On December 31st 2008 the Long Island Aikikai had their Etsunengeiko (New Year's Eve Practice) where dedicated students practice from 11:30pm New Year's Eve to 12:30am New Year's Day. This has been a Dojo tradition since the LI Aikikai's formation in 1964. Iriminage is usually the only technique practiced in this class; do to it being one of O'Sensei's favorite techniques. As a special treat, Hagihara Sensei made his way around the mat to throw each student. At the conclusion of class, brave students participated in Misogi no Mizu and doused their bodies with ice cold water. Afterwards, Hagihara Sensei and his students partied until the sun came up
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