Michael Gonhata (he/him) first started playing with Ryusei Taiko at Koganji Temple at the age of 8. In 2002, he moved to Japan to train under the renowned Tosha Kiyonari, an original member of Sukeroku Daiko and leader of Nihon Taiko Dojo. During that time, he became a performing member and received certification to play and teach all of Tosha Sensei’s songs and techniques.
Since returning home in 2004, Michael has been teaching workshops at local schools and for taiko groups throughout Hawaii, Canada, and Europe. He is also a guest instructor-in-residence at Puna Taiko on Hawaii Island. He started Manoa Taiko in 2018 focusing on small group instruction and technique coaching and development . Michael’s style is based on using body mechanics over muscle, focusing on varying combinations of power and speed to produce clear sound dynamics while maintaining fluid motions.
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