Final spurt

Dear fellows,

on monday, december 2nd, our regular training schedule continues and will last till christmas holidays. Our first training in 2020 will take place on thursday, jannuary 9th,
soon followed by the new years ceremony, kagami biraki (鏡開き), expected on monday, jannuary 13th.

Break the mirror
Kagami biraki literally means “to break the mirror” resp. “to open the mirror”. For very practical reasons, however, the mirror was replaced by a rather tasty round rice cake. Contrary to the European view that a broken mirror promises bad luck, the opposite is true in Japan. Therefore this ceremony does not only take place at the beginning of the year, traditionally on 11 January, but also at weddings, sports events, opening ceremonies etc.

Sake and mochi
In dojo or the martial arts in general the kagami biraki initiates also the training of the new year. And everyone is invited to demonstrate their skills during the so called enbu (演武). Afterwards the more comfortable part with sake (酒, rice wine) and mochi (餅, rice cake) takes place.

So till then we will focus on preparations for the enbu and for exams too. Please check out our training calender for any further informations.

I am looking forward seeing you all on the mats.
F.S.