Shoheijuku Newsletter February 2023
Hatsu Geiko finished successfully
I thought we greeted each other saying “Happy New Year” just the other day, but it is Risshun (the first day of spring) already. As they say “Time and tide wait for no man”, let us live each day to the fullest.
On January 2nd, we had the annual Hatsu Geiko (New Year’s practice). We had nearly 100 participants including those who were back in Fukuoka for holidays, and enjoyed working up a good sweat together.
Though we usually have Omiki (sacred sake) and enjoy talking about our New Year resolutions after the practice, we unfortunately cancelled it this year again. We headed for home in groups of twos and threes.
Kagami Biraki
On Sunday, January 15th, we held the Shoheijuku Kagami Biraki ceremony at Tenjin Dojo. Due to COVID-19, only the representative from each dojo and people who were promoted by recommendation at Aikikai Kagami Biraki participated.
The ceremony commenced with Mr. Takayoshi Kanado as the MC. We first offered silent prayer to the founder and the second Doshu, and bowed to the shrine. Then we had a greeting from Dojocho and dedicatory Embus. Katsuhiko and I dedicated an Embu each. Lastly, people promoted by recommendation were awarded, and Mr. Shoji Imaizumi expressed gratitude on behalf of all the promoted.
After the Kagami Biraki ceremony, we had the instructors’ meeting.
Chikushino Dojo 35th Anniversary
On Sunday, January 29th, an embukai celebrating the 35th anniversary of Chikushino Dojo (Mr. Yosuke Jozaki, Dojo Rep) was held at Chikushino City Farmer Training Centre. It was a very lively event as so many people attended from nearby dojos, and some of them could not even get into the dojo.
The embu performed by each dojo was distinct and impressive, so the whole embukai was very fulfilling.
After the event, we had a celebration party at Daimaru Besso.
People Promoted by Recommendation
7 Dan
Shoji Imaizumi, Mikio Motoyama, Masahiko Shimokawa
6 Dan
Tamotsu Fukushima, Hideo Sasakuma, Kimiko Sasuga
5 Dan
Michiya Nakamoto, Urs Trachsler, Yoshiro Yanagida, Hidekazu Koyanagi, Omer Lusky, Maurice Horlings, Tetsuyuki Kawano, Kohei Yamada, Russ Qureshi, Koji Inoue, Shigenori Eguchi, Ryuichi Ito, Atsuyo Doiwaki
4 Dan
Takanori Yasuno
3 Dan
Kazuo Kadota, Hiroshi Tsuzaki
Congratulations! I hope everyone continues to work hard.
Events in February
4 – Harima Shoheijuku
12 – Okagaki Dojo (Katsuhiko)
15 – Umi Shounjuku (Takemura)
16 – Koga Dojo (Yamada)
16 – Bunka Center Takatori (Fujioka)
16 – Kurume Dojo (Takemura)
21 – Fukuma Ladies (Fujioka)
23 – Beginners’ Seminar (Suganuma)
23 – Zazenkai
24 – Fukuma Dojo (Fujioka)
25 – Onga Dojo (Katsuhiko)
Obituary
On January 14th, Mr. Yukishi Hashimoto, the representative of Kasuya Shoheijuku passed away. May he rest in peace.
⦿ Kanchu Geiko continues until February 3. Accomplish your original objective! Let’s stay healthy and complete it.
— Morito Suganuma
