Name of the making dojo: Dojo ChikuShin-Shakuhachi. based in Santa Susanna, California, USA
Shawn began to study the art of making Shakuhachi in 2000. He immersed himself in learning the craftsmanship needed to make Shakuhachi. Shawn followed his passion for Shakuhachi by studying and learning to master the art of Shakuhachi making. Shawn has studied with Shakuhachi sensei Kaoru Kakizaki. Shawn has also traveled to Japan many times throughout the years to further develop his craftsmanship and Shakuhachi making techniques and skills. Shawn has developed mentorships with sensei’s Takahashi Toyomi, sensei John Kaizen Neptune, Monty Levenson, Tom Deaver, and Shingo Kimura. When making Shakuhachi, Shawn’s goals is to craft Shakuhachi as it would be made traditionally in Japan, and to maintain the historical techniques used when making Shakuhachi. Shawn has been able to accomplish this by lessons he’s had in Japan, and times he’s spent working with top makers while in Japan. Traditionally, the old-style of traditional Japanese made Shakuhachi has been a well kept secret within a makers lineage, however Shawn has been very fortunate to have people willing to teach him and share their techniques and information with him. This has enabled Shawn to make very high-quality professional level jiari and jinashi Shakuhachi.
Selling shakuhachi since 2000.