The first time I ever hit a taiko drum a fire lit inside me. The deep and powerful vibration shook something inside me awake. Simultaneously, something *clicked* in my mind, and at that moment, I realized that I had been training for the Taiko my whole life without even knowing it! Dance, martial arts, and percussion. I had been learning multiple forms of all 3 of these arts since I was a child; hula, jazz dance, cheerleading, salsa, karate, kick boxing, playing the drum set and several latin drums, like congas, timbales, and the cajon.  It was all such a fun and creative journey... but now finally I found what it's all been for! Taiko, a Japanese drum, is an instrument that you don't just play. You channel energy into it. And the art, and discipline, of Taiko naturally combines the elements of drumming, dance and martial arts!

Despite my years of experience in varying performing and martial arts, it wasn't until the age of 39 that I started my Taiko journey.  And by that time in my life, it was additionally challenging for me due to years of struggling with mysterious health issues that caused chronic fatigue, robbing me of my life energy.  For about a decade, I missed out on dancing, drumming and performing.  Out of necessity I had become someone who'd gotten used to 'managing' my energy limits due to these health issues. And even though I longed to move and express myself again, the idea of doing something as physical as taiko seemed like an impossibility.  But I decided to give it a go anyway, and I started studying the art of taiko under Sensei Ikuyo Conant of Watsonville Taiko and Shinsho Mugen Daiko.   Under her guidance, I learned not just how to hit the taiko, but I learned how to tune into my body and connect with the taiko. And the most amazing thing happened.... not only did the taiko wake/shake something up inside of me, the taiko actually gave me energy back 10 fold!  With every strike I could feel my body warming up and absorbing the vibration of the drum, converting it into life force energy! And with more and more practice, Sensei taught me how to be gentle with my body while activating its hidden power with the taiko.  I was surprised and amazed at how much energy this living drum gave me to play, jump, swing my arms, and to KIAI (battle shout)!  It was feeding me, nourishing me, inspiring me towards new forms of self-expression. And while I am still on my healing journey, this amazing instrument has breathed new life into my once tired bones, and sparked a passionate calling for me.  A calling to share my good energy and creativity with others.

 

I can't wait to share with you the power of my Taiko drum, which speaks to me and compels me to be BIG and LOUD, so you can feel the amazing vibrations of this incredible instrument booming like a force of nature into the air, the earth, and into our hearts!