23/11/2025
Taiko, Budō & the Body as an Instrument
This Sunday I had the privilege of training with Leonard Eto, former director of Kodo — one of the most iconic Taiko groups in the world. And creator of the great song Zoku Which made me fall in love with Taiko.
Being immersed in that rhythm and presence reminded me why Japanese culture has shaped so much of my life and work.
Taiko isn’t just drumming.
It carries the same essence you find in Budō and Japanese martial arts:
posture, grounding, breath, centre, intention.
The drum becomes like a partner — you move with it, not against it.
These principles are also at the heart of Japanese Integrated Medicine (JIM).
When the body aligns, energy moves.
When movement and rhythm reconnect, health returns.
This workshop was a powerful reminder that exercise is medicine, and that practices like Taiko, Budō, Anma and JIM all share the same roots:
listening to the body, moving with purpose, and cultivating balance.
Grateful for the experience — and yes, I’m going to feel it in my arms soon. 🙏
Thanks for organising it!