The first practice of the year is a Japanese tradition when martial arts students practice on January 1st to start the year with the right intention.
It is sometimes a time when students receive a promotion for all their hard work and dedication during the previous year.
At the Aikikai foundation in Tokyo, Japan, high rank's promotions are usually given by the Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba during the Kagami Biraki ceremony in January.
Kagami Biraki is a celebration of the New: a new company, a new year... It sets a positive tone for the year.
Work hard and be happy!