GALLERY — NEW YORK, AUGUST 2009
After a summer of training at our New York Dōjō and our trip to Okinawa, on August 10th, 2009, I organized a Dōjō meeting and celebration with my students. We decided to have Japanese theme for our gathering at Kenka Restaurant.
Arrival
Masaaki Satō and Joni Warren were the first to arrive to the restaurant. They started ordering the Japanese food for the party and some really good sake from Nagano province, since this is where Masaaki is from.
Kanpai
One of the Ryūkyū traditions preserved at the Shinjinbukan School is the proper etiquette for serving and toasting sake among members of the Dōjō. During this party, I introduced one of our new members, Stephen Baker, to these customs.
Awards
Since 2008, my deshi Masaaki Satō and Joni Warren, have distinguished themselves at my Dōjō. On August 14th, they completed their testing for their rank promotion to 5th Kyū, which in Japanese is pronounced Go Kyū. In recognition to their effort and dedication, I presented their rank promotion during our Dōjō party.
Party Photo
After the dinner, we took a portrait photo.
During our Dōjō meeting we discussed our plans for 2009 — 2010. After the meeting, I explained some of the Shinjinbukan concepts to my deshi. Our conversation continued for a few more hours, with some sake until the restaurant closed at 2 a.m. or later...
