~ Kagami Biraki @Tohkon Judo Academy ~
On Sunday, January 12th we did the first Kagami Biraki at our new dojo. 200 participants from ages 5 to 80 were present that day including the students and their families as well as the Mr. Kishi from Consulate General of Chicago as well as key members from the local Chamber of Commerce. We introduced several Japanese traditions.
1. Agenda
- 1:00 p.m. – Purification
- 1:20 p.m. – Japanese Taiko (Drums) Performance (True Deal!!)
- 1:40 p.m. – Judo Demo by Tohkon Kids (cute but serious)
- 2:10 p.m. – Annual Special Award Ceremony
- 2:25 p.m. – Photo Session (All, by Category, by Group)
- 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pot Luck Party
Although it’s just an event of a Dojo, the party was filled with content and everyone had a great time. Please come join us next year!!
2. Special Award Ceremony
This award is granted to the JUDOKA that showed the best performance last year. It is decided by the votes of all instructors including myself. Although it’s an award of one dojo, since there are 300 members registered, it is an honor for the winner. Awards are grated to both Kids and Adults, and for the winner it would be a great surprise as well as the best motivator. Winning this as a target would mean the same as winning in a match. Here’s the list of awards.
- Outstanding Junior Competitor: Consider overall competition record, as well as display of good sportsmanship, positive representative of the dojo, positive demeanor, and exemplary behavior.
- Most Improved Junior Judoka: Has shown marked improvement in technical understanding, execution, judo vocabulary, technique repertoire, overall proficiency, etc.
- Most Dedicated: Without regard to rank or technical ability, this person sets the example of personal dedication, hard work and sacrifice towards improving themselves and advancing judo. Consider volunteer activities, leadership rolls, attendance, chairing special events, initiative (cleaning up around the dojo!), adherence to dojo rules, teaching, coaching, etc.
- Most Supportive: This award is typically to a non-player. It can be to an individual or to a family or perhaps an organization. This award is presented to those persons who assist most in enabling the dojo to fulfill it’s corporate mission statement, either through direct or indirect support.
- Tohkon Fighting Spirit: Without regard to rank or technical ability this person exhibits single-minded drive and focus, consistency and striving towards unifying mind and body. At times this award has been presented to members recovering from injury, medical condition or other significant hardship. This is the “A for effort” award.
３. 2x GKJN Events in 2025. My challenge continues!!
As written in the previous article, we are planning the 27th Tohkon Cup and the 3rd GKJN Cup during the weekend of June 14th and 15th. Also we had succeeded in inviting the US Junior Championships to Chicago (Wintrust Sports Complex) This is “THE” major event for 2025,
The attention towards a National Level official tournament is high – where we have an opportunity to invite them to our event as well. WE have already started our preparations. I am finalizing the invitee JUDOKA from Japan – to be announced very soon.
This is a great stage for our dojo that is supported by its students and family as well as the volunteers. A Japanese (me) is producing an event filled with US people – how exciting!! Although a big challenge, I intend to do my best. Looking forward to everyone’s support.
