Beginner students came dressed in their brand new keikogi.
Somehow it doesn’t feel settled in…
 
But everyone started out like this.
 
When we try anything new that we challenge ourselves to take on, we all start the beginning of a long journey in a new endeavor with a mixed feeling of excitement and clumsiness.
 
This set of worn & torn keikogi was brand-new when my older sister bought it for me when I was 14 years old after having begged for one for so long.
 
She said to me, "Don't quit halfway through." Her words still stay with me.
 
The keikogi was of a larger size because she knew I would grow taller and bigger quickly, and I had to wear it for a while with the sleeves and the pant legs rolled up. I think I wore my-first-ever-keikogi for about five years. I still remember the excitement I felt when I put on my brand new keikogi for the first time.
 
“Never forget your shoshin (初心; a beginner's mindset with an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions).”
 
I have been practicing Aikido for over 60 years, and I remain always willing and eager to share my decades of experience in Aikido with you.
 
Autumn classes for Beginners will start soon! 
 
Gaku Homma
Founder & Kancho, AHAN AIKIDO NIPPON KAN

We had our final classes of 2024 this morning! Thank you to everyone who came out to practice and enjoy aikido. Our holiday schedule is as follows:

Sunday 12/22 to Friday 1/3: Traditional Holiday Break - Dojo Closed
Saturday 1/4 (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM): Keiko Hajime - First Adult Class of 2025
Saturday 1/4 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
​Keiko Hajime - First Youth Class of 2025. Family Members are encouraged to watch or participate in this youth class (similar to Parent's Day each month)
Tuesday 1/7 (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM): First Beginner's Class of 2025.

We are also excited to announce a new Nippon Kan website, at www.nipponkan.org. This streamlined website will allow us to communicate the class schedule, address, and contact information to interested new and returning students. Please check it out when you have a chance! This is a great opportunity to share our website and the start date of beginner's classes with friends and family!

Let us know if you have any questions. We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season, and we look forward to practicing with you in 2025! 

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