Spring in Japan

What Makes This Retreat Unique?

Authentic Japanese homestay
World-class powder in Shiga Kogen
Cherry blossom hikes in Kamakura
Zen meditation & mindfulness
Daily Rocket Yoga practice
Traditional Japanese cuisine & hot springs
Native Japanese hosts & bilingual support
Authentic cultural immersion
Time to explore, rest & reconnect

Open to All Level

Your Unforgettable Experience

There’s no pressure to join every activity. You are free to participate in as many or as few experiences as you like

We are the Yogrits Family, a family of scientists, educators, athletes, and yoga teachers, each bringing a unique perspective while sharing one mission: to help students move with greater understanding, confidence, and purpose, empowering them to pursue lifelong growth and discover the next best version of themselves.

United by scientific integrity, curiosity, grit, perseverance, and lifelong learning, we integrate medicine, scientific research, elite athletics, and yoga to create a truly interdisciplinary approach to Functional Yoga.

Takeshi, MD, PhD, RYT 500

Radiologist • Professor • Certified Animal Flow Instructor

Born in Japan and educated and professionally trained in the United States, Takeshi bridges medicine, research, and functional movement. As a radiologist and professor at a leading academic cancer center, he brings a unique perspective on anatomy, pathology, and movement through medical imaging. A physician-scientist with over 260 peer-reviewed scientific publications and nearly 5,000 scientific citations, he translates biomechanics, functional anatomy, and movement science into practical, evidence-based yoga education.

His passion is helping students understand not only how to move, but why movement works.

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Eriko Iwatate, PhD, RYT 500

Epidemiologist • Educator • Rocket Yoga Instructor

Born in Japan and educated and professionally trained in the United States, Eriko combines scientific thinking with compassionate teaching. As an epidemiologist and former Director of the Research Office at a large academic medical center, she specializes in evaluating scientific evidence, distinguishing high-quality research from misinformation, and translating complex science into practical, accessible movement education.

Her passion is helping students build confidence by understanding the science behind health, movement, and lifelong well-being.

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Kenshu 

Competitive Gymnast

Kenshu inspires our approach to strength, power, coordination, body control, and progressive skill development. His gymnastics training has influenced our athletic conditioning, handstand progressions, and movement drills.

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Elena 

Competitive Rhythmic Gymnast

Elena inspires our approach to flexibility, graceful movement, balance, coordination, artistry, and deep backbend training. Her dedication continually shapes our creative approach to mobility and movement quality.

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The Yogrits Method

Our teaching integrates:

• Evidence-based movement science
• Functional anatomy 
• Biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Neuroscience and motor learning
• Pilates for spinal and pelvic stability
• Ballet for posture, alignment, elegance, and deep core control
• Martial arts for efficient force transfer, coordination, and energy flow
• Gymnastics-inspired conditioning for strength, balance, mobility, handstands, and advanced movement

We are known for:

• Creative, intelligently designed yoga flows
• Progressive drills that safely prepare students for advanced asanas
• Gymnastics-inspired handstand training
• Rhythmic gymnastics-inspired deep backbend techniques
• Spine and pelvic stability training
• Teaching the “why” behind movement—not just the “how.”

At Yogrits, yoga is more than achieving poses.

It is about understanding your body, embracing lifelong learning, and developing the strength, resilience, and confidence to become the next best version of yourself.

Evidence informs our teaching.
Movement inspires our practice.
Growth defines our journey.

Welcome to the Yogrits Family