Introduction
I’m Hidefumi Otsuka, offering Rolfing sessions and brain science-based courses on nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Recently, the annual general meeting of the Japan Rolfing Association (JRA) was held, followed by the “Himo Training Workshop.” In this post, I’d like to share my impressions and insights from attending this workshop.
Annual Meeting of the Japan Rolfing Association
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, I attended the annual meeting of the Japan Rolfing Association (JRA) from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. As a non-profit organization, the JRA holds this meeting once a year to report on business activities, financial statements, plans, and budgets.
After obtaining Rolfing certification, practitioners pay an annual fee to the JRA. This fee not only covers the use of the Rolfing name but also supports promotional activities and ongoing training. The general meeting provides transparency on how these funds are utilized. While the content is important, it’s also a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow certified Rolfers, which is why I make it a point to attend whenever possible.
What is Himo Training?
Following the JRA general meeting, a workshop featuring a leading figure in bodywork is typically held. This time, we welcomed balance trainer Isao Koseki as a guest for the “Himo Training Workshop,” which took place from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a social gathering.
According to Koseki, the human body naturally maintains balance, but daily life can disrupt this equilibrium. The workshop introduced “Himo Training” as a method to restore bodily balance.
Himo Training involves lightly wrapping strings around the body to release muscle tension and regain natural balance.The concept is quite intriguing.
The key point is that the human body inherently possesses the balance necessary for proper function. Conversely, unnatural postures and movements can disturb this balance.
Interestingly, by gently wrapping strings around specific body parts, one’s bodily awareness becomes more acute, leading to improved balance and promoting natural movement without exerting force.
Koseki shared various applications based on his experiences, and I was amazed at how light my body felt. Here are some examples:
Wrapping around the waist (tanden area):
- Enhances pelvic stability and aligns posture.
- Effective in alleviating lower back pain and improving walking balance.
Wrapping around the shoulders (diagonally across the chest):
- Relieves shoulder tension, allowing natural arm movement.
- Can help improve shoulder stiffness and hunchback posture.
Wrapping around wrists and fingers:
- Reduces excessive grip tension, promoting fluid movements.
- May enhance performance in sports and musical instrument playing.
Wrapping around ankles and knees:
Increases walking stability and eases calf tension.
Facilitates smoother movements in activities like running and dancing.
Conclusion
After the JRA general meeting, we had the opportunity to participate in the “Himo Training Workshop” led by balance trainer Isao Koseki. I’ve shared some of the insights I gained from this experience.