Our Dojo
Maikaze Daiko was founded with the mission to preserve and promote the rich, cultural and artistic heritage of the modern folk art form of taiko, known as kumi-daiko. Kumi-daiko, or modern taiko, was pioneered by the late Master Teacher, Daihachi Oguchi, who was a jazz drummer at the time when he first arranged traditional taiko drums and taiko music in way that could be played in a large group format. Up until that time, taiko was not played in large groups and was mostly associated with festivals, traditional theater (kabuki, noh, etc.), as instruments of war, and in religious ceremonies. Master Oguchi's revolutionary approach allowed taiko to evolve as a true community art form and resulted in over 4,000 taiko groups in Japan today. Grandmaster Sensei Seiichi Tanaka, known as the “Father of American Taiko”, carried the torch of kumi-daiko from his teacher, Daihachi Oguchi, to North America to form the first taiko group in 1968, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, It was at this dojo where Bruce "Mui" Ghent began his ardent and grueling training. Sensei Tanaka’s teachings led to the formation of the majority of taiko groups in the U. S. today with Maikaze Daiko representing the third generation of taiko artists to carry the torch of kumi-daiko.
As an emerging and innovative new organization, Maikaze Daiko strives to offer affordable classes and performances to educate our community about the dynamic art of taiko drumming. The dojo instructs over 50 students, ranging in age from 9 to 63. In addition to developing the discipline of mind and the physical strength required for this demanding pursuit, our students learn about the vibrant history and culture of taiko, both recent and ancient. All students are given the opportunity to perform in showcases each year as part of their training and mentored towards their future goals within the art form. Maikaze Daiko focuses on work that incorporates elements of world music, contemporary choreography, and interdisciplinary imagination as a medium to express the universal human condition as it relates to its environment, community and the future while being rooted in cultural traditions. Maikaze Daiko believes that the power of the taiko drum can bring together people of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and perspectives and that power unites them in a community embodied in performances that connect the rhythms of the body with the soul and the spirit of the heart.
Currently, Mr. Ghent serves as resident Taiko Director/Instructor/Composer at Dance Mission for the youth dance and taiko group, GRRRL Brigade, and the professional dance theater and taiko group, Dance Brigade, for whom his work was nominated for a 2000-2001 Isadora Duncan Award. In 2007, he started the beginnings of his taiko school which is now known as Maikaze (Dancing Wind) Daiko and produces and directs the SF World Percussion Arts festival in San Francisco, highlighting the top local Bay Area world percussionists. He serves as the Head Instructor for Yokayo Taiko in Ukiah, CA. and Mendocino Taiko in Mendocino, CA. and co-directs along with Odaiko New England’s former artistic director, Elaine Fong, a professional taiko ensemble called KIKU.
