Decorating Nippon Kan dojo for the New Year.
With the New Year in 2007, Nippon Kan operations went through a restructuring and reorganizing process to streamline headquarters operations. Nippon Kan and AHAN have been very active in international and domestic project development and operations have expanded greatly in the past few years. A remedy for organizing this growth was to simplify, refocus and restructure resources here at headquarters.
Nippon Kan’s AHAN involvement with orphanages and other humanitarian organizations in many countries has given Nippon Kan members a new understand on the hardships associated with the human condition in many parts of the world We have been able to experience the lives of others first hand and Homma Kancho wanted to reflect our consideration and respect for their struggles in the way Nippon Kan Headquarters brought in the New Year. To have lavish holiday parties at Nippon Kan Headquarters did not seem to be a true reflection of our AHAN goals and activities throughout the year. Homma Kancho personally declined presents and cards and invitations to parties as a show of his respect for all of the others less fortunate he has met since AHAN began 7 years ago.
Dec 11-22, 2007
Keiko Soran (end of year promotion review) was held December 11th-22nd, by Homma Kancho, who reviewed all 3rd Kyu through Dan ranked students for technique comprehension and improvement. Each student’s evaluation was also based on class attendance and attendance in community service volunteer activities throughout the year.
Keiko Osame
Dec 28, 2007
Keiko Osame (The last practice of the year) was held on December 28th, 2007. After closing practice, hakama members led the way in the traditional end of year cleaning. The following day, Nippon Kan dojo was decorated in traditional Japanese style for the coming New Year activities.
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- In Japanese tradition, fresh bamboo is used to sweep out the old year.
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- Hakama members lead the cleanup.
Toshi koshi geiko (Old year to New Year midnight practice). A private practice was held at midnight December 31st, 2007 led by Homma Kancho by invitation.
Keiko Hajime
January 4th, 2008
Keiko Hajime (First Practice of the Year) was held January 4th, 2008. This special first practice of the year was coordinated by Nippon Kan Board Members and Senior Instructors and attended by both adult and youth program members. Highlighting this special class was a dynamic demonstration given by Nippon Kan Chief Instructor Rudy Landry Sensei and Bryon Hayes Sensei.
Written by Tyffany Price