Welcome to SHIZEN!

Please refer to the following guide when you choose classes.

• Students new to yoga or new to yoga at SHIZEN →　Yoga Basics or Basic 1
• For those who wish to practice gently in a supportive environment →　Gentle Yoga
• Focusing on deeply relaxing and rejuvenating the body and mind→Restorative Yoga
• Pre and Postnatal Yoga → Prenatal Yoga→ Baby Yoga,→ Yoga Moms→ Hai Hai Yoga
• For those wishing Meditation and Philosophy → Meditation or Series Class(Needed booking)
• For those developing your practice →　Basic2, Intermediate,Advance, All Level, Series Class

Basic 1

Recommended for those new to yoga , unfamiliar with  props or the alignment approach of SHIZEN Yoga, or for students who would like to establish a clearer understanding and foundation of the basics.

A class to become familiar with your body, your breath, the basic structure of poses and correct use of props.  This class will begin to develop stability, flexibility and balance, utilizing alignment principles through the practice of a variety of fundamental postures including preparation for and introduction of shoulder stand.

Basic 2

Recommended for continuing students from Basic 1, experienced yoga students unfamiliar with the correct use of props or the alignment approach of SHIZEN Yoga, or who would like to continue to review or continue to establish an understanding of the basics.

A class to build upon the primary understanding of Basic 1 and to increase core strength, flexibility and balance, through the practice of  more challenging fundamental postures. Shoulder stand is a regular part of the practice in addition to preparation for and introduction to headstand and backbend. The fundamentals and introductory exercises of breathing will be introduced.

All Levels

A general overall yoga class with posture adaption’s and level options for attending students.
All levels accepted--students new to yoga are encouraged to attend Basic 1 prior or in addition to this class.

Intermediate

Recommended for continuing students from Basic 2 or students who are familiar with props and principals of alignment established in Basic 1 and Basic 2.  Intermediate classes apply the principals of alignment from Basics 1 and 2 towards more challenging poses that require increased strength, flexibility and balance. This class includes back bend, headstand and shoulder stand practice in addition to the development of shoulder stand variations, and hip openings for lotus.

Advance

Recommended for continuing intermediate students and experienced teachers with a well-established yoga practice utilizing the alignment principals.

Emphasizing knowledge and execution of alignment in more challenging poses with increased duration of time in fundamental poses. Introducing forearm balances, back bends, lotus and inversion variations that continue to develop and maintain core strength and flexibility in mind, body and spirit.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga is recommended for those who are concerned that regular classes may be too rigorous, or for students who prefer a gentler pace. In Gentle Yoga, both standing and sitting poses will be practiced without strain, facilitating the flow of energy and allowing for confidence to build naturally.

Nao’s classes emphasize the importance of breath, and all movements are coordinated with the breath. Sachiko’s class begins with an all-around, active practice, while the second half is spent in relaxation.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga focuses on deeply relaxing and rejuvenating the body and mind. This class involves a longer holding of poses, which are usually deeply supported by bolsters, blankets, blocks or other props. It allows the body to be in a comfortable and restful position. By staying for several minutes at a time in gentle forward bends, back bends, twists, inversions (as simple as putting the legs on a bolster), the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated and it helps balance the body and mind. Restorative yoga helps relieve stress, release tension and recover from injury or illness. Ideal for every one.

Meditation

A complementary practice for yoga students of all levels, meditation is known in Tibet as Inner Yoga.  This class will introduce a range of practical meditation methods for experiencing deep relaxation, bliss and clarity of mind. Focusing on practical application in daily life, sessions will include guided meditations that can also be practised at home. Suitable for anyone who sincerely wishes to realize greater joy and personal freedom in every situation that life brings.

Prenatal Yoga

This class helps mothers-to-be develop strength, flexibility, and focus to prepare for birth. Through the practice of asana (poses) and breathing, we nurture the body’s needs and attend to its changes throughout pregnancy. A yoga practice to increase awareness and create trust in the body’s ancient wisdom to engage in the power of labor.

You may begin Maternity Yoga classes after the 14th week of your  pregnancy, and may practice as long as you feel well.  Some students  come to class on their due date!  No prior yoga experience  necessary.

Baby Yoga(Postnatal Yoga)

In this class, mothers learn how to apply gentle massage and other physical therapy techniques to their babies, enabling them to monitor their babies' health and detect changes or illnesses at early stages. Traditional Japanese songs and various physical therapy methods that can be applied at home, such as Noguchi Seitai, are introduced. After the babies are relaxed, mothers do some yoga poses to help refresh body and mind, and to remove the fatigue from the daily challenges of childcare.

This class is for mothers with babies from 6 weeks old. Stroller parking is limited; please bring baby in a baby carrier or sling if possible.

What to Bring:
Massage oil (can be purchased at cost before class)
A small dish (bring a durable one)
Towel
Bed wetting protection sheet (if you do not have one, please bring extra towels)

Yogamoms (Postnatal Yoga)

Bring your baby to class, do yoga, and meet other new moms! Babies from 4-9 months are welcome in this class, which addresses the needs of new moms. Focusing on strength, balance, and relaxation, this class includes easy poses which can also be practiced at home. Nursing, diaper-changing, and rocking the baby also become part of mom’s yoga practice.

Hai Hai Yoga(Postnatal Yoga)

Bring your baby to class, do yoga, and meet other new moms! Babies from starting crawling are welcome in this class, which continues to address the needs of new moms. Focusing on strength, balance, and relaxation, this class includes easy poses which can also be practiced at home. Nursing, diaper-changing, and rocking the baby also become part of mom’s yoga practice. Any level of yoga experience welcome.

Stress Management

In this stress management class, we use simple asana and breathing techniques to balance the autonomic nervous system, and meditation to release stress from　the mind and heart. This class aims to provide you with tools to better handle the stresses of everyday life.

AM Yoga (All Levels)

A general yoga asana class with level options for attending students.
All levels accepted−a great way to start your day!

Special AM Yoga class price:  Drop in Ticket ¥2000  Monthly(8 class) AM Yoga pass ¥12,000 (Regular tickets also accepted)

Yoga Sutra

From the Yoga Sutra’s which Patanjali summarized thousands of years of ago 2 or 3 sutras are selected for discussion,reflection and meditation. We will use this as a base to look inside your body, heart and mind to see your true feeling and bring more clarity within yourself. Rather than searching for answers new outside yourself, this class presents an approach for discovering the answer which  already exists within. Although continuous attendance will enable a deeper perspective and connection, the class composition is such that it can be enjoyed even by a single or irregular participation