Martial arts expert and instructor, Haskel Garmaise, aged 54. (Photograph by Rob Lurie, CTV News)
In the echoing confines of the West End Cavendish gym in Cote St. Luc, the sound of substantial impacts reverberates through the hallway. It's not the clamor of construction but the unmistakable thuds of bodies colliding, a spectacle visible through the gym door. Behind this physical intensity is a 54-year-old man named Haskel Garmaise, whose life has been dedicated to the practice of martial arts, a passion he seamlessly combines with his roles as a teacher and fitness trainer.
During a recent visit by CTV News to his gym, Garmaise shared insights into his disciplined approach to training, emphasizing a Japanese mentality marked by strictness and rigidity. This philosophy, he believes, encapsulates the toughness that defines him.
Garmaise's journey took an unexpected turn three years ago when he began experiencing health issues. A simple moment at the kitchen table revealed a profound truth – he was not well. A subsequent diagnosis confirmed Parkinson's disease, a harsh reality for a man whose existence revolved around physical pursuits.
Reflecting on those initial days, Garmaise vividly recounted, "The first five days were disastrous, and I get emotional even thinking about it." Despite the initial despair, he found a resilient core within himself, rejecting the role of a victim to Parkinson's. Determined not to let the disease define him, he embarked on a challenging path of defiance.
Parkinson's manifested in stiff muscles and diminished fine motor skills, transforming routine tasks like clearing dishes into arduous endeavors. However, in the realm of martial arts, a peculiar phenomenon unfolded – the symptoms seemed to dissipate. Garmaise attributed this anomaly to the neurological pathways he had forged at a young age, enabling him to perform intricate movements even as Parkinson's attempted to erode his capabilities.
Unsatisfied with mere personal victories, Garmaise set his sights on competitive martial arts. His decision to participate in traditional forms at tournaments proved to be a testament to his unyielding spirit. The rewards began to materialize, with two gold medals at a provincial tournament in Ste-Therese and four medals at nationals in Ottawa last May. Notably, in October's world championships in Orlando, Florida, Garmaise faced competitors from 16 countries and secured two bronze medals.
What sets his accomplishments apart is the fact that, throughout these competitions, Garmaise chose not to disclose his Parkinson's diagnosis. The absence of this information ensured impartial judging, a conscious decision to prove to himself, his students, and his daughter that overcoming life's challenges is possible through unwavering determination.
As he reflected on his journey, Garmaise imparted a poignant perspective: "The biggest fight you're ever going to have — it doesn't matter if it's on the street with an opponent, or multiple opponents — is always going to be yourself. It's always going to be how you face the situation." In this quiet yet profound statement, Haskel Garmaise encapsulates a narrative of resilience, proving that the indomitable human spirit can triumph over adversity.
