Date: Sunday, January 11
Ceremony: Starts at 9:15 AM at the Sohonbu Dojo
Winter Training: Starts at 10:00 AM at Uehara Shakai Kyoiku Kan, Shibuya
The first event of the year, the Winter Training, was successfully held. Blessed with clear skies, we began the day in a refreshing morning atmosphere.
As in previous years, the event took place at two venues. First, shihans and instructors gathered at the Headquarters Dojo for the New Year ceremony and training, where we received an address from SOKE NAKAZAKI.
This year marks the Year of the Horse, specifically “Hinoe-Uma” in the traditional zodiac. The Horse symbolizes vitality and forward momentum, and is said to herald new beginnings and growth.In particular, Hinoe-Uma combines the element of fire, signifying heightened passion and vigor. This year, we anticipate an abundance of energy like the sun, and great leaps forward through bold challenges.
Our guiding character for the year is “勇” (Yu), representing courage. It is the “Yu” of Yushinmon and also part of the name of our Kaiso, Tamotsu Isamu. Beyond bravery and strength, it conveys decisiveness and integrity.
Already, we have received numerous messages from overseas expressing a strong desire to join Yushinmon. Accordingly, we plan to begin international visits in March. Furthermore, in July, we anticipate hosting the 2nd Pan-American and Caribbean Tournament, the first in two years.
This year promises to be more dynamic than ever. True to our guiding principle “Yu,” we will embrace bold challenges with strength and decisiveness—making decisions, taking action, and advancing without limit from this very day.
The Winter Training then moved to the second venue, where we held a two-hour group practice, successfully concluding the first training of the year.
