South Florida Taiko Dojo Membership
Dojo Rules and Etiquette
Our dojo is a sacred space for training and practicing the art of taiko.
Our dojo is a place of discipline, respect, and artistry.
Best practice is to enter the dojo with pure mind and spirit.
Please arrive early to practice.
Four Principles of Taiko
SHIN / KOKORO
Discipline of mind, self-control, and spirit
GI / WAZA
Musical skills, physical expression, rhythm expression, manners, and harmony
TAI / KARADA
Discipline of body strength, power, and stamina
REI / REIGI
Respect, courtesy, manners, humility, language, communication
DOJO FYI's
Please bow, when entering the dojo and training area.
No water, food, or shoes (socks or clean tabi are ok) on dojo practice area, unless approved.
Refrain from wearing jewelry, watches, and heavy scents.
Maintain bachi (sticks) regularly.
Do not place items on or lean on taiko.
Help keep our dojo neat and tidy.
TAIKO PRACTICE
Upon entering the dojo we say: “OHAYO GOZAIMASU!”
Beginning of Class
When class is ready to begin, all students make a clockwise circle according to dojo seniority, beginning with the instructor and the next most senior member to their left.
First “Hup!” bow and say “Ohayo gozaimasu”.
Second “Hup!” bow and say, “Onegai shimasu”.
During Class
Play taiko only when instructed.
Stop playing taiko when instructed.
If you have a question, please only direct it to the class instructor.
Always show your respect to the instructors and other students
Practice the four principles of taiko.
End of Class
Reset dojo and take all bachi from practice area.
Throw away all cups and trash.
After setting up the taiko and dojo, make same clockwise circle like beginning of class.
First “Hup!” bow and say, “Arigato gozaimashita”
Second “Hup!” bow to our senseis and say, “Otsukare samadeshita”.
Upon leaving dojo say
“OYASUMINASAI!”
Taiko Terminology
Arigato gozaimashita
(alee-gah-toe go-zai-mah-shee-tah)
Thank you very much
Bachi
(bah-chee)
Drum sticks
Hajime
(ha-jee-may)
Take beginning stance
Hajime kara
(ha-jee-may kah-rah)
From the top
Kakegoe
(ka-kay-go-ay)
Vocal calls used to accent the music, signal shifts in rhythm, and encourage other performers.
Kamae
(kah-mah-ay)
Take ready stance
Kiai
(kee-eye)
A shout used to channel Ki, or one’s spirit
Kuchi Shouga
(koo-chee sh-oh-gah)
Words that serve as the vocabulary of taiko rhythm. Each sound that an instrument produces is represented by a syllable telling the player how to strike the taiko
Mo ichido
(moe-eechee-doe)
One more time
Ohayo gozaimasu
(ohio go-zai-mah-soo)
Good morning (greeting when coming to dojo)
Onegai shimasu
(oh-neh-guy shee-ma-soo)
Please (teach me)
Oyasumi nasai
(oh-yah-soo-mee nah-sai)
Good night (when leaving dojo)
Tabi
(tah-bee)
Japanese split-toe shoes/socks
Taiko
(tye-koh)
An ancient Japanese form of percussion. Japanese drum.
COUNTING in Japanese
1 Ichi (eechee)
2 Ni (knee)
3 San (sawn)
4 Shi (shee)
5 Go (go)
6 Roku (loh-koo)
7 Shichi (shee-chee)
8 Hachi (ha-chee)
9 Kyu (que)
10 Jyu (jew)
