Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I'm just getting my feet wet, as it were, and learning the shakuhachi.  I've made and played the Native American flute for nearly 20 years, and the slow economy has left me with a lot of time on my hands.  So awhile back I got interested in trying to play the shakuhachi.  I have friends who have played, and I've always been intrigued by the amount of time that can be expended just trying to hit a particular note.  I love the sound, and figure anything that requires this much practice is sure to keep me busy for the next several years.  I have repaired some cracked shakuhachi for people, but otherwise currently have no plans for making them.  I've been toying around with a cheap one that I bought from someone who had bought it from a very young maker, but decided she couldnt' learn how to play it.  Despite its limitations, this inexpensive shakuhachi has been a very good tool for me in practicing my embouchure and breathing technique.  I look forward to seeking lots of advice from the more learned on this forum, and shared experiences from those starting out on this road the same as I.