I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I was not a good athlete when I was a kid. I would spend my time drawing pictures and reading books instead. I played a little tennis and learned how to swim, but I did not really like sports. I came to the U.S. in 2002 to learn English. When I was in college in 2005, my friend asked me to take a Bikram Yoga class. That was the beginning of a big change in my life.

Bikram Yoga has changed my life completely. In July 2005, I took my first class at the Redondo Beach Studio. That class was very tough. I can see why Bikram, our Yoga Master, calls it his “torture chamber.” I felt dizzy and a little nauseated and I also had to lie down a couple times. After the first class I did not want to go back to the hot room anymore, but, at the same time, I knew it would be very good for my body because of the way I felt afterwards. I decided to go back and I kept taking classes even though every time I felt sore all over my body. I did, however, feel more energetic. I also gained more strength, flexibility, and concentration through the practice.

My body was not flexible at all at the beginning. In fact, I could not touch the floor with my hands while bending forward. Although I did not have much flexibility, my teachers at the Redondo Beach studio encouraged me and gave me a lot of great suggestions. With their support, as I persevered with my practice, I started feeling like I wanted to be one of them, a Bikram yoga teacher. Paola, Roberto and all the other teachers helped me with my practice and encouraged me to take the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. Without their help, I wouldn’t have made it through the teacher training. I participated in and graduated from Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in the spring of 2007 in Hawaii.

The training was the greatest experience I’ve ever had. Since I started Bikram Yoga, I have become healthier, more active, and happy. I am so grateful to all the people who supported me. Bikram Yoga is so good for body and mind. This yoga gives people so much power and strength and a great number of other benefits. Whoever has pain in their body or feels stress in their mind, they should try Bikram Yoga!

Because I didn’t have an athletic background and I had to deal with tightness in my body, I feel I am particularly equipped to understand and help students who come to us with flexibility issues. If you think you are out of shape or too tight for yoga, please talk to me. I will share with you some of the things I went through at the beginning of my practice. My goal is to help students to enjoy yoga and to let the students reach their maximum ability through my classes. When you come to class, put your trust in the teacher and in your own ability. You can probably do better than you think. If you really believe in yourself and remember the old saying “Mind over matter,” you will improve tremendously. Let me help you become stronger in body and mind and realize your highest potential.

I hope to see you all in my classes soon.

Namaste.