It wasn't the last training of the year, but it was the last time we would see two of our senior students in 2014. The Tangoubukan celebrated its first boenenkai, or end-of-the-year party, on Dec. 13, saying goodbye to 2014 and to Saiyou and Mayo before they leave the area for the holiday season.

Dojo members trained as usual from 10:30 am to 1 pm, then left the dojo to have a late lunch at Tony Roma's steakhouse in San Jose. Almost all the members of our small dojo attended. Temujin sensei, the kendo sensei at San Jose State University, also joined us as a guest.

The last official class of 2014 will be held on Dec. 20, at the usual time.