Maybe I am little biased… but that was AWESOME!

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

“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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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!

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

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.

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