For the past 30 years, members of the Salt Spring Island Karate Club have been kicking and punching their way to better health.

Now it is time for them to demonstrate their abilities and to celebrate this landmark occasion.

They are extending an open invitation to past students, family members and the community as a whole to join them on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Salt Spring Island Middle School from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Salt Spring club was founded in September 1979 by Frans Beijk. Since that date the club has continuously grown and now has a range of classes for kids, teens and adults.

“For some reason, no matter what the age, people love to sweat, yell, run around the gymnasium, kick, punch and — believe it or not — do push-ups,” said club spokesman Randolph Parker.

Beijk will be coming from Qualicum Beach to help in this celebration along with other black belts from Campbell River, Sidney and Victoria. Mike Puckett from Sidney, a seventh-degree black belt and the person responsible for promoting club members to shodan black belt or higher, will also attend.

People can also congratulate islander Pat Byron on recently receiving his fourth-degree black belt after 25 years of training, said Parker.

Chris Barclay will initiate the event at 1 p.m. with an introduction of the program, which will include group kata demonstrations by all members of the karate club, an introduction to the black belts and the launch of a 100-page karate book covering the history of Salt Spring Island Karate.

A “picture time” will be held, where any member of the community who has ever taken a karate class is welcome to join in to one large group photograph. A happy hour with free refreshments and snacks is also scheduled.

Anyone with an interest in martial arts or wanting to say hello is welcome to join Salt Spring Island Karate at the event.