Shihan of Seido Karate Johannesburg advises students to hide their talons
Northcliff-based Seido Karate Johannesburg celebrated Kagami Biraki, an important event performed at traditional Japanese karate schools to mark a new year.
Emmarentia Dam transformed into a sea of white as members of Seido Karate Johannesburg gathered to celebrate Kagami Biraki – a Japanese tradition to celebrate the new year.
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This Northcliff-based dojo meets at the venue annually to mark the event, which sees them set intentions for the year. Each passing year comes with it’s own vision and intentions. This year, as Shihan George Wong explained, is about: “Nô aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu,” which translated means: The skilled hawk hides its claws.
Speaking to his students, Wong told of how a hawk will hide its claws while looking for prey and only when it sees it as necessary, will its claws come out to do its job. “All of us have certain skills and talents, and at times, we show these outwardly too much.” He encouraged his audience to instead be humble with whatever they have, and like the hawk use their talents only when necessary.
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He implored them to approach the year with modesty. To not be arrogant or brag about how good they are. “If your ego makes you arrogant, it will deter you from actually achieving your dreams and ambitions.” Adding that, at times, when people become arrogant, it becomes a habit, and this then becomes one’s character, which will have an impact on one’s life.
“So, when you make your resolutions, just remember to approach them with humility, and think about that hawk with its talons as you go ahead.”
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