After a few weeks away from the dōjō to spend time with family and friends over the holidays, today I finally stepped back behind the drum and once again, I felt complete. I feel a somber emotion after taking this holiday break. Sometimes I can get so caught up with other things happening around me that I forget what it feels like when I play Taiko.
At today's rehearsal we also celebrated the New Year with food and gifts. Already, I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring. In a way, I have some sadness in my heart though. As I push on with school and get closer to graduation, I will soon have to face the fact that one day I will leave this city and begin a new chapter in my life in another state.
As I sat in the lobby today, I couldn't help but be a little emotional. Someone even asked me why I looked so sad.
This dōjō has been my home away from home for many years. Even during the rough times in my life, it was the one place I could count on to rejuvenate my soul and bring balance to my world. As a physical place, it has provided shelter and housed many joyous memories as well as harsh lessons that were learned. In some ways the dōjō has been a teacher in itself. Teaching me etiquette, respect, tranquility, and allowing me a place to hone in my skills in taiko drumming.
These walls of learning are only made possible by my Sensei, Takemasa Ishikura. Without his guidance and teachings, I would not have had the opportunity of learning the ways of Taiko. Without his blessing, I would not have the means to pursue a dōjō of my own. It is out of respect that I honor his teachings by making sure I do my very best both inside and outside of the dōjō.
Although there are still many great memories and lessons to look forward to until 2017, I can't help but come to a realization that this chapter will soon end.
There have been so many people within this dōjō who have had a monumental impact on my life since I joined in 2008. They each have had something special to share and helped me learn things beyond the drum that I use in my everyday life. We are a family. We are a community. We are forever. So, even though I will leave this city, I will always remember and promise to uphold the many lessons I have learned.
Sitting outside of the dōjō, as the breeze blows and the continuing rhythms of the children's class thunder on inside, I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet. It is without regret that I write this blog. It will always serve as a reminder of where my roots in Taiko were sewn. The purpose of my life has been found and it will be forever my mission to continue on the ways of the drum for future generations. The only way to do this and maintain a sense of humbleness and perspective outside of myself, is to always reflect and remember where and when the first door opened. I must remember those who made the dream of being able to play Taiko a reality. I must honor the tradition, the culture, and purpose. If I lose sight of these elements, then I lose sight of what is important and should no longer pursue Taiko.
With a full tummy and new memories to kick-off 2015, I am truly grateful for the opportunities that have been offered to me by the many wonderful people in Orlando Taiko Dojo and Sensei Ishikura. It is with great honor that I have the chance to pass along your teachings to another generation of taiko drummers to enjoy. I hope I make you proud!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
-Jason S.
At today's rehearsal we also celebrated the New Year with food and gifts. Already, I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring. In a way, I have some sadness in my heart though. As I push on with school and get closer to graduation, I will soon have to face the fact that one day I will leave this city and begin a new chapter in my life in another state.
As I sat in the lobby today, I couldn't help but be a little emotional. Someone even asked me why I looked so sad.
This dōjō has been my home away from home for many years. Even during the rough times in my life, it was the one place I could count on to rejuvenate my soul and bring balance to my world. As a physical place, it has provided shelter and housed many joyous memories as well as harsh lessons that were learned. In some ways the dōjō has been a teacher in itself. Teaching me etiquette, respect, tranquility, and allowing me a place to hone in my skills in taiko drumming.
These walls of learning are only made possible by my Sensei, Takemasa Ishikura. Without his guidance and teachings, I would not have had the opportunity of learning the ways of Taiko. Without his blessing, I would not have the means to pursue a dōjō of my own. It is out of respect that I honor his teachings by making sure I do my very best both inside and outside of the dōjō.
Although there are still many great memories and lessons to look forward to until 2017, I can't help but come to a realization that this chapter will soon end.
There have been so many people within this dōjō who have had a monumental impact on my life since I joined in 2008. They each have had something special to share and helped me learn things beyond the drum that I use in my everyday life. We are a family. We are a community. We are forever. So, even though I will leave this city, I will always remember and promise to uphold the many lessons I have learned.
Sitting outside of the dōjō, as the breeze blows and the continuing rhythms of the children's class thunder on inside, I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet. It is without regret that I write this blog. It will always serve as a reminder of where my roots in Taiko were sewn. The purpose of my life has been found and it will be forever my mission to continue on the ways of the drum for future generations. The only way to do this and maintain a sense of humbleness and perspective outside of myself, is to always reflect and remember where and when the first door opened. I must remember those who made the dream of being able to play Taiko a reality. I must honor the tradition, the culture, and purpose. If I lose sight of these elements, then I lose sight of what is important and should no longer pursue Taiko.
With a full tummy and new memories to kick-off 2015, I am truly grateful for the opportunities that have been offered to me by the many wonderful people in Orlando Taiko Dojo and Sensei Ishikura. It is with great honor that I have the chance to pass along your teachings to another generation of taiko drummers to enjoy. I hope I make you proud!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
-Jason S.