Uchikomi/Ippatsu Uchi Session Details:
- Led By: Kota
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Location: Dance Exchange, Studio 3 (small studio by restrooms)
Uchikomi/Ippatsu Uchi – Mixed Levels and Styles
This Fall, we are offering Uchikomi/Ippatsu Uchi sessions led by members of MHTX. These sessions are open to any student of the Mark H Rooney Taiko School – you do not need to be enrolled in the current series of classes to take advantage of this opportunity! However, previous taiko experience is required; at minimum, you should have taken at least 1 FULL class series. These sessions will be mixed level and styles, meaning that there will be people working on beta uchi, odaiko, shime, or naname style throughout the class. Please note that these sessions will not teach you how to play a particular style; when registering for a session, please pick a style that you will be comfortable playing for the entirety of the 2 hour session.
What is UCHIKOMI and IPPATSU UCHI?
This season’s sessions will be incorporate concepts of “Ippatsu Uchi” with Uchikomi. Ippatsu Uchi, literally translating to “single strike” works on the fine turning of technique. This will be applied to Uchikomi, which is a great way to practice how to use our bodies efficiently in order to get the sound that we want from the taiko while using your body efficiently to do so. In these sessions, we spend LOTS of time hitting the drum, with fewer interruptions than in your average class or workshop. Practice makes perfect–getting in lots of reps on a single technique is the best way to get your taiko where YOU want it to be! We’ll focus on repeating single hits, improving technique and/or simple rhythms instead of memorizing lines from a song so we can focus on the fundamental elements of great taiko playing. After all, even the longest and most complex taiko phrase (and, ultimately, every taiko performance) is made up of single strikes!
Uchikomi & Ippatsu Uchi helps you learn from the very best teacher: your own body. As you play for long periods, you build strength, stamina, and endurance. However, you’ll also get plenty of instructor feedback to help you develop a solid, stable stance plus great form and technique …both to improve your taiko and to prevent injuries so you can play long-term.
