Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, in Tokyo, Japan, awarded 6th Dan rank for Toshimichi Aoki Sensei. The promotion was part of Kagami Biraki - Shiki which is an annual Japanese traditional ceremony. Kagami Biraki literally translates to “Opening the Mirror” (from an abstinence) or, also, “Breaking of the Mochi”. Many Japanese martial art dojos use the Kagami Biraki ceremony to signify their first practice of the New Year. In this special occasion, Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, performed “Hounou Embu” which is a special demonstration dedicated to the deities.

Bulungan Aikido Dojo and all of its affiliated dojos congratulate Toshimichi Aoki Sensei for this great news. By email, he replied our congratulation letter and wrote, “As a matter of fact, I still cannot feel confident that my skill of Aikido is good enough for 6th Dan. Seijuro Masuda Shihan (8th Dan) of Hombu Dojo kindly recommended me as a 6th Dan holder. I suppose that his intention is to encourage me to do keiko much harder.”

Toshimichi Aoki Sensei also said that he had no plan to visit Jakarta yet, but he would like to accompany Koujiro Suzuki Sensei (4th Dan) of Hombu Dojo when visiting Jakarta for Hombu Instructor Tour this year to conduct a special training and yudansha grading examination.

We all at Bulungan Aikido Dojo are looking forward for that opportunity to train with Toshimichi Aoki Sensei again. See you soon, Sensei!

January 10, 2010