Mike Napoli introduced the Kagamibiraki celebration to our visitors – this is a celebration of the prior year and an opening of the new. Takumi Suzuki provided the cultural background for the kagami mochi.
Stacked rice cakes, kagami mochi, are placed at the ceremonial center of the dojo, the shinzen. Kagami mochi are shaped like old metal mirrors that symbolize full and abundant good fortune. Their breaking apart (or opening up) is the “Mirror Opening,” after which Kagami Biraki is named. Once opened, the kagami mochi is portioned out and then shared in a red bean soup.
Because covid variants are still a concern, we had to forego that tradition.
Kigami Biraki demonstrations are intended to inspire students to rededicate their spirit, effort and discipline toward training.
Dedication to training and mirrors is a linked image: self-polishing, working on and perfecting the self and to reduce ego harkens back to the ancient concept of mirror polishing to keep the mind and resolve clear – a re-dedication to excellence.
Protective Arts 