San Francisco Taiko Dojo School

I participated in the Downtown branch of the school for a bit over two months. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled because I first learned taiko in an intimate setting in Japan where everyone was really dedicated, but my overall experience was unpleasant.
My main problems with my experience are related to the teachers and the resources:
First, the ads for this class seemed imply that they would all be taught by Tanaka Seiichi. However, he was only really there every other week, while the class was led by student instructors during the other times. The most frustrating bit is that if you’re in the beginners’ group, there is no coordination between the instructors about what is being taught each week. So, the part you worked to improve over the last week is not being inspected during this week – you essentially make very slow progress, which just exacerbates the situation because can accomplish only so much during a once-​a-​week class.
The second issue I had was that there were just too many people for the number of drums that were available. Most of the 20 or so drums that we used were makeshift ones, which is forgivable (especially since most people had never touched a drum in their lives), but it’s not really okay when you have to share that drum with another person for the 2.5 hours or so of class. They really need to bring more drums from their South SF location, advertise less, take less students or… just something!

My hands are blistered, my arms are stiff, and my ears are ringing. Taiko is not for the faint of heart!
Tanaka Sensei is responsible for bringing Japanese drumming to the US, and SF Taiko Dojo is the first taiko school ever formed in the country. To be learning from the master himself is quite an honor.
Though not done during class, pre-​training running is adamantly encouraged before stepping into the dojo. Classes begin with a 30 minute warm-​up that will leave you crawling to the nearest water bottle (Sensei’s assistant asks newbies to rethink their decision to join because many people take a class and then fail to come back due to the physical and mental intensity of training). The remaining hour and half is spent learning how to drum, dance, and yell. When class is over, you are expected to join Sensei and your classmates for a tea ceremony before seeing Sensei off.
As you can tell, tradition is held in high reverence. And don’t expect to spend your first class learning every little technique, because you won’t. You will be thrown in and you will be expected to follow along. Sensei and his assistants will step in as you’re drumming to correct you, but you must never simply stand there, no matter how perplexed you are.
This is a beautiful art-​form/​martial art. You’ll get in phenomenal shape and learn about Japanese culture. And though you might be clawing your way out of the dojo the first time around, you’ll always come back for more.
So do iiiiiiiiiit.

SF Taiko Dojo and Tanaka sensei pioneered taiko in the US 30+ years ago, and continue to practice their hard core, very traditional, incredibly dynamic brand of Japanese drumming at their South San Francisco dojo. They host an annual International Taiko Festival concert with groups from the US, Japan and elsewhere, and also play frequently during the SF Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown, including during the parade. Their giant odaiko is reportedly the largest drum of its kind in the hemisphere — very impressive. To watch them perform is to feel pure energy and inspiration; their performances are loved by both kids and adults.
Taking classes at the dojo is a serious physical and mental workout, and while you’ll certainly learn how to drum and dance and get acquainted with Japanese culture, you’ll learn even more about dedication, perseverance and teamwork.

An awesome Taiko* group, the heart beat of the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival since 1968. Generations of families have grown up with the distinct sound of SFTD as well as learning from Tanaka Sensei.
Want to beat the drum? Want to know the difference between Don, doko, tsuku? Want to learn to dance to teke teke teke teke tet don don?
Beginner classes start the first Tuesday of each month, at two locations, one in SF and one in South San Francisco. Bring your enthusiasm and your curiosity and Dojo will take care of the rest. Its the best workout in town with infinitely more to gain. Classes give a distinct family feel towards each student, a very supportive environment. So don’t be afraid just come on by.
*Taiko is a highly addictive substance that will leave you exhausted and giddy at the end of the night, but waking refreshed wanting more, even when your hands hurt.

Tanaka-​san seems a little loco, but man, can he get a great drumm roll going for a great Festival for various Dojos and amazing baby Taiko groups around Cali. Amaaaaazing. Good teacher makes many good students, making many good groups evolving back to study and getting in touch and creating new vibrant interest in Taiko both on the West Coast and a resurgent interest in Japan itself. Spectacular combinations for interesting synthesis of even more exciting directions in musical forms and presentations.

Taaaaikkooo Doooojooooo! SF Taiko Dojo hosted the International Taiko Drum Festival on November 18−20^th. It was so cool, my crew and I were hollering back — Yaaaaaah! We had no idea whaaaat they were yelllllinnng, but it didn’t mattteeeerrrr!
The artistry, martial arts movement, rhythm and animated expressions of many of the drummers were just so addictive you couldn’t help but grin and stomp your feet with the rhythm. We were drummmmmiiiing in our chaaaiiiiirrrrrrs. You wanna taaaaalk like thiiiiis when you leeeaaaavvve!
And then you find yourself Sunday morning at the group’s Japantown showroom (along with other people you recognize from the audience), determined to start your pathway to becoming a master drummmmmeeeerrrrr! SF Taiko Dojo rooooocks! Infectious! Raaaaahhhh!