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SUIZEN SHAKUHACHI

The Art of Blowing Zen. Become a master of the shakuhachi, this course takes you from beginner to master.
Go through that door that doesn't exist! Begin your formal study pilgrimage with the "Mumon Ryu", The Gateless School Shakuhachi System, study method designed by Master Ricardo Zapata. We guarantee you a journey through a path full of experienced knowledge to acquire your own mastery in the discipline of blowing zen through the shakuhachi.

Study program of blowing meditation through the knowledge of the shakuhachi, the Japanese Zen bamboo flute. Students enter a path of self-knowledge and awakening through the study of the instrument as a sacred meditation tool that uses blowing in special breathing patterns in order to achieve connection with their own consciousness and sound frequency. 

The student learns the importance of silence, intervals, vibration and the correct administration of his own energy, in the study of sounds and breathing, as well as the technical aspects of the instrument and musical theory and concepts. The shakuhachi was a sacred instrument used by the komuso Buddhist monks of ancient Japan. In our school it is the perfect complement and balance to our practice of Budo, the Japanese martial arts.

Students not only develop their musical intelligence, but find a path of inner peace and connection through their dedicated practice. Understanding of life is primary in this practice, the student develops this sensitivity. We are born and die in the cycle of breath.

 

You will learn:

  • Mindfulness through your own sound and breath.

  • Musical theory.

  • Japanese musical grammar (notation, reading and writing of scores).

  • Musical scales (onkai).

  • Harmony and ensemble with other instruments.

  • Improvisation and musical composition.

  • Perform a select repertoire of different sonatas and traditional sacred songs from Zen Buddhism (Honkyoku) and Japanese folklore.

  • Perform a repertoire of private and exclusive music of our method, which Zapata sensei has created exclusively as educational material that enhances your learning.

  • Mastering the instrument (the shakuhachi flute), from the style and exclusive techniques of the Mumon Ryu system.

  • How to hand make your own professional shakuhachi.

  • Special breathing patterns.

  • Mind and body conditioning.

  • Develop your musical, kinesthetic, intrapersonal, emotional, naturalistic, logical, creative and spiritual intelligences.

  • Understand the practice of Zen through your own blowing and sound.

  • Advanced meditation techniques.

  • History and tradition of the discipline.

  • The foundations of martial art of Komuso monks (ex-samurai).

  • Etiquette and protocol. The good manners and respect.

  • Peace, balance and personal control through your own breathing and sound.


You will get a complete curriculum with 4 levels to reach mastery in a customized online classroom equipped with all the study material. Structured rank certification system (kyu/dan). 1-on-1 private tutoring or group sessions in person or by videoconference.
 

This is not a fancy weekend course, it is a very professional short, medium and long term one. The deeper you go, the mastery grows. This course seeks dedicated students committed to their own growth in this discipline and art. We educate true professionals of the instrument and the meditative practice through it.

Face-to-face and Online study modality

"The experience was very smooth, friendly and held well. Communication was fast and helpful, and considering I'm in a different country halfway around the world, the flute arrived quickly. It's a beautiful flute, well tuned and well made. Many thanks."

James Mattingley / Bali, Indonesia

"He empezado hace unos días el curso de nivel 1 de shakuhachi, y por el momento sólo tengo buenas palabras. El material que se proporciona es muy completo, y la asistencia en el proceso de compra ha sido inmejorable."

Rubén Suárez / Simancas - España

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