I hope I speak for everyone when I say that the Kagami Biraki was a blast… and I not just because Elliot supplied some amazing Scotch! I have uploaded some pics of the event to our Facebook page (search for “Rising Sun Aikido” in Facebook). While you’re looking at the pictures, please be sure to “like” us. Also, here is a video I shot of the “dedication” portion of the event.

Maybe I am little biased… but that was AWESOME!

I look forward to a productive and peaceful 2012 training with all of you.

Just a reminder: on January 15 we will celebrate our 1st annual Kagami Biraki.

“Kagami” literally means “mirror” referring to full moon, harmony, and symbol of a peaceful family.

“Biraki” means “open” referring to starting something new.

Kagami Biraki is a traditional Japanese celebration that is held in many traditional martial arts schools (dojos) usually on the second Saturday or Sunday of January so all students will be able to attend.

Kagami Biraki was an old samurai tradition dating back to the 15th century that was adopted into modern martial arts starting in 1884 when Jigora Kano (the founder of judo) instituted the custom at the Kodokan, his organization’s headquarters.

Since then other Japanese arts, such as aikido, karate, and jujutsu, have adopted the celebration that officially kicks off the new year — a tradition of renewal, rededication and spirit.

We will celebrate Kagami Biraki with the following schedule:

1:00 – 1:30 set out and mop the mats

1:30 – 2:30 adults and children train together in the same class

2:30 – 3:00 each member dedicates a song, poem, essay, etc. during circle

3:00 – 3:30 close up the dojo

3:30 – 4:00 perform misogi (spiritual cleansing ritual) by jumping into Barton Springs

5:30 – 8:00 Pot Luck

The pot luck will be held at Alex and Tony’s house. The address is 2010 Wright Street.

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Hello Aikidoka,

The dojo will be closed Sunday December 25th and Sunday January 1st. Instead of our usual New Years Day Training, on January 15 we will celebrate our 1st annual Kagami Biraki.

“Kagami” literally means “mirror” referring to full moon, harmony, and symbol of a peaceful family.

“Biraki” means “open” referring to starting something new.

Kagami Biraki is a traditional Japanese celebration that is held in many traditional martial arts schools (dojos) usually on the second Saturday or Sunday of January so all students will be able to attend.

Kagami Biraki was an old samurai tradition dating back to the 15th century that was adopted into modern martial arts starting in 1884 when Jigora Kano (the founder of judo) instituted the custom at the Kodokan, his organization’s headquarters.

Since then other Japanese arts, such as aikido, karate, and jujutsu, have adopted the celebration that officially kicks off the new year — a tradition of renewal, rededication and spirit.

We will celebrate Kagami Biraki with the following schedule:

1:00 – 1:30 set out and mop the mats

1:30 – 2:30 adults and children train together in the same class

2:30 – 3:00 each member dedicates a song, poem, essay, etc. during circle

3:00 – 3:30 close up the dojo

3:30 – 4:00 perform misogi (spiritual cleansing ritual) by jumping into Barton Springs

5:30 – 8:00 Pot Luck (location to be announced later)

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Patrick performed beautifully on his 1st kyu examination and the video proves it. Well done Patrick. Next stop: shodan!

You may also see this video by visiting our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/risingsunaustin

Hello Folks!

I just wish to take this brief moment and cordially invite my friends and family to my up coming Aikido Ikkyu exam.
It will occur:
When?: tomorrow, Tuesday the 13th of November at approximately 7:00 PM. (Be there early, if you can.)
Where?: Rising Sun Aikido Dojo, 1120 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas. Right next to the Alamo Draft House on South Lamar, in the yoga studio next door. (It is a shared space.) Alien Scooter is to the right of the yoga studio.

Please come if you can, as this is important to me and is the final exam I will take before I eventually go for my Black Belt exam. (This won’t occur for maybe a year or more?) My intention here is to share this part of my life, that I spend so much time with, that no one really has a chance to see.
I look forward to seeing you all, if you can make it. Your presence & support will be truly appreciated.

Ashley Mayfield shows how it’s done in this excellent examination video. Well done Ashely!

If you cannot see the video here, check it out on our YouTube channel.

Ashley Mayfield will be testing for San Kyu this coming Thursday, October 6th. Come to class and bring your “A” ukemi so we can make Ashley look great on his exam video.

Because of a yoga conference that will be taking place tomorrow morning, class will not start until 2:00. See you there!

Most of Wolfgang’s 1st Kyu test can be seen in the Exam-o-rama video. But in this video, you can see some hot Wolfgang solo action as demonstrates techniques specific to the 1st Kyu examination.

If you cannot see the video here, check it out on our YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/risingsunaustin#p/a/u/0/TeobIwS0l5M

Here it is… the greatest exam video EVER!

If you cannot see the video here, check it out on our YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/risingsunaustin#p/a/u/0/eEwQtUcII5U

In this video:
Wolfgang 1st Kyu
James 3rd Kyu
François 4th Kyu
Nico 5th Kyu
Elliot 6th Kyu
Miguel 6th Kyu
Brad 6th Kyu
Linda 6th Kyu