Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Dear shakuhachi folks,

Hello! I would like to offer challenge to the shakuhachi community to start the new year off on a positive note. We all know that consistency in our shakuhachi practice is important. To this end, I invite you all to accept these Challenges!

The first challenge is the 21-day RO-buki Challenge, which is designed to strengthen your concentration and overall sound. The second Challenge is the 49-day Honkyoku by Heart Challenge which will concentrate on deepening your honkyoku. The Challenges will start on Feb. 7 (the 4,705th year of the Chinese Lunar Calendar.)

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21-Day RO-buki Challenge

The rules are simple:

1. One point is scored for each day that you blow RO on shakuhachi. (Go to www.bamboo-in.com/about-us/articles.htm) to read about how to practice RO Buki.)
2. In order to qualify, each blowing session needs to be at least 15 minutes long.
3. The Challenge lasts for 21 days.

Each of you is asked to choose your own level of commitment:

Level 1: Minimum of 15 minutes each day.
Level 2: Minimum of 30 minutes each day (1x30min or 2x15min)
Level 3: Minimum of 1 hour each day (1x60min, 2x30min, or 4x15min or any combo=60min)

It doesn't matter where you blow or what time of the day. It also doesn't matter how much time you blow on any given day above your level. The most important thing (in this challenge) is to consistently blow RO every day.

If you blow for two hours in one day, but don't blow for the next two days, then you get only one point. However, at Level 1, if you blow for fifteen minutes each day for three days (for a total of forty-five minutes), then you would get three points because you are blowing consistently every day.

To register for the 4705 New Year RO Buki Challenge, please email ramos@dccnet.com and let me know which level you would like to be in.

Whether you register for the Challenge or not ultimately you are responsible for being true to your practice. Good luck!

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49-day Honkyoku by Heart Challenge

Here are the rules:

Choose one honkyoku that you you would like to memorize by heart.

1. One point is scored for each day that you play the chosen piece.
2. In order to qualify, each blowing session needs to be at least 15 minutes long.
3. The Challenge lasts for 49 days.

Each of you is asked to choose your own level of commitment:

Level 1: Minimum of 15 minutes each day.
Level 2: Minimum of 30 minutes each day (1x30min or 2x15min)
Level 3: Minimum of 1 hour each day (1x60min, 2x30min, or 4x15min or any combo=60min)

It doesn't matter where you blow or what time of the day. It also doesn't matter how much time you blow or how many honkyoku you play on any given day above your level. The most important thing (in this challenge) is to consistently play the chosen honkyoku every day.

If you play several honkyoku including the chosen one for two hours in one day, but don't play your chosen honkyoku for the next two days, then you get only one point. However, at Level 1, if you play your chosen honkyoku for fifteen minutes each day for three days (for a total of forty-five minutes), then you would get three points because you are blowing consistently every day.

To register for the 2008 New Year Honkyoku Challenge, please respond to ramos@dccnet.com with your name and email address and which Level you would like to be in and which honkyoku you choose to concentrate on.

The goal is to completely memorize the honkyoku and deepen your understanding of the piece. If there is any question about how to play a particular honkyoku, please contact a qualified teacher of that particular style to guide you. By the end, or even before the end of the 49 days, you should be able to play the piece by heart.

Ganbatte kudasai (good luck)!


Alcvin

In the Heart of Bamboo


(Note: Combining both Challenges is acceptable and encouraged if you have the time, energy, and motivation!)


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Alcvin Takegawa Ramos
Shakuhachi Bamboo Flute Arts
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S9-C3
Madeira Park, B.C.,V0N 2H0
Canada
tel: 604.883.2023
cell: 604.788.0060
MAIL: ramos@dccnet.com
WEB: www.bamboo-in.com/about-us/ramos.htm
www.myspace.com/alcvintakegawaramos
www.myspace.com/shindake