VIRTUAL DOJO

The Virtual Dojo lessons have been a fantastic introduction to the world of taiko drumming.  The lessons are paced really well, with enough content to challenge but not too much to take in.  The lessons cater for every level without feeling too basic or complex, and Miyuki is an excellent teacher - very encouraging and energetic.  I can't recommend the virtual lessons enough!

Simply the best Taiko training in the UK! Thanks to the Virtual Dojo, I can continue my training from 300 miles away. Mugen Taiko are professional, hardworking, fun, and creative. I have no hesitation in recommending them. 

Zoom lessons with Miyuki are FUN!  She has a professional approach giving a great introduction to taiko drumming with clear and comprehensive instruction.  Miyuki's passion, energy and smile make learning a joy.

I am loving the classes!  I use broom stick bachi and I 'bang' a cushion that is on my bed! but I am still getting so much out of it.

 TThe weekly Zoom sessions have been invaluable in helping me improve my technique, and develop my confidence in playing taiko. Having the videos to refer to in between sessions provides the opportunity to revisit some of the finer points of the techniques we are learning. An unexpected benefit from training at home is that I can really focus on my own drumming style and the subtleties of the rhythms I play. When drumming in a room full of people, it's difficult to do this as the sound I make would merge in with the other players. I feel this will ultimately help to really improve my playing. Due to my location, I wouldn't normally be able to attend the Mugen Taiko Dojo in person very often. The live classes and videos have made this fantastic teaching resource accessible to so many, regardless of location. 

The weekly Beginners zoom sessions are a great way to learn some basic skills of taiko drumming and join in with others while making clangers in the sanctuary of our own homes.  Miyuki's excellent teaching skills and encouragement make the weekly zoom sessions fun and accessible.  The recorded sessions and printed sheets give motivation to practice rhythms and drills at our own pace without fear of falling behind.  Thank you for bringing joy and energy into our life during lockdown and beyond. 

I've been so missing taiko during lockdown.  There is only so much one can do without guidance or motivation. Then Mugenkyo announced they were going to start online taiko sessions using Zoom and I signed up straight away.  It really is a joy to practise with Miyuki again and already in 4 weeks I feel I've refound my taiko mojo.  Because Miyuki is teaching from the dojo it really feels as if we are in there with her.  As an education professional I know how to assess good teaching and would certainly rate Miyuki's teaching very highly indeed.  She is always very well prepared, knowing exactly what each of her groups of learners require.  She is of course an extremely skilled and very experienced taiko player but she has the ability to make us all feel valued as fellow taiko players.  She is patient, caring, enthusiastic and responsive to student needs.  Miyuki records each session and sends it to participants promptly giving us a fantastic resource to practise with, check on aspects we may have individually found difficult and revise skills. Alongside weekly hand outs the videos provide valuable materials for development.  An aspect of online sessions is that we are joined each week by students from a wide range of locations so they are not only useful during lockdown but also in order to enable participation from those unable to get to live sessions for other reasons.  I highly value my taiko lessons with Mugenkyo - long may they continue.

I teach music at a school for young people between 16 & 25 years with special challenges.  Two of my superiors and I attended a weekend workshop at the Dojo 4 years ago, with the idea that taiko drumming could make a difference for these young people.  Since starting teaching Taiko at the Empata school, I have seen the young people develop physically, mentally and socially.  Since I come from Denmark, there has been a physical and financial barrier to access more training. The fact that once a week I can meet Miyuki (and the others who are learning together) online, and go in depth with taiko drumming technique as well as philosophy, is a huge gift that allows me to develop both personally and professionally and give these young people an even better experience.  Thank you Mugen Taiko for this opportunity.