Ryoko studied under Akira Watamoto at the Japan Yoga Meditation Association in 2007 and Paul Grilley‘s Yin Yoga Teacher Training in 2009. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level. Ryoko instructs classes around the Tokyo metropolitan area offing lessons in Power Yoga, Relaxation Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Yin Yoga.

About Pundarika: The Empty Lotus

Ryoko named her yoga club “Pundarika”. The characters 空蓮, ordinarily read “kuuren,” Ryoko pronounces it as “pundarika.” Pundarika means “white lotus” in Sanskrit. In Indian philosophy, it is a symbol of wisdom. The character “空,” pronounced “kuu,” means a state of nothing, and expresses the number 0. The number 0 was discovered in India, and “nothingness” is a word which has come to symbolize Buddhism.

Ryoko Says

“Jobs and human relationships, all sorts of social worry: we are exposed to many stresses. Because of this, we are prone to sickness, and our minds and bodies are miles apart from each other.

Yoga is only one example of the Eastern philosophical view that the mind and the body are one. Perhaps you have heard the saying “a sound mind in a sound body.” In assuming the poses of yoga and straightening our bodies, we not only refresh ourselves physically but also relieve our mental and spiritual stress.

Of course, yoga has many physical benefits, and is effective in promoting health and weight loss. At Pundarika, we practice yoga based on power yoga focusing on refreshing and relaxing the mind and body.

“But I’m so inflexible!” “But I don’t have any strength!” You may have many misgivings, but let’s start from the beginning, moving your body comfortably and savoring that pleasant feeling. Many of our patrons begin by simply focusing on gentle movement. There is a place for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

I pour myself out in teaching lessons that allow my students to take a break from the harried everyday, healing body and spirit by looking at themselves afresh in a comfortable setting. Come join us!”

For more information on Ryoko and her classes, please see the Pundarika Website and the Pundarika Blog.