Burns Lake resident Corinne MacDonald has earned her second-degree black belt, also known as nidan, in Aikido.
In B.C., the highest ranking is currently a seven-degree black belt.
The rigorous examination, which took place in Kelowna in June, had a panel of eight people, including high-ranking senseis from across Canada, as well as Osawa Shihan from the mother house of Aikido in Japan.
"When I came out of the examination, it was more challenging, more demanding and more difficult than my master's thesis defense," described MacDonald. "I reached my threshold at the physical, emotional and spiritual level; it was a great challenge."
MacDonald said Shihan was calling techniques in Japanese and that she only had a few seconds to react to each one.
"This carried on for at least half an hour," she said.
Her sister Cynthia George said MacDonald is a role model to young people, especially for First Nations.
"I think her story is inspiring to many," she said.
MacDonald is Wet'suwet'en and grew up in the Bulkley-Valley. She moved to Burns Lake approximately a year ago and started teaching Aikido in Burns Lake and on the Southside. She had approximately 15 students by the end of spring.
"When I came back here, most people I talked to had never even heard of Aikido," said MacDonald. "I would love to see more people embracing this tremendous gift."
With 14 years of experience, MacDonald explained that Aikido involves a lifetime of learning.
On a purely physical level, this Japanese martial art involves some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu, and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.
Practitioners say that ultimately Aikido gives them what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind.
"Even though it's a martial art, I am able to incorporate the philosophy into my everyday life," said MacDonald. "It's very effective."
"Aikido brings me focus," she added. "It has become a part of who I am; the philosophy of Aikido is aligned with all my values and the main foundation of Aikido is the way of harmony."