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JOURNEY TO THE FAR EAST Unlocking secrets of Japanese martial arts and culture. STORY: JAMES COMBS
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL & COURTESY OF ARCHING OAKS ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER
rom anime to sushi bars, Japanese culture has become an international phenomenon. And while visiting Japan is an unforgettable experience, Lake Countians only need to make a short drive to Eustis to immerse themselves in Nippon culture, specifically. That’s where Sabastian and Chelsey Velilla operate Arching Oaks Arts and Culture Center. At their nonprofit facility, which opened in 2019, Sabastian teaches students three major types of Japanese martial arts: Shotokan karate, kyudo (Japanese archery), and iaido (Japanese swordsmanship). Chelsey introduces her students to Japanese fine arts such as seihon (Japanese bookbinding), origami (Japanese paper folding), shibori (a dyeing technique) and nerikomi (Japanese pottery). She also leads a nature-based activity called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Their students range in age from 10 to 80. Sabastian Velilla