Introduction
My name is Hidefumi Otsuka, and I offer Rolfing sessions and brain science courses on nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
As 10 years have passed since I had received my certification as a Rolfer. I’d like to reflect on the decade of my experience and share my future outlook on my blog.
Encountering Rolfing Through Yoga Practice
Bodywork is a hands-on technique that enables the body to align. Among various bodywork methods, distinctive feature of Rolfing is in its focus on fascia. Remarkably, long before the term “fascial release” was termed, Dr. Ida Rolf, a biochemist who developed Rolfing in the 1960s, was teaching how the body naturally aligns through connective tissues i.e. fascial tissue.
Personally, I met certified Rolfer, Akinori Ito in December 2013 and received the 10-session series. At that time, I was practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. After receiving 10 sessions, I had experienced increased range of motion, the ability to perform yoga poses with less effort, and overall felt physical ease.
“Rather than focusing on symptoms, balancing the fundamental body axis allows the body to align itself naturally.”
This concept appealed to me, sparking my desire to learn the full technique. I had resigned my job at pharmaceuticals and traveled to Germany in August 2014 to start my Rolfing basic training.
On March 25, 2015, I successfully completed basic training in Munich. I opened my practice in Shibuya and have now reached my 10th anniversary. During the COVID pandemic, number of clients plummeted significantly. While hands-on-sessions declined, I managed to reach this milestone with support from the Japan Finance Corporation, subsidies from the government, and etc.
I couldn’t have imagined it at the time, but reaching the 10-year mark supporting myself solely through Rolfing without working in a company has been truly been fortunate.
10 Years Since Certification—Not Fearing Failure and Building Day by Day
Upon reaching this 10-year anniversary, I believe the secret to continuously providing a Rolfing session is “not fearing failure, enjoying changes as they come, and building consistently day by day.”
As a result, I believe I can “evoke the personality within clients and let them fix themselves.”
I’ve attended workshops to deepen my Rolfing techniques and seminars on top of how I can acquire clients through marketing. Ultimately, working directly with clients has been the best education for me. In fact, 174 people have completed the 10-session series (as of March 26, 2025), and clients have given me countless insights. I want to express my gratitude to all who have visited to my practice.
By providing sessions to clients and building consistently each day, word-of-mouth naturally spreads. Looking back at my past 10 years, 70% of my clients came through referrals and 30% through my website.
Contract Work—Coaching
In July 2024, I began a new contract job as a coach. This work leverages my past experience (Rolfing techniques and brain science approaches to sleep, nutrition, and exercise). I sense that being involved for 1-2 years will deepen my thinking and expand my knowledge. I hope to offer this as “brain science-based coaching” in the future.
Taking on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In May 2024, I began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Carpe Diem dojo in Hiroo.
Starting with once-weekly practice, I gradually increased the pace and now have established a habit of practicing three times per week. I hadn’t been paying much attention, but I received my first stripe this month. Though I started this hobby in my 50s, it provides significant learning opportunities to deepen the body awareness I’ve pursued through daily yoga practice and bodywork sessions.
Having a beginner’s mindset and being able to make many mistakes is beneficial, providing a good opportunity to learn to approach things humbly. As I approach my first year, I hope to eventually participate in competitions and gradually improve by learning from various opponents.
What is important?
What I’ve consistently done was “providing full support to those I’ve connected with, unless the client chooses to leave.”
I hope I maintain this stance and continue striving to keep my body moving healthily into my 60s as I aim for 15 and 20 years of service.
In April 2025, I am going to take Advanced Rolfing training (24 days in Tokyo. I hope I could improve my skill to further deepen my knowledge.
Conclusion
Two years have passed since I began living between Tsunashima, Yokohama and Shibuya, Tokyo. Especially, I’m enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of Yokohama City, since this is my first time living here.
In 2025, I plan to increase my participation in bodywork workshops that I’ve been holding off due to budget restraint. I hope to expand my techniques and work opportunities through interactions with colleagues in the field.