Photo of Keiko Fukuda by Christine Alicino from the book “Wise Talk, Wild Women.”

Pacific Institute will present its 2008 Eldership Awards, which recognize the lifelong contributions of two of the Bay Area’s outstanding elders, to San Francisco’s Sensei Keiko Fukuda and author and administrator John Levy.

A celebration of their unique talents and life’s work begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Marines Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St. in San Francisco. This celebration will recognize their wisdom and generosity of spirit, demonstrating what it means to be an elder in today’s society.

“We are very excited to recognize two outstanding individuals who have made enormous contributions to our society, and whose wisdom and life experience exemplify Eldership,” said Doris Bersing, chief executive officer of Pacific Institute.

“The Eldership Awards are presented bi-annually and benefit the Gerontological Wellness and Expressive Arts Therapies Programs of Pacific Institute. Previous winners have included feminist journalist Gloria Steinem, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, spiritual teacher Ram Dass, AgeWave founder Ken Dychtwald, Professor Richard Wiseman and author Elizabeth Bugental.”

Keiko Fukuda

Fukuda is the highest-ranking female practitioner of judo in the world. She was born in Tokyo, and began practicing the art of judo at the age of 21, attending the first judo class that allowed women. Now in her 90s, Fukuda Sensei is revered as the last living disciple of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo.

She has spent her life inspiring others, especially women, in this ancient art of self-defense. Fukuda holds the rare ninth-degree black belt. No other woman has ever achieved that rank, and many of the highest-ranking teachers in the world have come to study with her.

She is the author of “Born for the Mat” (1973), which was reissued in 2005 as “Ju-No-Kata: A Kodokan Textbook.”

Fukuda came to lecture in the Bay Area 40 years ago and never left. She teaches at the Soko Joshi Judo Club in San Francisco’s Noe Valley and also at the annual Joshi Judo Camp, which she founded over 30 years ago to give women an opportunity to train together.

Her distinguished career been recognized by the City of San Francisco, first by Mayor Willie Brown (2001) and later by Mayor Gavin Newsom (2006), who proclaimed Keiko Fukuda Day.

Fukuda continues mentoring women of all ages and teaches them discipline, self-defense, and love for the sport — and themselves.

John Levy

Levy’s contributions to the world continue to enrich those whom he has touched in his years as organizational leader, mentor and teacher. His achievements, through his non-profit work, have made a significant impact, making our culture more humanistic and compassionate.

He has over 25 years' experience in private practice working with individuals and families on issues involving inherited wealth. He is the author of "Inherited Wealth: Opportunities and Dilemmas" (2008).

Previously, his leadership has shaped the success of many important non-profit organizations in the fields of psychology and spiritual health. Among them are the California Institute of Integral Studies, where he served as assistant to the president and interim provost; the C. G. Jung Institute of San Francisco, where he was executive director; and the Association for Humanistic Psychology, which he guided as executive officer.

In addition, Levy was one of the founders of San Francisco Venture, worked on peace education with the American Friends Service Committee, and was an administrator, teacher and counselor for Sequoia Seminar. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

Pacific Institute

Pacific Institute is one of the West Coast’s most innovative non-profit educational organizations dedicated to offering new perspectives in the field of mental health, gerontology and the education of future caregivers. Its multi-faceted approach includes the AgeSong Institute of Elder Wellness, the Awakenings Institute of Mental Wellness, the Pacific Institute Academia and its Elders Academy Press.

Proceeds from the benefit will help Pacific Institute further its specialized programs, including the Gerontological Wellness and Expressive Arts Therapies Program.

Tickets for the event are $150 and are available online and at the door. For more information, visit the website at www.pacificinstitute.org or call (415) 861-3455.