    |
|
More than 2,000 Watch as New Doshu is Officially Named by Liese Klein Sept. 29, 1999 Reunions, speeches, drinking parties and more speeches marked this past weekend as thousands of Aikido notables from around the world gathered in Tokyo for the investment of the new Doshu of Hombu Dojo. The official ceremony was held in Shinjuku's Keio Plaza Hotel, where the well-dressed crowds listened to speeches and heard from the new Doshu and his family. Each participant paid 15,000 yen, and was treated to a plentiful spread of sushi and other snacks--in addition to beverages for the extended "Kampai," or official toast. With delegations from countries like Brazil, the Philippines and Australia, the event was truly international, and reunited many old friends and training partners. The excitement continued offstage, with a typhoon delaying travel plans and playing havoc with itineraries. Making a splash among Hombu's international contingent was one Australian attendee who reportedly had a detailed portrait of O-Sensei tattooed on his arm, and the word "Aikido" emblazoned on his chest. With the completion of the ceremony, Hombu students are now awaiting news of any possible changes around the dojo, including a possible new "Dojo-cho" or dojo boss. In traditional dojos, the Doshu is the master of the way, or the art and practice, and the Dojo-cho handles the daily workings of the dojo like schedules and the care of the uchideshi, or live-in students. Changes may be in the works and Hombu Dojo, and the students who practice there and around the world, are waiting for news. |
