Arrived at the location where we practice and 4 new people signed up! They stayed to watch our class.

B/c the inside of the facility was being varnished, the class was in the courtyard under beautiful sailcloth arches, creating a delicious breeze.

Our sensei (instructor) Koji, took a short break before having our class assemble. For the last 3 wks he's been having us rotate our positions. This is so we can get the feel of various drum heights.

The classes have been getting more physical as the rudiments are learned. He has us start out slow and methodical, then increase the tempo three times. When we play the song all the way through, it is ten minutes long of continuous body/mind workout.

I knew this would be a great way to help me lose the last 5 lbs of middle-age accumulation on my torso and arms. It's working - after 8 wks!

It feels mighty good to learn something while getting fit. I'll do this instead of a treadmill anyday.