State of the Dojo Presentation @ the Seichou Karate Dojo Bonenkai
Shihan Romero, December 6, 2025
Good afternoon, everyone — and thank you for being here today.
It means so much to celebrate together, not just as individuals, not just as families, but as a dojo community.
At this time of year in Japan, life becomes very busy. People work hard to finish business, honor commitments, close out projects, and put the final period at the end of the year’s sentence. The goal is simple: to enter the New Year with a clear mind, a full heart, and no unfinished business holding us back.
And among all the customs in Japan during this season, there is one that stands out — a tradition I love: the Bonenkai.
For those who may not know, Bonenkai means “forget-the-year gathering.” It is not about pretending challenges didn’t happen or ignoring difficulties. Instead, it is about acknowledging that the year is now behind us. It is about letting go of mistakes, frustrations, or misunderstandings. Bonenkai invites us to release whatever would weigh us down so that we may step into the New Year with renewed purpose, stronger relationships, and open hearts.
It is a celebration of moving forward.
Today, we honor that tradition here at Seichou Karate.
This time last year, in December 2024, we opened our doors here in Annandale. It was a bold move, an exciting moment — and yes, it came with a few interesting surprises.
For example…
• A ceiling skylight that decided to mimic Niagara Falls.
• An HVAC system with a retirement plan of its own.
• Construction projects that sometimes tested both our patience and our sanity.
But as martial artists, we know something very important:
Every challenge is also a test, and every test is also an opportunity to grow.
So, we fixed the infrastructure. And we made this dojo better — not just structurally, but culturally and energetically.
And the result?
We succeeded — not because everything was perfect, but because we adapted, persevered, and grew stronger together. In the spirit of ganbaru Kokoro!
This year was our first full year in Annandale, and it has been extraordinary.
We have welcomed new families, forged new friendships, watched our youngest students gain confidence, observed adult students grow into new ranks, and seen beginners become leaders.
Most importantly, we have brought the spirit of Seichou — growth, discipline, courtesy, and perseverance — into our new community.
So, this afternoon, as we say goodbye to 2025, we celebrate:
✔ Your hard work on the mat.
✔ Your commitment during long weeks and busy schedules.
✔ Your dedication — even when life made it difficult.
✔ Your support of one another, and of this dojo.
✔ And we welcomed our newest black belts into our yudanshakai!
Whether you are a newcomer to Seichou Karate Dojo or a seasoned student deep into your personal growth path, you are part of something meaningful.
And now — we look to the New Year.
2026 will be a year of growth, opportunity, and impact. We are incredibly excited to help every student here continue progressing — physically, mentally, and fraternally. We want to deepen our karate understanding and skill, expand our community, and strengthen the bonds that make Seichou Karate Dojo so special.
But there is something we cannot do alone:
We need your help to share what we do here.
If you believe in this dojo, if karate has strengthened your body, sharpened your mind, or fortified your spirit, then help us bring that experience to others.
Tell a friend. Invite a classmate. Share your journey to help build the next generation of Seichou students. Because great dojos are not built by advertising. They are built by people, by community, by the commitment of those who truly live the values of the dojo-kun.
So, this afternoon — before we enjoy food, laughter, and community, I ask each of you to do one final act of Bonenkai: let go.
Let go of frustrations.
Let go of doubts.
Let go of anything that no longer serves you.
Make room in your life — for growth, for gratitude, and for new possibilities.
We step forward together — into a new year, with clear minds, strong hearts, and the spirit of the dojo guiding us.
Thank you for an incredible year.
Thank you for your trust, your effort, and your spirit.
Together, let’s make 2026 a fabulous New Year. OSU!
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