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GALLERY — NOVEMBER 2005. ONAGA KAICHO'S FIRST VISIT TO LATVIA & EUROPE
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November 12, 2005, Final Seminar — Onaga kaichō's visit closed with an open seminar for a larger audience.
The seminar started with yobiundō, tsuki & keri drills, and continued with Dai Ichi Kihon Gata & Dai Ni Kihon Gata.
Next, Miyahira Sensei demonstrated Naifuanchi Sho Dan, as Onaga Kaicho checked his body/muscle control.
At the end of class, we had a formal award ceremony to issue a special attendance certificate for our First Shinjinbukan Latvia Gasshuku (seminar). Next my deshi Dr. Artis Pabiks received his Sho Dan, 1st Degree Black Belt. And at the end of the ceremony, Onaga Kaicho awarded me with a Yon Dan, 4th Degree Black Belt certificate.
Next, Michiko Sensei demonstrated the kata Passai Dai. And Onaga Kaichō answered some questions.
Finally came the moment everyone was waiting for: "individual pictures". And of course, everyone wanted to take photos with Michiko Sensei and asked her to autograph their obis (belts).
November 12, 2005, Formal Repetion & Dinner at the Japanese Embassy - Later that night, Mr. Susumo Tanaka, Chargé d’Affaires for the Japanese Embassy in Riga hosted a wonderful reception to honor Onaga Kaichō honor and his two deshi: Onaga Michiko Kanchō and Miyahira Tōru Sensei.
After a few drinks, it was time to eat a wonderful selection of Japanese cuisine: oiishi soo!!
The party continued with more kanpai (drinks), more photos, dessert, and more kanpai (drinks)...
Following the dinner, Sensei Eriks Annuskans presented some gifts to Onaga Kaichō and his delegation. Next, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks presented the Nameja Gredzens (the special three-braided bands into a ring worn as a Latvian symbol for more than 800 years) to Onaga Kaichō, Miyahira Sensei and Jimmy Mora. And finally, Michiko Sensei received some Latvian jewelry and flowers. it is not considered appropriate to buy the Nameja Gredzens ring, because it was always given to every male as a rite-of-passage into manhood. Nowadays, women also wear the Namejs ring and its design is included in necklaces, bracelets or other jewelry.
As the night was coming to an end, Onaga Kaichō was still answering many of our questions. Until next time...
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