山本 俊朗 Toshiro Yamamoto
Representative of FIVE ELEMENTS YOGA, a yoga retreat on the tropical island of Amami Oshima
Bio
Toshiro is the representative of "Five Elements Yoga," a yoga style that enhances the power of natural healing. From a young age, Toshiro received practical guidance in yoga from his mother, who is a yoga instructor. Later, Toshiro studied texts of the Kashmiri lineage of Tantra and Tantra meditation from Carlos Pomeda, a master in Traditional Yoga and Religious Studies from the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation. Alongside his studies in Japan, Toshiro has undergone over 1500 hours of diverse yoga training in the United States, Thailand, and Bali. During this time, he focused on studying and researching the Five Elements philosophy, alignment therapy, breathwork, biomechanics, and functional anatomy. In 2015, based on his extensive learning and scientific evidence, Toshiro established the Philosophy of Five Elements Yoga, obtaining trademark registration. With a dedication to safe and functional yoga instruction, Toshiro has conducted workshops and instructor training courses in all 27 prefectures of Japan, training over 500 yoga instructors. Through yoga, Toshiro strives to convey the message that life is a gift. Toshiro is honored to be a Lululemon Legacy Ambassador, Manduka Platinum Ambassador, and Endoca Ambassador.
Message
We offer the scientifically grounded Five Elements Yoga method that produces effective results in just one session, uncovering healing processes within the body for many individuals. In addition to that, we plan and provide nature-inspired retreats. During these retreats, we guide participants on a journey to detoxify and rejuvenate their mind and body, offering prescribed poses that can be incorporated into their daily lives as a form of therapy.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
On the night of the new moon in Amami Oshima, as I gazed up at the sky from my home, I witnessed a multitude of stars and shooting stars like never before. The sight of the sky, unlike anything I had experienced in the city, filled me with awe and wonder.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
Nature teaches us that it is a source of growth and a magnificent presence. In Five Elements Yoga, we consider nature as our guru, which is defined in Sanskrit as "the one who illuminates the darkness." The guru represents a great existence that encompasses duality. Nature not only provides healing but also exposes us to its challenges, guiding us towards greater heights.
Q: What has nature taught you?
The importance of healing, challenges, and life force.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
Just like the weather changes, our emotions and internal rhythms also evolve moment by moment. In the field of nature, we aim to deeply connect with ourselves and embrace change and diversity. Together, we embark on an inner journey, sharing our experiences and guiding each other to discover the beauty of our authentic selves.