The first major event of the year in the Aikido world is the Kagamibiraki, a ceremony that takes place at the Aikikai Foundation - Aikido Hombu Dojo in early January. For this occasion, several hundreds of Aikido practitioners gather to celebrate the new year and greet each other.
This year's ceremony took place on Sunday, January 12th. Usual highlights include speeches by Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu, as well as Tada Hiroshi Shihan.
New Year Speech by Doshu
It is also customary for Doshu and Ueshiba Mitsuteru Dojo-cho to give an ono-enbu (奉納演武), which means that the demonstration is made as a votive offer. It is always remarkable how they are able to control their partners in such a restricted space, the Hombu Dojo being packed with attendees.
Doshu and Dojo-cho’s demonstration
After the demonstration follows the awarding of dan grades to a few individuals, from first dan to eighth dan. The full list of individuals promoted to the ranks of fifth dan and above is then made public.
Partial list of the people promoted to fifth dan
This year, we are delighted to report that our own instructor, Mihály Dobroka Sensei, was promoted to the rank of fifth dan. Mihály started practicing Aikido in Hungary, in 2002. He moved to Japan in 2011 to continue his studies and to train. He was the first non-japanese to become the captain of the Hirosaki University Aikido Club, where he organized an anniversary event under the direction of Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru. Since 2015, he has been training daily at Aikido Hombu Dojo. Mihaly was a co-founder of our dojo, with Guillaume Erard Sensei.
Mihaly Sensei and Guillaume Sensei before the ceremony
After the ceremony, the attendees shared some nihonshu and snacks and enjoy mingling with friends.
Guillaume Sensei and Mihaly Sensei celebrating with Okamoto Yoko Shihan and friends
This year, ten individuals were promoted to the rank of eighth dan, including our friends Ulf Evenas Sensei from Sweden and Tony Smibert Sensei from Australia. Of note was the promotion to seventh dan of Stephane Goffin, who had come to our dojo the day before to give a special class. Also of note, the promotion of friends Ethan Weisgard Sensei and Bruce Bookman Sensei.
Stephane Goffin Sensei receiving the 7th dan from Doshu
We would like to congratulate all our friends around the world for their respective promotions. As a dojo, we feel that Mihaly Sensei’s promotion will further consolidate our place in the landscape of dojo in the Kanagawa prefecture and beyond. We thank him for his dedication in teaching our children and adults classes and look forward practicing some more under his direction!
