About me
My name is Motoko, born and raised in Japan. At the age of 18, I moved to the United States to pursue higher education and earned a Master's degree in Social Work. I have a special interest in working with elderly individuals and refugees. Along my academic journey, I discovered Yoga and have been practicing it regularly over 20 years.
Unfortunately, in 2012, I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and underwent my first open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve with a mechanical valve. However, two years later, it was discovered that the mechanical valve was not functioning properly and I had to undergo a second surgery to replace it with a human tissue valve. Sadly, I became ill again and was diagnosed with an infection on the graft from my original heart surgery in 2015. This resulted in a nearly three-month stay in the hospital and several painful procedures before I began to recover.
Yoga played a crucial role in my recovery process. After being released from the hospital, I resumed my yoga practice at Inner Peace Yoga Center and found that it not only helped improve my physical health but also brought peace to my heart. I have firsthand experience of the immense health benefits and healing power of Yoga, and I have made it my mission to help others achieve the same through my classes.
I have completed my 500 RYT** and have been teaching yoga with the aim of providing mindful practices that allow individuals to focus on their bodies and minds. We practice at our own comfortable pace and breath rate.
In December 2021, I underwent my fourth open heart surgery, where my aortic valve and root were replaced once again. Once again, yoga was an essential part of my healing process. I started with chair yoga and gradually moved on to gentle yoga.
Unfortunately, in 2012, I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and underwent my first open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve with a mechanical valve. However, two years later, it was discovered that the mechanical valve was not functioning properly and I had to undergo a second surgery to replace it with a human tissue valve. Sadly, I became ill again and was diagnosed with an infection on the graft from my original heart surgery in 2015. This resulted in a nearly three-month stay in the hospital and several painful procedures before I began to recover.
Yoga played a crucial role in my recovery process. After being released from the hospital, I resumed my yoga practice at Inner Peace Yoga Center and found that it not only helped improve my physical health but also brought peace to my heart. I have firsthand experience of the immense health benefits and healing power of Yoga, and I have made it my mission to help others achieve the same through my classes.
I have completed my 500 RYT** and have been teaching yoga with the aim of providing mindful practices that allow individuals to focus on their bodies and minds. We practice at our own comfortable pace and breath rate.
In December 2021, I underwent my fourth open heart surgery, where my aortic valve and root were replaced once again. Once again, yoga was an essential part of my healing process. I started with chair yoga and gradually moved on to gentle yoga.
** 500 RYT is a certification offered by Yoga Alliance, a non-profit organization that sets standards for yoga teachers. It certifies that a yoga teacher has completed a minimum of 500 hours of yoga teacher training, which includes anatomy, philosophy, ethics, and techniques of yoga. The certification requires dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of the practice. It is important for yoga teachers as it demonstrates their level of expertise, professionalism, and knowledge in the field, which gives students trust and confidence in their abilities. Obtaining the 500 RYT certification is a challenging and rewarding experience for yoga teachers and essential for providing high-quality instruction to their students.