| OUR SENSEI Sensei Walter Tsushima is one of the most accomplished taiko instructors in North America. He has competed and toured worldwide and is the only American outside of Japan granted official certification and permission to teach the Kiriko style of taiko drumming. Click here for full biography. |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
WAJIMA KIRIKO TAIKO ASSOCIATION
Established in 1976, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Association or Hozonkai in Japanese, is
a nationally recognized taiko arts preservation association headquartered in Wajima
City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The Japan Association is headed by Mr. Mitsuru
Kurata, the chairman. The U.S. Association is headed by Mr. Walter Tsushima.
It is the mission of the Hozonkai to preserve and to share the cultural traditions of
the Kiriko Taiko art-form, as well as the Kiriko Festivals of the Noto Peninsula. As a
member of the Hozonkai, one will not only aim to improve their taiko skill and
technique, but will strive to become a better person of society by becoming the
example of someone who follows the "way of taiko."
Since first gaining exposure in the United States in 2006, the Hozonkai gives
numerous hands-on workshops, lecture/demonstrations and performances
throughout the year in order to accomplish it's mission.
The Hozonkai invites the global taiko community to experience the Kiriko Taiko style
for themselves. Please contact us for more information.
Established in 1976, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Association or Hozonkai in Japanese, is
a nationally recognized taiko arts preservation association headquartered in Wajima
City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The Japan Association is headed by Mr. Mitsuru
Kurata, the chairman. The U.S. Association is headed by Mr. Walter Tsushima.
It is the mission of the Hozonkai to preserve and to share the cultural traditions of
the Kiriko Taiko art-form, as well as the Kiriko Festivals of the Noto Peninsula. As a
member of the Hozonkai, one will not only aim to improve their taiko skill and
technique, but will strive to become a better person of society by becoming the
example of someone who follows the "way of taiko."
Since first gaining exposure in the United States in 2006, the Hozonkai gives
numerous hands-on workshops, lecture/demonstrations and performances
throughout the year in order to accomplish it's mission.
The Hozonkai invites the global taiko community to experience the Kiriko Taiko style
for themselves. Please contact us for more information.
______________________________________________________________________________________
| ABOUT THE "KIRIKO" TAIKO STYLE Kiriko is a taiko style specific only to the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The taiko is played in an upright position, usually with two people (or up to five people) on a single taiko drum. Unlike kumi-daiko where composed pieces are performed, Kiriko Taiko is matsuri or festival based. The true essence of the Kiriko style is expressed in the practitioner's ability to perform kojin-uchi with the kobai player. Using the numerous Kiriko rhythms, the performer can mix-and-match the given Kiriko rhythms to create their own individualistic style of playing. The kojin-uchi is truly what makes the Kiriko style dynamic and exciting to both perform and watch. In order to master kojin-uchi, the performer must have a complete understanding of all aspects of the art-form and it can take many years of dedicated training. |
___________________________________
___________________________________
Personal Thoughts
It is a very special gift to be able to train in the taiko arts. You will see
improvements in your speed, flexibility, coordination, discipline, confidence and
ability to focus your mind. You will find that the skills that it takes to succeed
in taiko are the very same skills that it takes to succeed in life. The lessons
that you learn in taiko can be applied to every area of your life including your
education, career, relationships, and overall life philosophy.
If you can master taiko, you can master anything. Set goals and aspirations,
take consistent actions towards them, monitor your progress and refine your
actions until you succeed. Then, set new goals for yourself. Being a good
example of the "way of taiko" also means developing a code of conduct with
yourself. Cardinal principles to carry through on are discipline, respect,
honor, humility and spirit.
While your taiko arts development will take a commitment on your part, the
rewards that come back to you will be many! Remember and live by this
quote: “A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every
action.”
With taiko spirit,
Sensei Walter Tsushima
It is a very special gift to be able to train in the taiko arts. You will see
improvements in your speed, flexibility, coordination, discipline, confidence and
ability to focus your mind. You will find that the skills that it takes to succeed
in taiko are the very same skills that it takes to succeed in life. The lessons
that you learn in taiko can be applied to every area of your life including your
education, career, relationships, and overall life philosophy.
If you can master taiko, you can master anything. Set goals and aspirations,
take consistent actions towards them, monitor your progress and refine your
actions until you succeed. Then, set new goals for yourself. Being a good
example of the "way of taiko" also means developing a code of conduct with
yourself. Cardinal principles to carry through on are discipline, respect,
honor, humility and spirit.
While your taiko arts development will take a commitment on your part, the
rewards that come back to you will be many! Remember and live by this
quote: “A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every
action.”
With taiko spirit,
Sensei Walter Tsushima
______________________________________________________________________________________
| Site Search |
|
| Quick Links |