Traditional Academy of Martial Arts will be off to San Diego, California, next week for the Fourth Miyagi Chojun Memorial Martial Arts Festival.

Over 20 countries are expected to attend the event sponsored by the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF), which has an established membership of over 60,000, taking in 41 countries.

Included in the Bermuda contingent are Beverly Clarke, Gary Marsden, Christopher Phillips, Mariae Dixon, Randy Stafford, Michael Bean and Rosemarie DeShields.

Bean has travelled to the tournament on two previous occasions, placing first in the sparring division in 1989, but failing to place last year. This year also marks the first time local women have been involved in the venture.

Smith's instructor, Master Morio Higaonna, who heads the organisation, will be on hand to open the event, which begins on August 11 and offers three days of seminars followed by a traditional karate tournament, masters demonstrations and a sayonara party on the final day, August 14.

Unlike previous years this festival will be of particular interest to Goju-Ryu karate practitioners, because each of the specialised seminars will be conducted by instructors having extensive experience in Goju-Ryu karate.

Higaonna is charged with the topic of Okinawan Goju-Ryu while Sensei Rodney Hu, and Sensei Stan O'Hara will impart their knowledge of coaching and speed and power respectively.

Smith said that he and his students were grateful for everyone who supported their Kick-A-Thon fund-raiser, which helped raise money for the venture.

KICKIN' IT IN SAN DIEGO -- Sensei Bobby Smith, standing, and his students, who are off to California to take part in the Fourth Miyagi Chojun Memorial Arts Festival. Pictured, from left to right: Beverly Clarke, Gary Marsden, Christopher Phillips, Mariae Dixon, Randy Stafford, Michael Bean and Rosemarie DeShields.