This all began in the spring of 2003, when One World Taiko from Seattle, performed at a Karate tournament we attended. They also conducted an "Intro" beginner's workshop that we participated in just prior to the performance. Having listened to, and appreciated, Taiko Drumming for many years, that's all it took...we were hooked!

Following that event, a handful of us in our karate school pooled our resources and commissioned the making of a chu-daiko drum. We continued to practice diligently, but with the inconvenience of only one drum, several of us, and an inexpensive shime-daiko, I began the research into making taiko drums...that too has become a passion.

We have performed regionally in two different venues: in a contemporary setting with modern Japanese costuming; and in a "middle ages" setting with appropriately medieval Japanese garb in conjunction with SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) medieval re-enactment events.

Seattle Kokon Taiko says, "Taiko is a dynamic synthesis of rhythm, movement and spirit..." This concept is exactly the same as our daily karate practices here in our dojo...it was an easy extension to embrace taiko.