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Here is a quick video showing two runs through the Ice Skater drill. The goal of Ice Skater is to improve our non-dominant hand, single-stroke roll speed. Happy practicing!

Day 1 of the 30 Days program starts with a few tests to measure one’s starting point. Here is a short video showing an example run of the “ten tsuku” test.

Happy New Year and happy practicing!

Starting point ten tsuku run from Kristofer Bergstrom on Vimeo.

While on tour I’m conducting a group session of 30 Days to Better Shime. There are just over 50 other taiko players joining me to practice every day in January!

Anyone is welcome to join us… read more here.

For those participating, here is a short video about basic grip and shime strike. Happy practicing!

Batchi grip and strike basics from Kristofer Bergstrom on Vimeo.

I’m pleased to announce that we’ll be conducting another group session of 30 Days to Better Shime, starting January 1!  I haven’t been practicing small-drum technique as much as I’d like, and a number of players have contacted me about doing another group session.  So here goes…

Join me and dozens of other taiko players from around the country for one month of at-home, guided shime practice!  The free program provides daily exercises and drills for 15-20 minutes of results-oriented practice, along with daily emails to help keep you on track.  During the session, I’ll be releasing new demonstration videos of the drills and techniques as well.

Make practice one of your new year’s resolutions for 2011!

How to join

1) Sign up for the 30days_round4 email list by Mon, Dec 20

Send an email to 30days_round4-request@freelists.org with ‘subscribe’ in the Subject field or visit http://www.freelists.org/list/30days_round4 This email list will be deleted at the completion of the program.

2) Prep your course materials

Read through the instructions at the 30 Days to Better Shime website to download your workbook and companion audio files.  You can also also purchase a printed set which includes the 30 Days calendar at the site.   Order by Dec 20 to receive by Jan 1.

Happy holidays and happy practicing!