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Press, 11 April 1979, Page 46

Seven members of the Okinawa-Te karate organisation in Christchurch will — the airline pilots willing —- trade kicks and punches with some of New Zealand’s best exponents during the Hastings Highland Games over Easter week-end. One of the team members expected to do best is the sixth kyu, John Richards, who is shown doing part of his daily fourhour training diet. The other contestants hoping to fly north on Friday are the heavyweight, Jeff Aitken (third kyu), Dan Wells (fifth kyu). Elizabeth Mihaka (eighth kyu). Grant Foster (eighth kyu) and Joanne Tamara (tenth kyu). John

Grant, a middle-weight (third kyu), left for Hastings on Sunday before the strike started. All are competing in the North Island martial arts championships at Windsor Park as part of the Highland Games. A number of styles will be in. action at the tournament in the various weight divisions and an open class. As far as Sensei Mike Lee knows, Okinawa-Te will be the only team from Christchurch. Both Aitken and Grant are “veterans” of the tournament and have previously gained second platings. Lee says that Mihaka, who has been training for eight months, shows a great deal of promise. “She keeps On getting injuries and knocks but

comes back and gets really stuck in there.” Mihaka is showing her dedication with a five-day training schedule every week. Lee is reasonably happy with the progress of the open tournaments which, he says, are slowly making strides. ‘‘But it’s going to take a lot of effort and co-operation from instructors.” This winter Lee Is hoping to attract a number of skiers to his karate classes because of what he believes is a parallel between his exercises and those required for fitness on the slopes. “Ski-ing is an aggressive sport and the things needed are strong legs, fitness, balance, reflexes and concentration.”