Bow Down to No One

I stopped going to my Japanese taiko class a month ago. I think it was this particular taiko dojo that didn't quite jive with me, but it could be all of them if they are run similarly. A respected sensei taught the class, that's wonderful and good, but whenever he entered the dojo, we had to turn around, yell out respects and bow. I didn't really like that. I mean, during day to day business, I answer to my company, live up to expectations and deadlines on an ongoing basis. I just wanted to play drums and have fun.

Even when we entered the dojo, we were told to yell out greetings to everyone and bow. I just wanted to wave "hello" and smile, but that wasn't the thing to do. I was told to go back and do it correctly over and over again. Nope, I don't like structure I guess, I don't like to be told what to do, don't fence me in. We had to do something similar when we left too. Oh brother, "see ya next week!" I don't feel comfortable bowing to anyone, maybe I have problems with authority.

At the beginning and end of class, we stood in line according to who has been there longer all the way down. I guess none of the these things really matter to me. Respect is given through showing up on a consistent basis and reflecting back to you how much class is enjoyed through and through. It should be natural and not forced. Being forced to show respect makes me respect you less, the rebel in me. Rank and file doesn't mean anything to me either. You could take lessons for 10 years and not be terribly good if you don't have heart or rhythm, or you could be naturally talented, pick it up quick and shoot to the top of the class. Way to make the newcomers lower than the rest from the beginning.

Uh uh, Maile doesn't play that. Plus, I was worried about becoming deaf before my time from all that drumming. It just wasn't my calling.