Koshio Gumi
Koshio-Ryu Taiko-Do
Taiko Classes
Taiko-Do (太鼓道): The Way of Taiko
In Japanese Culture, there are many ‘ways’. For example, there is ‘Kado’; the way of Flower Arrangement, there is ‘Chado’; the way of the Tea Ceremony, Kendo; the way of the Sword, Judo, Aikido etc.
It is through this ‘way’ that traditional Japanese Culture has been handed down through the past, through the ‘Essence of the Spirit’.
This quality, this tradition of the ‘way’ forms the very basis of life for the life. Having this precious experience of the learning of Taiko and wishing to share these amazing life long learning philosophy of Do and keep it pure as much as possible, Ken Koshio founded the Wakonkan Dojo in Phoenix Arizona.
He realised that he had a dream to open a Dojo and Wakondan dojo is not just a simple school for leaning drumming, songs and posture but also for learning another form of Do, learning and starting real philosophy of Do harmonizing nature with entire body movement and communication through soul. Wakondan dojo is the bridge of all cultures sharing goodness of us and be inspiration and influence each other.
Schedule
Please contact us here before coming for the classes as the schedule is subject to change.
Japanese Speaking Kids Class
Mesa Dojo
Saturday
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Adult Beginner Class
Phoenix Dojo
Thursday
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Mesa Dojo
Saturday
3 PM - 5 PM
Adult Intermediate Class
Mesa Dojo
Tuesday
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Phoenix Dojo
Wednesday
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Mesa Dojo
Saturday
11:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Fee
$90
Monthly
(One class per week)
$160
Monthly
(Two classes per week)
$40
One-time private lesson
Duration: 30 min
Payment can be made in cash or via online payments. Details will be shared in person during class
Locations
Phoenix Dojo / WaKonkan Dojo
(Ken Koshio's private studio)
This is an original Dojo established by Ester Vandecar who started Fushicho Daiko. Ester retired and moved to Michigan in 2011. Since then Ken Koshio started his own Taiko Do based on traditional discipline Shin Gi Tai, (Sprit, Skill and Body). Named as Wa Kon Kan, which means
Wa: harmony, balance
Kon: Sprit, Soul
Kan: Place, Dojo
Mesa Dojo / Riki Judo Dojo
We opened Dojo in the Mesa area in 2017. We are so glad that have the opportunity to hold classes in the art of Taiko at a NEW location!
We are fortunate to share the space with Riki Judo Dojo. In its own right, Riki Katagiri sensei's dojo is the only martial arts school in Arizona that teaches youth and adults original, authentic Kodokan Judo and Japanese Jujutsu, for health, personal protection, and competition. You can find more information here: https://www.rikidojousa.com/. We wish to expand these ideals with respects to Taiko Drumming, as both disciplines are great for improving the mind, body, and spirit!
Etiquette
Starting with respect, finishing with respect
礼に始まり、礼に終わる
In the Dojo, there are rules of Etiquette which are required every time you enter the Dojo. Firstly, to greet the Dojo by bowing down and bringing the hands together (known as ‘gassho’), then entering by making the first step with the left foot into the Dojo (leaving firstly with the right foot).
By behaving in this way and having respectful manners, by opening and pouring out from the Heart, by following the correct procedure and using the appropriate conduct, it will become possible to improve the practise.
We also clean and polish all taiko and floor at the end of the class to show the gratitude for instruments and Dojo.
Ken Koshio’s producing classes in Japanese traditional discipline with
SHIN （心）Spirit
GI （技）Skill
TAI （体）Body
for creating a great team and community building with Wa (和）Taiko （太鼓）Drumming spirit for YOU!
FAQs
Is prior experience required?
No prior experience is required for joining the classes. We teach a wide range of students from kids to adults, from different backgrounds.
What class cadence should I choose?
We would recommend to choose a cadence that works best for you. Most beginners start at once a week. If you miss a few classes, you can check with us for make up classes. Private lessons are also available.
How do I register?
Please contact us before coming in for a trial lesson to make sure the classes are still ongoing at that time and location.
How do I pay?
If you decide to join the class, the payment can be made in cash or via Zelle, directly to Koshio Sensei. Details will be shared in person during class.
What to wear?
Please wear comfortable clothes to be able to exercise. Taiko is energetic drumming combining rhythm and martial arts movement!
Is there any additional cost?
Apart from the lesson fee, there is a one time cost of the Nicho Bachi (drumsticks) - $30. You don't need these for your first lesson. We'll recommend them and any other items as required.