What is Japanese Yoga?

Japanese yoga, like many forms of Indian Yoga, has been around for generations. Since Masahiro Oki created and shared Oki-do Yoga, teachers all over the world have begun sharing their versions of his Japanese Yoga. All versions are based on his techniques, understanding and wisdom.

Oki-do yoga involves corrective and dynamic movements, some Asana work (holding poses) and above all, breath awareness. The all important goal of Oki-do yoga is to support healthy changes in the body and the mind, and to create awareness within the individual person.

Lunge Yoga teaches Japanese Yoga in the Oki-do tradition.

H.E. Davey, Director of the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Culture Arts in California, USA explains that,

“Indian forms of yoga have spread throughout the world due to their objectives of promoting health and harmony. Japan is but one of many countries that have received these age-old teachings. While Indian yogic disciplines (Hatha yoga in particular) have become well known, not everyone realises that certain distinctive Japanese versions of Indian spiritual paths have evolved”.

What can you expect from a Japanese Yoga class at Lunge?

There are a number of distinctive qualities of Japanese Yoga. Three of the most unique include:

The class structure

Japanese Yoga is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. This means that you won’t repeat the exact same movements or sequences in every class.

The idea is to find the area in your body (often this means our mind as well) that requires support on the day of class and then work on accessing and releasing and/or strengthening that area.

The seasonal approach

Depending on the season you’re in, you will do different movements that access different parts of your body.

Our approach is not dissimilar to acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu and other eastern therapies. It helps create balance though the understanding of the meridians, energy channels or acupuncture points.

The main difference between Japanese Yoga and these other eastern therapies is that YOU do the work – through physical movement and breath awareness – as opposed to someone doing it for you.

The room

Yoga commences as soon as you walk in. There is the understanding that yoga is beyond the physical movement of the session. It’s as simple as walking in the door, taking your shoes off, a greeting of hello and taking your place on the mat.

It is not uncommon that Lunge Japanese Yoga sessions will be done in a circle on futon mats. This inclusive formation encourages and supports group consciousness.

What can you achieve with Japanese Yoga?

The (often very simple) movements you will do in our Japanese Yoga classes will help you access the areas and points in your body that need the most support for:

• Releasing tension
• Building strength
• Promoting flexibility
• Increasing focus
• Creating calmness or a sense of wellbeing

The five element theory of healing

Lunge Japanese Yoga is also based on the five element theory of healing. The underlying purpose of this theory is to guide your body and mind back to its natural balance. You do this through the simple, targeted movements and sequences as well as conscious breath awareness.

The five elements correspond to different seasons and areas of your body. Each season and element dictates which organ energies (also called meridians or energy channels) throughout your body need particular attention at the time.

Japanese Yoga is accessible to ALL

Regardless of your body type, age, experience, gender or fitness level, you can improve the health of your body and mind at Lunge Yoga.

The fundamental purpose of Japanese Yoga is to provide the environment where you can build physical strength, rejuvenate your flexibility and create mental calmness in every session.

Lunge Japanese Yoga provides many options to do this, resulting in the culmination of…

“A healthy and strong body, an aware and focused mind, a content and peaceful spirit”

Louisa, Lunge Yoga