Kagami Biraki (new year training)
The start of the new year is a time mixed between a reflection on where we’ve been and anticipation for where we are going. In Japanese culture, this transition is honoured through a tradition known as Kagami Biraki.
While many in the martial arts world perform this tradition through their first training in the new year, its essence extends far beyond the dojo walls. Kagami Biraki, which translates to "Opening the Mirror," represents a fresh start and a symbolic "breaking through" to a new chapter within oneself.
More Than Just a Tradition
Kagami Biraki isn't just about looking at a calendar; it’s a purposeful way to:
Reflect: Honestly assessing the challenges and victories of the previous year.
Reset: Clearing away the old energy to make room for the new.
Plan: Setting intentional goals for all areas of life—academic, professional, and personal.
For a student, this ceremony serves as a reminder that the discipline learned on the mats is a tool to be used in every part of their daily life.
Energy and Spirit at Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do Melbourne
This year, Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do Melbourne celebrated Kagami Biraki on January 19. The atmosphere was electric. Students arrived with high spirits, channeling their focus into a session that was as much a physical challenge as it was a mental celebration.
It was an exhausting class, but the kind of exhaustion that feels like an achievement. The sweat and effort served as a physical manifestation of our commitment to the hard work required in the year ahead.
Looking Forward
To close the ceremony, we gathered as a community to discuss our visions for the coming year. Sharing these goals aloud transforms them from simple thoughts into actionable intentions, both within the dojo and in our wider lives
Whether you are aiming for a new belt rank, focusing on your studies, or simply trying to be more present, Kagami Biraki is the moment we decide to show up for ourselves.
What are your goals for the year ahead? Let’s make this chapter the best one yet.
A Note to Our Students: If you missed the ceremony, don't worry! It’s never too late to "open your mirror." Take a moment this week to write down three things you want to achieve this year—both inside and outside the dojo.
