Taiko: A drumming workout

Taiko instructor Masato Baba leads a drumming class. Baba is artistic director of TaikoProject, the performing troupe that offers the community classes.

Taiko instructor Masato Baba leads a drumming class. Baba is artistic director of TaikoProject, the performing troupe that offers the community classes.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

April 22, 2016 11:59 AM PT

Taiko drumming

Taiko is good exercise; it offers an excellent cardio workout, builds endurance and employs most joints. Masato Baba, left, leads a TaikoProject drumming class in L.A.’s Little Tokyo.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Taiko drumming

Julia Hawkinson, from left, Susy Woo, Mariko Nishizu and Sally Kikuchi participate in a TaikoProject drumming class.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Taiko drumming

Lars Gruber, from left, Lisa Woo and James Davis participate in a drumming class.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Taiko drumming

Masato Baba leads a taiko class.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Taiko drumming

Katrina Yentch, from left, Mariko Nishizu, Julia Hawkinson and Lisa Woo participate in a TaikoProject drumming class.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Taiko drumming

A pair of taiko drumsticks.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Taiko drumming

Participants bow at the end of a TaikoProject drumming class.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

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