A group of students ranging in age from nine to 50 are on their way to Okinawa, Japan, for a two-week learning and cultural immersion on the island known as the birthplace of karate. The 28 students and parents leave Friday, June 29.
For many involved, it will be a first trip overseas, let alone to Japan.
“The trip to Okinawa is a trip of a lifetime for some of the kids in Powell River,” said academy sensei Frank Clayton.
This is the third group Clayton has taken to the island from Powell River. The students have been studying karate for the past five to seven years and obtained black belts in the martial art, he added.
12-year-old Madelyn Keil began studying karate seven years ago and earned her junior black belt.
“I’m excited to explore,” she said. "I’m hoping to learn karate techniques and about the culture.”
For Kim Long, husband Craig and daughters Sawyer, 15, and Delaney, 13, this will be their second trip to Okinawa with the academy. The family is looking forward to returning to the beautiful island, said Kim.
“This time there are lots of friends going on the trip,” she added. “I’m excited for the new memories we’re going to make with all the people who haven’t been before.”
Participants will get the chance to learn and practice with karate masters and weapons masters on the island.
“They’re doing a bunch of seminars with the senseis from Okinawa, which range from an hour to four-hour practices,” said Kim.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to learn about a completely new culture and experience a different way of life, she added, including visits to castles and the local aquarium.
Okinawa is well-known for the health and longevity of its residents. Scientists have studied the lifestyle and diet of the island’s inhabitants to determine why people there are among the longest-living in the world.
“It’s a big island,” said Kim. “But in many ways it feels like a small town.”
