New Years Resolution: Kagami Baraki

What will your 2013 New Years resolution be?  This is the time when gyms see the biggest spike in membership.  Everyone makes their pact to get in shape and be better than they were the year before.  Self-improvement is an eternal journey that requires consistent awareness and unwavering persistence.

In traditional Japanese dojos (or schools), it is a tradition to bring in the new year with a celebration of renewal. Kagami Baraki means 'opening the mirror'-- or looking inside yourself for where you can improve.  In our school we are offering all of our students, family of students, friends of students, and anyone else who wants to try something new, a big group workout (held 1/5/2013 at our school)  The reason we offer this class is to help everyone bring in the new year full of energy and excitement by taking part in an abbreviated class.  The workout is simple enough that everyone can take part.  By packing the school with people, the energy level is unprecedented and, with luck, the message of renewal, hope and encouragement will leave with whomever joins us.

After the workout, I will have a short lecture about goals and then the children are invited to paint a Daruma Doll.  For those who are not familiar with a daruma doll, I encourage you to read this blog: Nana Korobi Ya Oki.  I encourage everyone to set out and make their goals come true.  Please join us for our first Kagami Baraki at our new location. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!  Be amazing in 2013, and no less.

Osu!