Taiko Players Weekend Workshop

The "Taiko Players'' weekend workshop is for those learning & playing taiko regularly, ranging from a weekly beginners class attendee with some or little experience, to a longer-term member of a taiko group with more experience. In addition to learning rhythms, we work on technique & drills, and the more experienced taiko players receive extra tips & advice through the course of the weekend.

In this workshop we learn both original & traditional rhythms mainly in the fuse-daiko style (playing standing up), and the weekend will also also cover one or two other styles of playing, depending on the workshop (Yatai style, Yokouchi, Odaiko, Shimedaiko etc) After the workshop we provide rhythm sheets for you to continue practicing, and you are also welcome to play, perform & share the rhythms taught.

We use the "Mugen Taiko Do" method, which focuses on KI energy, using the core & weight while playing, and developing "flow". Drawing from three decades of professional touring experience, we have developed a way of playing which uses minimum physical strain with maximum output, and our method focuses on harnessing natural powerful energy rather than muscle strength.

The workshop is led by the senior members of Mugenkyo at our base in the South Lanarkshire countryside: the Mugen Taiko Dojo, UK's only purpose-built Taiko Centre. Throughout most of the year the Dojo serves as the base & rehearsal space for the professional touring Mugenkyo members and the Dojo team, with the doors opened to workshop participants at certain times of year, providing a unique insight into life here at the Dojo, and an opportunity to learn from & meet with core performers of Mugenkyo.

The workshop also provides the opportunity to learn about the culture & background of Taiko, through demonstrations & presentations, drawing from a huge wealth of knowledge about the art-form, gained through Mugenkyo's 30-year history.

Costs

Workshop fee: £190 not including accommodation (fully self-catering)

Residential rates:

• Double / twin occupancy: £40 per person per night
• Single occupancy £80 per person per night
• Triple occupancy: £30 per person per night
• Camping / campervan pitch: £20 per person per night (use of showers & kitchen included)

Places are reserved on payment of just the course fee, with the accommodation to be paid one month before the course.

Accommodation

We are delighted to now be able to offer a fully residential experience, with all of the participants staying with us on-site at the Mugen Taiko Dojo house (non-residential is also possible - see options below). Since the end of 2020 we have been working on upgrading our 100+year old farmhouse, and it is now finally ready for participants to join us here!

We prefer for participants to share if possible, as we only have 8 bedrooms in the house. The rooms are not en-suite - there are 4 bathrooms in the house shared between the 8 bedrooms. If you prefer to stay in a more plush environment, there are en-suite rooms at Strathaven Hotel or Bammflats, both just 15 minutes drive away (you would need your own transport), however the advantage of staying on-site is the opportunity to socialise on Saturday evening with us & get to know the other participants of the workshop in a relaxed atmosphere.

Food & Kitchen Facilities

The workshop fee does not include meals - the workshop is self-catering. Both residential & non-residential participants are welcome to use the fully equipped kitchen facilities (hob, oven, microwave, pots & pans, plates, cutlery etc). Tea & coffee facilities are also available in the kitchen. If you prefer not to cook, we suggest a takeaway meal (Indian, Chinese, pizza, burgers, fish & chips available). For those without transport, we offer a supermarket stop on the way in to the Dojo from the train station, and also each day at 6pm we offer a trip to Strathaven (the local town 15 mins away), for food shopping, and are also happy to pick up your pre-ordered takeaway meal for you.

Transport

The Taiko Dojo is in a rural location - just off the M74, 30 miles south of Glasgow. Travelling time from Glasgow is approx 45 min, and from Edinburgh is approx 1 hr 20 min. The nearest transport hubs are: Motherwell station (30 min) or Larkhall station (20 min) for train travel, Hamilton bus terminal for coach travel (30 min), Glasgow airport (45 mins) Edinburgh airport (60 min) & Prestwick airport (50 mins).

For residential participants arriving by train, the main pickup is at Motherwell train station at 7:15pm on Friday evening, to coincide with non-stop trains from London / Manchester / Bristol / Birmingham which arrive at 7pm & 7:04pm. After pickup & on the way to the Dojo, we offer a supermarket stop, arriving at the Dojo at approx 8:30pm. For those travelling by plane or coach, you can catch an airport bus to Glasgow & train to Motherwell to coincide with this pickup, or if you're arriving later in the evening, we can also do a group pickup in Glasgow - please contact us to discuss, before you book your transport. On Sunday we offer a lift leaving the Dojo at 4pm, to arrive at Motherwell station in time to catch the 4:54pm train to London / Manchester / Bristol / Birmingham. Again, please contact us if your proposed travel plans don't fit with this, so we can get you to a transport hub on time!

Staying extra days

If you are interested in booking to stay with us on Sunday night, you are most welcome to do so - we can offer transport on Monday to the local train station (Larkhall or Motherwell) at £10 per person, times to be arranged.

Staying with us on Saturday night only

If you are interested in staying with us on Saturday night only, this may be possible if the rooms aren't all full, as we give priority to those staying both Friday & Saturday. Please indicate this on your form & we'll let you know if there's a room available for you.

Age & Accessibility

The weekend workshop is suitable for adults of all ages & abilities. (Please contact us to discuss suitability for age 12+) The focus is on fun & teamwork, however each participant will be responsible for knowing their own physical limitations and for working within their own capabilities. We have disabled access and a disabled toilet. Please can you let us know in advance of any physical disability or any other condition which may be relevant.

Equipment

All equipment is provided - drums and "bachi" drumsticks. A variety of Taiko drums are used, some of which are especially imported from Japan - the genuine article. Carved from single tree trunks with thick cowhide skins, they are truly magnificent instruments.

Clothing

Please arrive wearing loose & comfortable clothing. According to Japanese tradition, outdoor shoes are not allowed in the Dojo itself. Please bring "indoor shoes" - tabi, slippers, martial arts slippers, dance shoes, or "totes" socks (no trainers) if you have any. If not, we can provide footwear when you arrive. No outdoor shoes of any kind, and no bare feet are allowed in the Dojo.

Schedule

Friday

• 4pm onwards  - check-in at Dojo (for those with own transport)
• 7:15pm - pickup from Motherwell Station (for those without own transport)
• 8:30pm - arrival at Dojo via the supermarket (for those without own transport)

Saturday

• 9:30am arrival (non-residential participants)
• 9:30 - 10am - meet & greet
• 10am - 1pm - morning session
• 1pm - 2pm - lunch break
• 2pm - 5pm - afternoon session
• 5:30pm - lift to Strathaven (for those wanting to go to the supermarket or takeaway pickups)
• 6:30pm - return from Strathaven
• 7 -10pm - dinner & socialise in the Jookden

Sunday

• 9am - 12:30pm - morning session
• 12:30 - 1:30pm - lunch break
• 1:30 - 3:30pm - afternoon session
• 4pm - departure from Dojo (for those without own transport)
• 4:30pm - arrival at Motherwell Station (for those without own transport)