Episode 6 Hai! Karate - Journey to Japan

Many British families struggle to find time for each other.

But could sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience

solve their problems?

Four families have travelled to Japan

to immerse themselves in the ancient culture

and learn karate...

..a traditional martial art that teaches discipline and respect.

But will the intense training regime bring them closer together?

It's one of the first things I've done with my dad.

-I love my dad loads.

-He's everything you'd want from a kid.

Or will the gruelling challenges force them further apart?

-We've got to communicate.

-You're always going on about it!

If she wants to be treated as a grown-up, she has to act as one.

Can this unique experience give them the fighting spirit they need

to earn a place at the World Karate Tournament...

Mikey will be very upset if we don't get through.

..and improve their relationship?

This is going to be tough.

So there!

Our four families have travelled 6,000 miles

to the Japanese island of Okinawa,

where they've been learning karate for the last two weeks.

Karate teaches discipline, respect and commitment,

the ingredients also needed to help improve relationships.

The kids are Mikey, who hasn't spent any quality time with his dad

for several years.

My dad plays keyboards in a band so I don't get to see him that often.

Chloe, who thinks her mum is a bit dull.

Mum's really dowdy and boring.

Jedd, the ballet dancer who wants to prove to his dad

that he's not a pushover.

My dad don't think you have to be sporty to do dancing,

but I prove him wrong.

And Phoebe, who wants her dad to act his age.

He still hasn't grown up to the fact that he is an adult now.

The families are training under the world-famous Grand Master Higaonna

and his teachers, Brent and Kuramoto.

Last time, on Hai! Karate,

the group travelled to the nearby tropical island of Izena...

..where they got involved in some late-night sumo wrestling.

And hit the waves

for an endurance challenge won by Phoebe and her dad, Joe.

Woo!

Hai! Karate!

It's 7.00am.

The group has been in Japan for over two weeks

and they have just five days left to learn their karate routine

for the World Tournament. The pressure is on.

Maybe that's why they've ignored a breakfast of seaweed stew

in favour of fruit and biscuits.

Or maybe it's because that morning's breakfast is seaweed stew.

I'm still not in sync with the whole eating seaweed for breakfast, but...

I don't feel guilty about leaving the food.

If they did that in my house, I wouldn't be bothered.

They wouldn't, cos we'd have steak and chips.

Spoken like a true Brit! Doesn't it make you proud(!)

But there's good news

because the kids could win a Western meal,

if they can learn to do this.

But first on the agenda is early morning training with Brent.

If you want to pass your belt-grading,

we'd better get a move on.

To perform at the World Karate Tournament,

the families need to get their yellow belts

and that means memorising a very complicated routine.

Here's Brent and Kuramoto showing us how to do it.

Turn the hands.

And here are the adults showing us how not to do it.

They're unfit, uncoordinated and unbelievably rubbish.

What's my dad doing?

Use this contact to make the power.

Look at him. He looks like a complete lemon.

She's got the arm movements, but she ain't got the feet.

-My dad just doesn't know what the hell he's doing.

-Keep going.

Dad, you need more practice!

I remember some of the moves, but I don't remember

what order they come in. Especially the beginning.

Seems to be the worst bit.

Mmm.

As the kids have memorised the routine,

it's now down to them to help their parents. Good luck, kids.

If we were entered now we'd almost certainly not get to go.

If we keep pushing, hopefully they'll get it by the end.

-I'd forgotten that.

-For a change,

Joe is taking things very seriously

and is piling the pressure on Phoebe to help him out.

You need to be motivated to make me practice.

I don't want to go home without a belt.

Are you going to do that?

-Yes, yes.

-In our spare time...

-Yes, yes.

-Promise?

-Yes.

We've got a great opportunity here and I intend to cease it if I can,

but it's dependent on Phoebe and she has to do her bit,

cos without her help I can't get through. I know that.

It's clear the pairs need to help each other

if they're going to get their belts.

So what does the Grand Master have up his sleeve

to help these mighty warriors form an unbreakable bond.

We're going to do cleaning.

-Eh?

-Cleaning! Get out of it.

A bit of painting, cleaning the cars, sweeping

and we're going to use karate to help us.

So, if you want to be a genuine martial arts expert

you need to be good at housework?

Either Sensei's gone mad or he watches too many old films

like the Karate Kid.

His plan is that these tasks will help the families

work together and refine their moves.

Joe and Phoebe have been told to brush up the yard

but with one catch - they must do it using a karate stance

called the shiko-dachi.

OK... Get down.

Move your body.

Although it looks like Joe needs the loo,

it's reminded Phoebe of a very important fact.

This is the first bit of housework you've ever done.

If it's this hard, I'm not doing it when we get back.

Back home, Joe leaves the housework to his mum.

There's a hoover for you.

No. Not now, I'm trying to work.

But when they won the last challenge,

-he finally looked like a responsible adult.

-Congratulations.

As Phoebe's dad,

I felt responsible for doing the best I possibly could.

But being responsible isn't as much fun for Joe

and he's seriously on Phoebe's case.

I don't think she's put much effort into the sweeping up.

I know I put in every ounce of effort I've got to give.

I don't really want to waste this experience and go home with nothing

and then just leave it... I'm just not thinking that way.

Paul and Jedd have the task of painting a bench

so they can work on their lower block.

I've heard of whitewashing your opponents,

but that's silly.

Paul used to think his ballet dancing son wasn't sporty.

I wouldn't class ballet as a sport and I don't think it's that exerting.

But since arriving in Japan, Jedd has shown how tough he can be.

I've got no problems with him. I've seen him out here.

He's capable at everything he does.

The pair are making a great team and they don't even mind

-doing Sensei's dirty work for him.

-Don't do that.

When you're doing a task, don't see it as a task.

-Just think of it as...

-Fun.

-Yeah, fun.

And if you thought painting a bench was a weird way to learn karate

the others are washing a car.

Who'd have thought on a plane coming to Japan we'd be washing a car?

What's this got to do with karate?

Sensei wants them to practice a circular movement

that's a key part of the routine.

It's all about putting the wax on and taking it off again, apparently.

Wax on, wax off.

Oh, yes! Now, straight back.

Chloe has got it nailed.

When it comes to karate,

the street dancer's got all the moves.

She's got the speed and power you need

for karate - naturally.

But it doesn't come so naturally to her less-coordinated mother.

For me, it's harder just to memorise the steps. It's hard.

It might be hard but Sandra'll need to put more effort in

if she wants to stay on the right side of her teenage daughter.

If I don't get my belt,

it won't be worth living with Chloe cos she'll moan and groan

and she'll just bring it up and she'd be so disappointed.

-For big part - two hands.

-OK.

Sensei says waxing the car will help the families

perfect their blocking.

The Grand Master is quick to show Mikey's dad

why blocking is important.

HE LAUGHS

Do that again, please, Sensei.

Mark and Mikey don't spend much time together at home.

-Oh, no!

-In Japan, it appears they're still leading separate lives.

-We are awful communicators.

-We need to get a better plan.

Mark is the worst at the routine and partnered with Mikey

they haven't won a challenge.

I'm holding Mikey back I guess. I'm a bit of a slow learner.

Oh, right! It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

At the very least, the waxing on and waxing off

has given Mark a bit of time to polish up his attitude.

Gently. Like a lady.

-Good job. Good job.

-Thank you.

-So, all of Sensei's jobs are done.

-Thank you so much.

Thank you.

A clean yard, a painted bench and a nice clean car.

Was this really about learning karate?

Or could the Grand Master just not be bothered doing it himself.

There's just five days to go until the World Karate Tournament

and the families are a long way off from perfecting their routine,

especially the adults.

But with the Grand Master breathing down their necks,

let's hope they can rise to the challenge.

HE EXHALES

TRANSLATION: Commitment is not only important in karate

but in life.

If you believe in yourself, and keep making effort

you can achieve anything.

The families are travelling to the other side of the island.

MUSIC: "Summer Holiday" by Cliff Richard

But this is no ordinary day trip.

The Grand Master has booked them in for a lesson

that'll test their power and commitment to the max.

The group will be taught by a different sensei

and his other pupils are warming up.

Everyone in this class is under 10,

but their karate is years ahead of our rookies.

Everyone is tougher than us. A lot tougher.

Their master and the man

who'll be teaching the families to be just as tough

is Kyoki Deshingo.

Shingo Sensei teaches karate that focuses on raw power.

Whilst the Grand Master doesn't believe in using karate to break

things, Shinjo certainly does.

Every day he builds the power in his hands and feet

so he can use them to punch, kick

and chop anything that stands in his way.

The families better behave,

because you don't want to get on the wrong side of Shinjo.

Shinjo will teach the group how to break a piece of wood with a punch.

That could be handy.

The lesson starts with press-ups on fists,

a painful but great way to strengthen your hands.

-That hurt.

-Intimidating.

Now it's time to learn the punch.

Get this wrong and it can really hurt,

so he's paying close attention to his new pupils.

Especially Phoebe, who can't seem to get it right.

SPEAKS JAPANESE

Breaking wood with your first is more about placement than power.

This is Shinjo's son, who like his dad,

has incredibly strong hands,

but if he doesn't hit the wood in the right place,

even he'll be in a lot of pain.

Warning! Do NOT try this at home.

Watch as he uses the top two knuckles to drive his fist

straight through three wooden blocks.

This is a skill that should only be attempted

if you know exactly what you're doing.

Families - now it's your turn.

Hai! Karate!

This is a good punch.

He's explained in great detail what the families have to do.

Not...here.

Let's just hope they've listened.

Watch.

His regular pupils will demonstrate first, starting with the youngest.

-APPLAUSE

-Like a true karate master

the pupil never gave up.

How about the rest of the class?

Pretty impressive.

Now it's our kids' turn.

Come on, Jedd!

Has ballet dancer Jed got the power?

Nope.

It don't hurt.

He's all right.

Maybe Mikey's got what it takes.

Ah...

Phoebe?

Oh, dear.

These Brits are rubbish!

Just smack it.

-No, this is going to hurt.

-No, it won't

Maybe Chloe can win back some respect for the group.

-Focus!

-Focus!

Now that's girl power!

TRANSLATION: Chloe is without doubt the best of the kids.

Her posture is perfect and if she keeps doing karate,

she'll be able to get her black belt very soon.

That was easy.

Chloe's success has spurned on the other kids to have another go.

Good boy!

The boys have cracked it.

Even Phoebe suddenly looks confident.

Put all your power. You can. You can. You can.

Ah...!

If she'd hit the wood using the correct knuckles

she'd have done it. She needs more practice.

Phoebe isn't badly injured, but her poor technique

has taught her a painful lesson.

Just slightly off...

You probably had your wrist to one side...

but that's going to happen.

But the most upsetting thing for Phoebe

is the thought that she's let her dad down.

-It's really hard.

-I know it's hard.

But you tried.

-We're not going to get to the championships.

-Oh, don't worry.

It's not the most important thing in our lives. Mmm?

I know, but I want to.

Back in the dojo, the lesson is coming to an end

and the atmosphere is more upbeat.

Because I was the first person to break it

I felt really, really good about myself.

You have to believe in yourself. That's what Sensei told me.

The second time I did it I followed through and broke the wood.

-Brilliant.

-You didn't want to get beat, did you?

-No.

Mikey is especially happy,

because it's the first task he's successfully completed.

I'm very pleased I've done something, finally.

Good boy!

I'm going to take this home - show my mum.

Say I broke this and a souvenir.

Today has helped underline two of the Grand Master's rules -

always be courageous,

but always listen to instructions.

-Sometimes lessons in life are painful.

-But I wanted to break it.

Yeah, but that's good.

People will be impressed with your fighting spirit.

Won't they, eh?

The adults have yet to test their block-breaking ability.

But they needn't worry.

They'll have plenty of opportunity in today's karate challenge.

-HE SPEAKS JAPANESE

-The Breaking-punch challenge!

Brent's decided the kids deserve to sit this one out,

so it's all down to their parents.

Adults, this challenge is just for you.

You have to break as many blocks as you can.

Good luck, Dad.

Kids, how many blocks do you think your parents as a group can break?

-17!

-17.

OK, we'll go in at 17. If the adults break more than 17

-you'll get a treat.

-Damn! Why did I say 17?

-You can get 17.

-I don't think I can get one.

We should have talked about it instead of shouting out a number.

Thanks to Mikey's optimistic prediction,

the adults who've never done this before

will have to break 17 wooden blocks in exchange for a treat -

a slap-up Western meal. Something the kids are desperate for.

It was disgusting.

Why can't they just get some cereal?

Each adult will be given 30 seconds to break as many blocks as they can.

But as soon as a punch fails, they're out

and the next parent will take over.

So far the adults have struggled

with the discipline required in karate.

Do they have the courage to win this task for their kids?

-Sandra, you're first. Step forward.

-Good luck.

Sandra approaches with caution.

She thinks she's going to bust her hand.

She needs to have more confidence.

If she does it properly nothing's going to happen to her hand.

Ready? Go!

Yes! Keep going! You're doing so well.

Go!

Keep going, Mum!

Three.

THEY CHEER

Ow!

-Good job.

-THEY APPLAUD

Three.

Sandra did better than expected. But they still have a long way to go.

Next up is Joe.

After seeing Phoebe hurt herself

Joe is nervous about taking on the challenge.

I want him to focus on the goal.

I want him to punch with these two instead of the mistake I made.

I think that'll motivate him to not make the same mistake I did.

Ready?

Focus. Go!

One...two!

Come on, Daddy!

Come on!

You're on a roll.

Come on, Dad!

That's it!

Keep going.

Keep going!

Dad, come on!

Come on, Dad!

Come on, Joe!

Come on, Dad!

Daddy!

Stop!

10!

His 30 seconds are up, but Joe has overcome his fear

and left an easy task for the remaining parents.

Joe broke 10. That's 13.

You only need four more.

Paul...step forward.

If anyone can finish the job, surely it's boxer Paul.

Are you ready? Tell me when you're ready.

Jedd is confident his dad will win the meal for the group.

My dad'll be fairly good at this because you've got to follow through

and snap it. That'll help with the boxing he does, so I reckon

he'll snap about...

10.

Are you ready? Tell me when you're ready.

With just four blocks to break, this should be easy.

OK? Go.

Out!

-Oh, no!

-Come on, Paul.

Paul has shocked Jedd and the group by breaking just one block.

The fate of the families is down to Mikey's dad, Mark,

who is by far the worst at karate.

You need three more for the treat.

Step forward. Three more. Come on. Courage!

Mikey doesn't sound convinced he'll do it.

I think he'll get one.

But if he doesn't get any I'll be very embarrassed and disappointed.

Cos I could do one and he's five times stronger than me.

It'd be pretty embarrassing.

Are you ready?

Keep going, remember.

Go!

-Come on, Paul!

-You can do it!

Yes!

THEY SHOUT

SANDRA: You can do it!

-Yeah!

-You've got your treat.

Yeah!

Amazingly, Mark has done it.

He's shown passion and fighting spirit

and has won the group a slap-up meal.

But it was Joe who stood out as the most courageous and he's impressed

the sensei with his commitment.

In a short time you've shown courage

and done a good job of breaking the boards.

You've done really well. Thanks for the hard work.

Please step forward to receive your fighting spirit headband.

Because they're a team, Phoebe also gets the honour of a headband.

APPLAUSE

I did get in the zone when I was hitting the wood.

I was concentrating on my breathing.

And saying to myself, "Break!" in my head to the wood.

So I don't know if that helps. But I was kinda talking to the wood.

Yep, whatever you say, Joe.

As the group enjoy their first Western meal in weeks,

it's clear Joe has discovered the true purpose of this experience.

We've had more ups and downs here than in our life together.

I think Phoebe realises winning isn't everything to me. It's all about her.

That's the important thing in my life.

And despite her injury,

Phoebe is taking something very important from the day.

Today, I just felt like the complete odd one out

cos everyone was like, "Yeah! I broke the board. I'm so happy."

They had the boards in their hands.

I don't want to go home without a belt so

I'm going to fight for my belt

and I'm going to get a yellow belt by the end of this week.

Next time on Hai! Karate, Journey To Japan -

Phoebe's relationship with her dad breaks down.

She's talking to me like a piece of poo and I'm not having it.

And Brent reads the Riot Act.

Grading's tomorrow. I don't think anyone's going to pass.

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