDS — Criminals who prey on the elderly should stay away from Peg Baker, that is if they don't want to mess with a black belt in martial arts.

The 87-year-old, who works at a dry cleaner in Seven Fields and lives in Freedom, Beaver County, began training three years ago at Shipton's Martial Arts Academy.

"I take our uniforms to the cleaners where she works," said academy owner Brian Shipton.

"She said 'I always wanted to learn karate,' so I said 'Come on over and I'll teach you.'"

Baker began by taking a four-week self-defense course at the academy.

"After the first class, I never expected her to come back," Shipton said of the workout. "But she finished the four weeks and wanted to continue."

Baker said she initially wanted to take up martial arts for protection.

"Then I asked Mr. Shipton if I could become a black belt, and he said 'You can do anything you put your mind to,'" recalled the spry senior.

"So I trained there for three years, two times a week. I'm the oldest black belt he ever trained."

Shipton devised a schedule in which Baker would attend an individual tae kwon do class with him every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon on her way home from work.

"She showed up like clockwork, rain, snow, whatever," said Shipton. "Very rarely did she ever cancel."

He knew Baker's doctor was also a student at his academy, and he discussed with him the safest way to train his oldest student. Shipton started each session with warm-ups and stretches, then worked on basic taekwondo techniques, a traditional workout, then self-defense and even weapons training.

Shipton said as per her doctor's advice, Baker was not to break boards with her hand or foot. So she trained on the bahng mahng ee, a short, heavy stick with which Baker successfully whacked the wood.

"That was her favorite weapon," said Shipton.

While recognizing it is unusual for an octogenarian to take up a martial art, Baker didn't think a thing about her age when she signed up.

"I've always worked all my life and I'm in pretty good shape," she said.

Her son in Freedom wasn't crazy about the idea of his aged mother taking up a physically demanding sport like martial arts.

"He didn't think I should, and I said 'Well, I think I should,'" said Baker with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I've got a mind of my own, honey."

Shipton said Baker's personality and independence only helped her toward achieving the status of black belt and would also help her fight off an attacker.

"Half of defending yourself is confidence," said Shipton. "Even though she is old, she's got a snappy little attitude. That would make a difference if she had a weapon like an umbrella in her hand.

"Could she hit someone hard enough to hurt them? Absolutely."

Baker's black belt presentation ceremony in August was attended by 20 people, including friends and customers from the dry cleaner.

"She's the oldest black belt I've ever promoted and I couldn't be prouder of it," said Shipton. "It showed she was well-prepared and did a great job."

Baker said her customers at the dry cleaner have a good time with her new and intimidating status.

"People think I'm crazy, but I've had more fun with my customers," Baker said. "All you have to say is 'I've got the black belt' and people slowly turn away."

Baker said she definitely feels safer since acquiring top standing in martial arts. She hasn't decided if she will continue to work out with Shipton.

Shipton said he is a better person for having trained Peg Baker.

"She's a special individual, she really is."