Out
of Country Seminar Reports
AHAN Nippon Kan Mexico Activity Support Seminar.
December 3rd-5th, 2004
children from the center, Homma Kancho, Stephanie Sensei,
Stan Pranin-Editor of Aikido Journal, Rocio Sensei.
Mexico Aikido, Take Musu Aiki, instructed by
Fernando Roman Sensei and Rocio Aguero Rangel Sensei, (www.mexicoaikido.com.mx)
organized and hosted this event sponsored by AHAN Nippon Kan
Headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The seminar was held as the second annual
fundraising seminar for children with cancer in Mexico. The second
purpose of the seminar was to recognize women Aikidoists in Latin
America.
Held at the Tecnologico de Monterrey (Technical University of
Monterrey), a highlight of the seminar was a special guest lecture
by Aikido Journal Chief Editor on the history of Aikido in Spanish
no less! In celebration of the important role women have in Aikido,
Stephanie
Yap Sensei, Chief Instructor of Aikido of South Florida (www.aikidosouthflorida.com)
accompanied Homma Kancho as a special guest instructor. Yap Sensei
delighted all students in attendance with her dynamic style and
expertise. Stephanie Yap Sensei team-taught the seminar, alternating
classes with Homma Kancho.
 Fernando Sensei |
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 Rocio Sensei |
Continuing the tradition, this year students and instructors from fourteen dojos came to participate in this fundraising event. The purpose of this seminar was to welcome everyone beyond style or affiliation to join together for practice and to help members of their community.
 Stephanie Yap Sensei |
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 Homma Kancho |
Homma Kancho commented on the seminar experience; “The seminar this year is like catching five birds with one stone. First: the enjoyment of physical Aikido practice, second: the study of the history of Aikido, third: raising support for local community needs, fourth: the coming together of students and instructors from different styles and backgrounds, fifth: the recognition of the important role of women in Aikido in Mexico.
The setting for the seminar at a high level university such as the Tecnologico de Monterrey is an appropriate setting for such a high level, multipurpose event such as this seminar. There is something at this seminar for everyone attending yet it is not for personal profit or personal gain; this seminar is for the greater community of Mexico.”
We were all honored to have Stanley Pranin Sensei, Chief Editor of Aikido Journal (www.aikidojournal.com) join us for this fundraising event. I had not known that Pranin Sensei studied Spanish at a university in Mexico City in 1965. He told all of us an amusing story about coming to Mexico the first time on a bus from the United States; a trip that took over forty excruciating hours to complete. Five years later, after completing his military service, Pranin Sensei returned once to Mexico, but has not had the opportunity to return since. Now thirty five years later, Pranin Sensei seemed happy and nostalgic to be back. He still has managed to remember how to speak Spanish after all these years. This I understand is just one of Pranin Sensei’s amazing talents!
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| Aikido History lecture by Stanley Pranin Audience at attention. | ||
Stephanie Yap Sensei was also an inspiration to have with us in Mexico. She had a lot of fans on this trip both from Nippon Kan and among Mexico students and instructors. Her long history of hard practice experience as an Iwama uchideshi really showed through; her dynamic movement and abundant energy was infectious to everyone who met her at this seminar. In fact, I am a fan too!
Homma Kancho began the seminar closing ceremony by thanking everyone who had come and exchanged their seminar fees for a valuable opportunity to share with each other and be of service to others in need at the same time. He thanked Fernando Sensei and Rocio Sensei, Mexico Aikido Staff members Senior Jose, Senior Wimmer and all students who had made this seminar a remarkable event.
To close, Dr. Kunitake Tanaka, his wife Yoko Tanaka, Founders of the Casa de la Amistad (the cancer facility for children in Mexico) and two children from the center came forward in front of all assembled to receive $1,300.00 that was raised by seminar proceeds and $1000.00 that was donated by AHAN Nippon Kan Headquarters. Many thanks to Stanley Pranin Sensei, Stephanie Yap Sensei, and Homma Kancho whose donated instruction and lecture fees made this donation to the Casa de la Amistad possible. (www.casadelaamistad.org.mx).
Kazumi Yoshimura
Nippon Kan Headquarters Staff
AHAN International Activity Report.
AHAN Nippon Kan Central America Activities on the Move.
AHAN Nippon Kan Nicaragua Officially Opens.
 Mother of Nicaragua Aikido, Susan Kinne Sensei arranges flowers at the dojo front before practice. (To read more about Susan Sensei click here) |
This was the second visit in 2004 by Homma Kancho to Nicaragua. On this visit he taught a four day seminar that was held at UNAN University (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua) and UCA University (University of Central America) in Managua. My name is Fernando Roman of Mexico Aikido, Takemusu Aiki, AHAN Mexico, and I was happy that I was able to accompany Homma Kancho on this trip following the seminar we just held in Mexico.
 Students at UCA. |
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 Students at UNAN. |
I enjoyed the chance to train with new acquaintances in Nicaragua and we trained at different locations at the universities. There was a mix up at one point during the seminar and the practice space we were suppose to practice in was not available. This irregularity did not seem out of the ordinary to our hosts, and they took it in stride. We settled on practicing on an outdoor basketball court. Homma Kancho said “Before my dojo was built, I used to practice in the park.” Since we were practicing on concrete, thank goodness Homma Kancho concentrated on tachigatame or standing lock techniques.
 Changing clothes outside for practice. |
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 Serious practice on the concrete! |
 Kyu testing outside! |
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 Founder’s photo treated with care while practicing outside. |
As a way to support the growth and development of Aikido in Nicaragua, Aikido Pioneer Instructor Susan Kinne gave permission for a few of her senior students to begin organizing AHAN Nippon Kan Nicaragua. With support, it is hoped that new AHAN activity development will help Aikido in Nicaragua grow and mature for generations to come.
In these initial stages of development, a first goal is the training of instructors. Currently AHAN scholarships are available for leading students to come to Denver to train not only in the technical aspects of Aikido, but in organizational, leadership and volunteer project coordination skills. Also of paramount importance for growth in a dojo, is the ability of a dojo to sustain itself financially. Training and plans are also in the works to help students open a small campus restaurant to supplement dojo financial stability.
The first scholarship internship at Nippon Kan in Denver for 2005 was awarded to Norman Chavarria. Also planned for 2005 is a short-term scholarship visit for Armando Antonio Lopez. In the summer of 2003, Armando lost a leg to cancer, amputated above the knee. It was after this at the age of 18, that Armando began his practice of Aikido. I was listening when Homma Kancho asked him what his dream was. “Staying alive, surviving life” was his answer. “If I can practice Aikido it is proof that I am alive! A lot of people helped me while I was sick, I also dream of helping others now that I am well.” Homma Kancho answered, “I want to support your dreams. You need a wide view of life and many experiences. If you would like, we will arrange for you to visit America”, This offer was readily agreed to by Armando.
 Armando at practice. |
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 Homma Kancho presents a keiko gi to Armando. |
 Party at Kinne Senseis home. |
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 Serving traditional foods at the party. |
I very much enjoyed my stay in Nicaragua, and want to thank our hosts for their hospitality. It is our hope that our continued communication might lead someday to the formation of AHAN Nippon Kan Central America.
Fernando Roman
Mexico Aikido, Take Musu Aiki
AHAN Nippon Kan Mexico
AHAN Nippon Kan Costa Rica Officially Opens
December 13th-16th, 2004
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| The Start of AHAN Nippon Kan Costa Rica. | ||
After traveling to Nicaragua to meet and practice under Homma Kancho, I invited Homma Kancho to visit my country of Costa Rica, and my home town of San Jose. I instruct at two Aikido dojos in Costa Rica. There are a few other practicing groups of Aikidoka in Costa Rica, but there is no active organization here. For the future of Aikido in Costa Rica and as a way to support our own communities in San Jose, I asked Homma Kancho if we could join AHAN officially as AHAN Nippon Kan Costa Rica.
 Marco Gonzales. |
Marco Gonzales
Butokukai de Costa Rica
AHAN Nippon Kan Costa Rica Organizer
AHAN Nippon Kan Mongolia Receives 1st Computer Shipment.
December 16th, 2004
On December 16th, the first shipment of computers from AHAN’s used computer distribution program arrived in Ulaanbaatar. Aikido Nippon Kan Mongolia Instructor Bold Tumenjargl, AHAN Nippon Kan staff member Enkbayar and me, AHAN Nippon Kan coordinator, Alimansar Namjildorj were there to receive the computers upon their arrival for the Zorig Foundation of Ulaanbaatar. (Click here to read related articles First Shipment of Thirty Computers Shipped to Mongolia and Updates from the School Named Hope in Mongolia).
The Zorig Foundation assisted us in distributing the computers to orphanages, schools and other facilities under their administration. As AHAN representatives, we also personally delivered five computers directly to the School named Hope, a school directly supported by AHAN.
We have sent photos to AHAN headquarters of the children from the School named Hope enjoying their new computers, along with photos and a certificate of appreciation from the Zorig Foundation. The pictures speak a thousand words, and the smiles are the greatest reward.
Our goal is to have 100 computers shipped to Mongolia. Future shipments will be sent in smaller quantities as space allows on containers headed to Ulaanbaatar. The distribution of all the computers is being monitored by our AHAN Mongolia staff, and we are excited about the potential growth that can be accomplished with these gifts not only here in Mongolia, but in Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico and other countries AHAN is involved with.
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 AHAN Mongolia Staff checking in the computers at the Zorig Foundation. Alimansar Namjildorj, AHAN Nippon Kan Mongolia Coordinator |
| Used Computers Still Needed! How does AHAN operate? AHAN activities are not supported by Domo Restaurant only. A variety of projects are supported by Nippon Kan fundraising seminars and private donations. Proceeds are also directed to AHAN from Nippon Kan’s school fieldtrip for cultural study program with Denver schools. To date over 10,000 students have participated in demonstration tours at Nippon Kan. Some of Nippon Kan’s other fundraising activities include cultural tours to Japan and Mongolia and the presentation of traditional cultural concerts such as this. Nippon Kan also supports many community volunteer projects in Denver such as our Meals for the Homeless program with the Denver Rescue Mission. In the past 14 years, Nippon Kan has made and served over 36,000 meals to Denver’s needy. Nippon Kan has also partnered with the Denver Parks Department for the last 14 years in park beautification and preservation projects in the Metro Denver area and Front Range. Ongoing AHAN projects: Currently AHAN is organizing a recycled computer and sewing machine project for third world communities. Used computers and portable sewing machines, (working or not) are welcome. Your donated computers will be cleaned, restored and readied for shipment by our volunteer Nippon Kan computer staff. The computers will be used in projects for children in Mongolia, Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Italy and Turkey. All of the computers will be distributed personally by AHAN local branch representatives for educational, medical and cultural preservation projects. How to donate: If you are would like to help by donating a computer, please bring it to Nippon Kan at 1365 Osage Street between 5-8 pm., Monday through Thursday or Nippon Kan AHANs affiliated Domo Restaurant 11-2pm. 5-10pm. Mon- Sat. A tax deductible receipt will be issued at the time of shipment, value established by our computer assembly staff. If you have access to large quantities of used computers, pick up is available. Please call Nippon Kan at 303-595-8256 and leave a message. Nippon Kan 1365 Osage Street Denver, Colorado 80204 303-595-8256 email: info@nippon-kan.org |
AHAN Nippon Kan Rio de Janeiro Receives New Government Status.
December 16th, 2004
AHAN Nippon Kan Rio de Janeiro, under the stewardship of Luc Leoni Sensei,
has been very active in Brazil with a multitude
of AHAN projects and activities. Their work has been recognized
by the Brazilian Government with the highest level of certification that
can be bestowed on a non-profit organization. AHAN Rio de Janeiro has been
given
the official status of an OSCIP (Organization Social of Public Interest),
which makes AHAN Rio de Janeiro eligible for public funds from the Brazilian
government.
AHAN’s philosophy has been linked through its humanitarian projects
with education and environmental awareness, and has been deemed an added
value for
society by the Brazilian government.
 Click to enlarge |
I have written a commentary titled “On AHAN and Nippon Kan Activities in Brazil” for more insight into today’s AHAN projects.
Gaku Homma
Nippon Kan Kancho
Domestic AHAN Activity Report
Mongolian Tsam Festival Mask Exhibition.
Dec 2-28th, 2004
 Mongolian Buddhist Llamas in attendance at the exhibition opening. |
Tsogo Mijid, a member of the Denver Mongolian Cultural Eel Society of Denver is a Mongolian artist famous for his paintings and paper mache sculpture. Tsogo has reproduced a collection of Tsam masks which were hung for exhibition in the Nippon Kan Museum December 2nd, 2004. These Tsam masks were also displayed at the Nippon Kan New Year Welcome party held January 2nd, 2005 and were worn by Mongolian dancers who danced for the evening’s events.
Nippon Kan is dedicated to the preservation of Mongolian culture and art forms, and enjoys these opportunities to promote cultural awareness for members of both the Denver Mongolian community and the Denver community at large.
Emily Busch
Nippon Kan Vice President
Dinner at the Denver Rescue Mission;
15th Consecutive Year Draws to a Close.
December 19th, 2004
 Denver Rescue Mission; 100 years of service. |
In the last fifteen years, Nippon Kan has supplied and served 38,088 meals to the homeless at the Denver Rescue Mission.
This project was started fifteen years ago by Homma Kancho as a way to say thank you to the community that had supported the growth of a fledgling Nippon Kan. Homma Kancho started this project by himself. On a Sunday, he would go to the Denver Rescue Mission alone and spend all day and night there preparing meals for the homeless.
Now fifteen years later, every third Sunday of every month, Nippon Kan students gather for one of their favorite service activities. On December 19th, 2004, the last homeless meal service for the year was prepared and served. In January of 2005, one of the first community service projects will be the January homeless meal service scheduled for January 16th.
On each third Sunday, students peel and cut vegetables for the evening meals after morning practice at 9:45 am. At 3:00 pm., foods and supplies for 300 meals are loaded and transported to the rescue mission for cooking. The first meal for mission residents is served at 5:00 pm. and the second meal for outside guests is served at 8:00 pm. A familiar routine by now, different shifts of volunteers arrive to set the tables, serve the meals, and reload supplies to return to the dojo. Everyone knows the tasks to be done, and all of the work is performed in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I thank all of the volunteers who take time out of their Sundays to come down to the mission to share in this activity. I also thank all of the mission residents and guests for allowing us the chance to have this experience.
 Last meal ser vice of 2004, volunteers in the kitchen. |
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 Meal service down pat! |
Between evening meal services, I sat down with Denver Rescue Mission graduate resident, Mr. Charles Davis (49), who had stopped by to give us a message of appreciation. I learned from him that in 1991, he had been the innocent passenger in a car that had a terrible accident in Florida. “I was confined to my bed for two years,” he told me. “And, spent three years after that in rehabilitation. Finally with the aid of a wheelchair I learned to get around, but by then I had grown bitter and weary or life. I chose to be homeless, even in a wheelchair, and lived that lifestyle for many years. About four years ago, I was accepted into the Denver Rescue Mission’s residence program, and I have just now finished a twenty eight month reintegration training course. Now I have a job, my own apartment, and if I get my drivers license, the mission will get me a car to get around in. I have started enjoying life again, even confined to this wheelchair. Because I graduated from the residence program, I receive one year of rent vouchers which I receive in monthly installments. To keep everything above board, I have to turn in rent payment receipts before I can receive the next installment.
Even though I have graduated from the mission residency program and don’t live here anymore, I come down to the mission two to three times a week to help other residents with their programs. We call this the pipeline program; a pipeline of people who have made it through the program to help others achieve a happier and more productive life. A lot of people supported and helped me, I can help them by showing them that even me, in this old body, in this wheelchair has made it to a happier place. I think sometimes I am an inspiration for others.
 Charles, (seated) with mission residents. |
Charles Davis
Denver Rescue Mission
More information on the Denver Rescue Mission is available at www.denverrescuemission.org.
Aikido Nippon Kan Dojo Activity Report.
Shudo Maruyama Sensei Teaches at Nippon Kan.
November 10th, 2004
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| Shudo Maruyama Sensei teaching at Nippon Kan Dojo. | ||
One of the initial Aikikai Aikido pioneer instructors to the United States, Shudo Maruyama Sensei, Founder of Kokikai Aikido, traveled to Denver with seven of his students to instruct a special clinic at Nippon Kan. Held on a Wednesday evening, over ninety students attended from Nippon Kan and other Front Range dojos. Maruyama Sensei delighted all with his dynamic technique and interesting teaching methods.
Maruyama Sensei was the first instructor to expose Homma Kancho to Aikido while Homma Kancho was still in middle school in Akita, Japan. The story of their relationship has been documented in Homma Kancho’s article “The Silent Pioneer”.
Part of Nippon Kan’s practice philosophy is to study the history of Aikido, and Nippon Kan strives to host instructors from many different backgrounds that have had an association with the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Homma Kancho spoke of the importance of this broad based study, “If we are to understand the art of Picasso, we cannot study only the painting he produced at the end of his lifetime. We need to study the artworks he created throughout his life to understand the artist as a whole. We should not hesitate to study what has happened in our Aikido history with an open mind. Our philosophy is to learn as much as we can from the many different Aikidoists that are part of our collective history. If we want to think about a peaceful future for our world, we need to study the mistakes and triumphs of those who have traveled before us. In this way we can learn how to take our art forward, not backward.”
Homma Kancho has written an accompanying article in honor of Maruyama Sensei’s visit titled, “Cold Sake and Sensei’s Lessons”.
We would like to thank Maruyama Sensei and his students very much for sharing with us in Denver.
Emily Busch
Nippon Kan Vice President
Nippon Kan Children’s Class
Promotions
December 17th, 2004
 Family members crowd the dojo for Children’s promotions. |
At the Nippon Kan office we receive martial art magazines and advertisements frequently that promote money-making schemes. At the top of the list are schemes for promotions, examinations, tournaments and certifications; all activities that a dojo can charge for.
Like any school, Nippon Kan does need income for survival, but Nippon Kan’s fee policies are based on a unique idea. Nippon Kan does not charge any fees for promotions. It is one of our working philosophies to try very hard not to financially pressure parents or guardians with any extra fees associated with membership or promotion, and the class fees themselves have remained $25.00 for over fifteen years.
Promotions at Nippon Kan are not based on examinations as in most dojos. Instead each child’s attendance and progress is monitored and discussed by the Children’s Class Instructor and his assistant instructors. Attendance plays an important role in advancement, especially among the newest members. Besides not asking for promotion fees, uniforms are not required for children’s class. We urge parents not to invest in a uniform until it is clear that Aikido practice is something their child is serious about continuing. Another small way to ease the burden on parents is the way the belt and ranking system is organized. Not every rank promotion requires a new colored belt. Intermediary promotions are signified with colored tape that is securely attached to the belts, making the same belt usable for different ranks.
Some dojos I have encountered require contracts for extended periods of time. The extended class fees, miscellaneous and promotion fees can total up to $150.00 per month in some cases! If a child quits practice under these circumstances, parents are left with a lengthy contract to pay off and piles of unused martial art equipment and uniforms. Understandably, this can leave parents with a bitter taste about their experience with the martial arts.
 Tom Dammen, children’s class instructor with the kids! |
To make our children’s classes successful,
we strive to make parents feel comfortable that their child is in good
hands,
and they will not be
left with exorbitant bills to pay. Parents that are comfortable are much
stronger
advocates for our programs than those tied to a dojo by a contract. It
is a positive promotion and family support relationship rather than
a negative
one.
This December’s promotion announcements were well attended by students,
parents, guardians, family members and friends. All came to share in the happiness
and excitement of the children in Children’s Class, and no child
left disappointed.
Thomas Dammen
Nippon Kan Children’s Class Instructor
Nippon Kan End-of-Year and New Year Activities;
A Collection of Notes from the Journal of Homma Kancho.
Every year Nippon Kan holds Japanese New Year activities as a way to offer
American students a chance to experience the New Year as it is celebrated
traditionally in Japan. It is a very busy time with many activities. The
following are excerpts
from Homma Kancho’s personal journal which capture some of his thoughts
as we moved through the end of the year 2004 and welcomed the New Year
of 2005.
Susuharai (End-of-Year Dojo Cleaning)
December 28th, 2004
Ichinen no hokori. The translation for one set of Japanese Kanji for
these words is “one year’s dust”. The translation for
another set of Japanese Kanji for the same words is “wholehearted dust”.
The dojo is cleaned every day, but dust gathers in the far corners undisturbed.
It is the dust of one year of serious practice. It is the dust made from keiko
gi’s and canvas. The translation for another set of Japanese Kanji for
the same words is “one year’s pride”. Thank you to all
of the students who helped with this end of year cleaning.
Keiko Osame (Last practice of the year)
December 29th, 2004
So fast, the year went so fast…When I was young, time passed slowly,
like ascending up a steep hill. Now that I am over fifty, time passes so
quickly it is like descending that same hill on wheels! After the last
class, together
we did Iponjime “good luck clap”and Kanpai! I
suppose it is a break from tradition that the tray of sake and cups for the
kanpai toast also has
bottled water as a second choice. It is a new day, a day of new dangers
such as DUI’s or worse. Oh well, better safe than sorry.
 Kanpai! |
After class all the students talked happily. I reflected as I left them still chatting, “Did I do a good job for them this year?...”.
Matsukazari (Putting up the New Year Decorations)
December 30th, 2004
For the last few years, the mochi cakes that traditionally decorate the dojo altar have been given to me by my good friend Joko Ninomiya Kancho of Enshin Karate. We used to make them from scratch here at the dojo. I and the uchideshi would spend all day pounding the rice, making more mess than mochi. Somehow American uchideshi didn’t quite appreciate the gooey mess we created, barely tasting only a finger full at the most. It got to the point where I felt like I was making mochi only for the mold that would grow on it in later days! The usu (hollowed out stump used as the receptacle for pounding the mochi) was finally turned over and used as a chair, and since we use the mochi only one time a year, it seemed a waste to buy a mochi making machine. Finally I asked Ninomiya Kancho if he would mind making a bit extra in his mochi machine. Besides, what are friends for! Making the kadomastu (decorations made from pine boughs), hanging the red and white banners and the shimenawa (sacred New Year rope used for good luck in Shinto shrines) has put me in the New Year mood.
 Matsukazari pine decorations in Nippon Kan. |
Toshikoshi Keiko (New Year’s Midnight Practice)
December 31st 11:30pm to Jan1st, 12:30 am.
By 11:00pm., there were many students waiting quietly outside in the night for the door to open. Silently they filed in, changed and waited in seiza in the dojo; the lights dimmed for the occasion. This is the only day of the year that I perform a Shinto ceremony; clapping hands firmly and calling the gods with the prayer Amatsunorito.
Nippon Kan is not a religious organization and I always am very sensitive about offending anyone’s religious backgrounds or beliefs. It was announced in advance that at this New Year ceremony a Shinto prayer would be performed in order not to offend anyone. Some of the students that I have met in Denver are deeply religious and serious about their beliefs. They are not like the Japanese who noisily celebrate Christmas, followed by a Shinto based New Years and a Buddhist Bon Festival in August!. Some might not appreciate a mixing of religions.
 Toshikoshi Keiko |
Shinenkai (New Years Party)
January 2nd, 2005
Setting up a party for three hundred is a bit tight, even at the Nippon Kan
dojo. The dojo looked beautiful all decorated in red and white, and the forty
foot long banquet table is laden with delicious foods. Student, families and
friends arrive, Mongolian friends in traditional attire. The music begins,
first traditional Mongolian song followed by American bluegrass banjo and the
impromptu songs devised by students and friends. Everyone seems to be having
a glorious time.
Yet all is not fine. Mr. Cold has grabbed me like a hook on a bad Vaudeville
act and slammed me with an irimi. For my part, I only got to stay
at the party for about a half an hour before miserably returning to bed. Thank
you Mr. Cold,
at least I did not begin the year with a hang-over. To all the busy volunteers
that organized the set up, reception, and party clean up, Thank You Very Much!
 Children’s Class students man the coat check for party. |
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 A gorgeous banquet! |
 Mongolian dance for the children. |
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 Mongolian song accompanied by the morin hur. |
 Buddhist Llama join the festivities. |
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 Mongolian Tsam festival dance. |
 Western Music, Hee-Hah! |
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 Kids getting into the swing of things. |
 Nippon Kan Co-Founder Yutaka Kikuchi works the crowd with a raffle. |
Keiko Hajime (First
Practice of the Year)
January 3rd, 2005
This year, Keiko Hajime was held one day earlier than usual. I think
everyone was anxious to start the practice year, wanting to get back on the
mat as soon as possible!
Someone asked me before Keiko Hajime began if we could organize a
fund raising seminar for the victims of the Tsunami disaster that had just
been announced to the world. His question stimulated a lot of thinking on my
part that ultimately became the body the New Year’ s speech I delivered
at Keiko Hajime and resulting article “Between
the Steps”.
As the Keiko Hajime Ceremony was about to begin, I stepped into the
dojo and looked at the many rows of students lined up straight and tall in seiza. I
wanted to tell them to sit comfortably, but I stopped myself. This was Keiko
Hajime after all, and everyone should be able to be patient and sit in seiza for
a while at least, it makes the photos look better anyway!
The evening’s itinerary was full. There were welcome speeches, advisor
speeches, practice, staff position appointments (numbering over forty this
year), ranking promotions and special achievement recognitions. The time went
by so fast! Before I knew it, it was time to dine together with the senior
Nippon Kan advisors, (referred to as the Moo Club after the cow in the Nippon
Kan logo) at our annual senior advisor dinner.
Editors’ note: Excerpts from Homma Kancho’s Keiko Hajime 2005
New Year Speech has been formalized in his article “Between
the Steps”.
 Lined up waiting for the first class of the year. |
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 Homma Kancho’s New Year demonstration. |
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| Nippon Kan’s most senior student Mr.
Brown (82) and highest attendance leader Mr. Heinz Schlue (62) receiving their achievement awards. |
Four Sessions of Beginners classes begin for 2005.
January 10th-15th, 2005
I always get a little nervous before the New Year Beginners’ sessions begin each January. I wonder how many students will come. In a year we have twenty-four sessions of Beginner Classes, and by the attendance in the January classes I can almost predict how the year’s attendance will be. In the past twenty seven years over 15,000 beginning students have attended Beginner’s Classes at Nippon Kan. This is a lot of people, and I know I have been very lucky to have so many students come through our doors. Many do not know however the kind of sacrifice and how much help from others it has taken to accomplish this.
 Aikido Exercise. |
In the first week of January beginning sessions we had a total of about seventy students, and we have one more session that begins February 1st. We are hopeful that this year too we will have 100 students begin; how long they will stay, how long I will have to teach them, nobody knows.
Children’s School Field Trip Season Begins.
January 11th, 2005
 Cultural tour guide Emily Busch, AHAN President |
Excerpts from Homma Kancho’s journal edited by SoYoda, Nippon Kan Japan Staff Editor.
2004 Awards of Achievement and Appreciation
| 1/4/04 | Denver Rescue Mission. A plaque was awarded by the John Geddings, Director of the Denver Rescue Mission for 35,000 meals served to the homeless. |
| 2/26/04 | Mongolian Morin Hur Association,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Homma Kancho for his support in introduction Mongolian traditional music to Denver. |
| 4/9/04 | Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. Presented Homma Kancho with a certificate of appreciation for banquet donations made to an city employee appreciation event. |
| 4/29/04 | Mongolian Aikido Association,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Homma Kancho and AHAN for assistance in dojo development by helping with renovations for the Mongolian Aikido Association in Ulaanbaatar. |
| 5/19/04 | School of Hope, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia. AHAN and Homma Kancho were awarded a certificate of appreciation for sponsoring the making of ten Morin Hur instruments and facilitating a new music program for the School named Hope in Ulaanabaatar. |
| 6/10/04 | Minoru Yasui Foundation Inn of
Court. Nippon Kan and Homma Kancho were presented with a plaque of recognition honoring their community service and humanitarian activities. The annual Inn of Court meeting was held at Nippon Kan’s Domo Restaurant Gardens on June 10th. |
| 7/7/04 | Japan America Society. Nippon Kan and Homma Kancho were honored by the Japan America Society for their support of cross-cultural events. |
| 7/18/04 | President of Mongolia. Homma Kancho was presented with a large framed portrait of Asa Shoryu, (a Mongolian national who has won the title of Japanese Sumo Wrestling Champion eight times in Japan) by the President of Mongolia at a special reception held for the President and members of his cabinet at Domo Restaurant, July 18th. The President awarded Homma Kancho this gift in recognition of AHAN and Homma Kancho’s personal contributions in supporting projects in Mongolia, and in support of the Denver Mongolian Community. |
| 8/5/04 | Mongolian Ambassador to the United
States in Washington D.C. A plaque was awarded by the Mongolian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Bold Raftan to Homma Kancho for the reception held for the President of Mongolia on July 18th, and for support of the Mongolian community in Denver and in Mongolia. |
| 9/5/04 | Japanese School of Denver, Cherry
Hills Village Elementary School. Certificate of Appreciation was given to Homma Kancho and Nippon Kan for promoting cultural awareness and music appreciation by sponsoring visits by the Kyougaku Taiko Drummers to Denver Elementary schools. |
| 9/15/04 | Matsukawa Village, Nagano Japan Certificate of Appreciation awared to Homma Kancho, Nippon Kan and AHAN for promoting cultural awareness and music appreciation by sponsoring visits by the Kyougaku Taiko Drummers to Colorado. |
| 12/4/04 | Denver Parks and Recreation Department
of Denver. Outstanding volunteer commendation awarded to Nippon Kan for volunteer efforts in 2004. |
| 12/5/04 | Casa de la Amistad Foundation,
Mexico City, Mexico Certificate of Appreciation awarded by Cancer facility for the second annual fund raising seminar efforts to AHAN Nippon Kan and AHAN Nippon Kan Mexico in December 2004. |
| 12/28/04 | Mongolian Zorig Foudation, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia. Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Homma Kancho and Nippon Kan for thirty donated computers. |