Seido Karate Johannesburg celebrated their annual event, ‘Kagami Biraki’, at Emmarentia Dam on January 30 as they ushered in the new year.
Kagami Biraki which means ‘Opening the mirror’ is an important event performed at traditional Japanese karate schools to mark a new year and to celebrate life and health.
According to the dojo’s Shihan George Wong, although the event did not include the traditional opening of a cask of sake (rice wine) and breaking the mochi (rice cake) as done in big celebrations, or as the Shogun once did, it was a variety of the kagami biraki ceremony which is more a symbol of the transition into a new year/phase and a celebration of the activities that takes place and health presently enjoyed.
“The gentle rain did deter a few members but despite the weather and pandemic concerns, more than 90 members, students and friends gathered for a vigorous early morning work out and the usual talk,” he shared.
On the day, Shihan Wang also shared Kaicho (Grand Master) Tadashi Nakamura’s special message that spoke of happiness and health in the new year and about the importance of knowing and acknowledging where we come from and appreciating what we have and what we have become.
“He stressed the importance of love and respect for people and to include others in our plans for the new year and future,” he said. Adding the message reminded his students to never give up as the message shared stories about perseverance and how to identify and focus on the more important objectives in life.
The event was concluded with a get together of all the students, parents and friends who shared eats, drinks and good conversation.
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