Shaolin Henghu

Another Wellness Workshop Completed Before Year-End

Huge congratulations to everyone who joined — especially as it was the first time many had practiced the full Baduanjin sequence. Despite being new to the form, the entire group moved beautifully through all 8 Sections of the 8 Brocades (八段錦).

With more than 800 years of history, the 8 Brocades have been refined, preserved, and passed down for one reason: they work. In my 25 years of practice and 18 years of teaching, I’ve consistently seen how this form leaves people feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply energized.

Thank you to everyone who showed up with openness and enthusiasm.
To teach and share this practice is always a privilege.

And a special thank you to Tokyo American Club for hosting us in their wonderful studio — an ideal space for cultivating calm, strength, and internal harmony.

Looking forward to more opportunities to share these arts in 2026. 🙏

Zen Shui Gong | 禅水功
A ritual of water.
A return to stillness.
Where movement becomes meditation,
and ancient energy flows again.

Developed from traditional silk-reeling techniques, Zen Shui Gong is a meditative aquatic practice rooted in the Shaolin internal arts.

Now offered quietly in Tokyo.

#禅水功

Fortifying Willpower from the Roots

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are seen as the seat of *Jing*—our core life force and source of willpower. They’re associated with the element of water, the season of winter, and the emotion of fear. When kidney energy is strong, fear gives way to clarity, courage, and resilience.

On a physical level, the kidneys are closely connected to the strength and stability of the lower back. So when we talk about "strengthening the kidneys," we're also talking about supporting the foundation of the body—and the mind.

Practices like Qigong, breathwork, and stillness meditation help nourish this deep system. They don’t just strengthen the body; they fortify the will—quietly, consistently, and from within.

A powerful reminder that true strength often begins where we cannot see it.

Breathe Deeply – Strengthen From Within

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs are associated with the Metal element, connected to the emotion of grief, and paired with the large intestine and the skin.

Beyond their vital role in oxygen exchange, the lungs influence not only our cardiovascular health, but our mental and emotional well-being as well.

Breathwork is more than just relaxation. Deep, mindful breathing can:

Support emotional balance and clarity

Alleviate stress and anxiety – often unlocking a hidden source of strength

Stimulate the diaphragm, toning internal organs such as the kidneys, helping to transform fear into willpower

A consistent breathwork practice is a powerful tool to harmonize body, mind, and spirit.

Take a breath. Strengthen your centre.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Continuing with the Five Element theme, today’s focus is on the spleen. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen corresponds to the earth element and is paired with the stomach. Its associated emotion is worry.

An imbalanced spleen can lead to poor digestion, fatigue, and difficulty absorbing nutrients—all of which can drain your energy and cloud your mind. In contrast, a strong and balanced spleen supports stability, nourishment, and clear thinking.

One way to harmonize the spleen is through Qigong and setting clear intentions. Qigong practices gently activate the body’s energy flow, helping to relieve stress and improve digestion. Meanwhile, cultivating a grounded, centered mindset—free from excessive worry—reinforces emotional and physical balance.

So, next time you catch yourself overthinking, take a deep breath, move with intention, and let the energy settle. The spleen thrives on calm, clarity, and nourishment—both physically and emotionally.

Harnessing the Fire Element for Balance and Connection

In Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Five Element Theory, the Fire element governs the Heart, embodying warmth, connection, enthusiasm, and creativity. 

When in balance, Fire fuels our passion and deepens our relationships. But when excessive or deficient, it can manifest as emotional extremes—ranging from cold detachment to hot-tempered reactions, impatience, or impulsivity. 

Mastering this balance is key, both personally and professionally. The way we approach challenges, engage with others, and express ourselves shapes the energy we bring into the world. 

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." – William Arthur Ward 

How are you tending to your inner fire? 

 

Spring Renewal: Harnessing the Power of the Wood Element

Spring is upon us—though in Tokyo, it already feels like summer!

In the Five Elements theory, spring is associated with the Wood element, which corresponds to the Liver—the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood. The Liver also governs the tendons, making this the perfect season to focus on flexibility, movement, and renewal.

A balanced Liver means strong, supple tendons, free-flowing energy, and a calm, focused mind. Now is the time to embrace practices that support this element—whether through dynamic movement, Qigong, or mindful breathwork.

How are you aligning with the season’s energy?

The Foundation of Strength: Why Your Kidneys Hold the Key to Resilience

In the world of high performance—whether in business, fitness, or life—resilience is everything. But true resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about having a deep well of energy to draw from. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this wellspring of energy resides in the Kidneys, the body’s foundation for vitality, endurance, and recovery. Strong kidneys mean strong bones, robust energy levels, and the ability to handle stress with ease. Weak kidneys, on the other hand, can lead to fatigue, lower back pain, joint weakness, and premature aging. 

Winter, the Kidneys & Bone Strength 
The Kidneys are associated with winter and the Water element, representing deep restoration and inner strength. Just as nature retreats in winter to conserve energy for future growth, our bodies also require periods of replenishment. 

The kidneys govern the bones, joints, and spinal health—which is why many people experience knee pain, lower back discomfort, or joint stiffness when kidney energy is low. In TCM, this deep energy is called Jing (精), often compared to a battery that determines longevity and resilience. 

Qi Gong & the Five Elements
Water, the element of the Kidneys, represents flow, adaptability, and deep internal power. When kidney energy is strong, we move with effortless stability and feel a deep sense of calm under pressure. When depleted, we experience fear, exhaustion, and physical weakness. 

Qi Gong helps nourish the kidneys, reinforcing the body’s structure, improving recovery, and ensuring sustainable energy levels. 

Benefits of Qi Gong for Kidney Health:
✅ Strengthens Bones & Joints – Supports spinal health, knees, and longevity 
✅ Boosts Energy & Endurance – Recharges deep reserves of vitality 
✅ Improves Recovery – Helps prevent burnout and fatigue 
✅ Reduces Fear & Anxiety – Balances emotions and enhances mental clarity 
✅ Supports Longevity – Preserves Jing energy for long-term health 

In my practice, I guide professionals to cultivate deep, sustainable strength—not just in muscles, but in the very foundation of their energy system. By aligning movement w

A little forms practice at Shiba Park. Training under the watchful eyes of the guardians.
#金剛力士 #仁王門 #仁王像 #少林功夫 #少林カンフー #芝公園 #トレーニング #武道 #禅 #仏教

Rooting – Staying Grounded

One of the foundational practices in Chinese martial arts and internal training is standing meditation, known as Zhan Zhuang (站桩). In Shaolin, this is sometimes called Zuo Ma (坐马), or "horse sitting."

More than just a stance, Zhan Zhuang is a powerful mindfulness practice. It cultivates awareness of posture, reveals muscular imbalances, and strengthens the legs and core. By grounding into the earth, we connect with its energy—releasing tension, stress, and stagnant emotions while reinforcing balance and resilience.

This practice also lowers the center of gravity, stabilizing the body and mind. It is a key preparatory method for Iron Body conditioning, helping to develop internal power while keeping the upper body relaxed and the lower body strong—fresh above, rooted below.

Beyond the physical benefits, standing still in nature (or anywhere quiet) allows us to reset. Taking a moment to simply stand, breathe, and let go can sharpen focus, clear the mind, and strengthen the connection to the lower Dan Tian (丹田), gut, our second brain.

In a fast-moving world, sometimes the best thing we can do is stand still.

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Opening the Heart

The heart purification method of meditation is a profoundly simple yet powerful practice. It is safe, easy to learn, and remarkably effective in transforming both our inner and outer worlds.

By focusing on gratitude, love, and joyous energies, we create space to release negativity—shedding limiting thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that no longer serve us. This practice not only nurtures emotional well-being but also enhances our relationships, mindset, and overall quality of life.

When we open our hearts, we unlock a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and connection. Transformation begins from within.

Have you ever tried heart-centered meditation? I'd love to hear your experiences!

At the Medicine Courtyard of Shaolin Temple, China.

This bronze statue illustrates the pathways of the Microcosmic Orbit (小周天) —an essential practice for cultivating health, longevity, and spiritual development. The image also highlights the Lower Dantian (下丹田), the body’s primary energy center, which serves as the foundation for internal cultivation.

For over 1,500 years, Shaolin Temple has woven together Chan (Zen in Japanese), Taoist, and Confucian traditions, shaping its martial arts, traditional medicine, and internal energy practices.

The Microcosmic Orbit helps regulate energy flow, strengthen the body’s vital systems, and calm the mind—leading to greater balance, resilience, and inner clarity.