Through SBM, I also learned the importance of taking care of myself.

2025     Akasaka School MVP

I am truly honored to be selected as the MVP of the Akasaka School.

My sincere thanks go to  Masayo, Yuriko,Mika, and everyone at the Akasaka School.

It has been two and a half years since I started SBM.

Before beginning SBM, I experienced acute lower back pain (Slip disci) about three times a year.

It would happen suddenly—while putting on my trousers or even just reaching forward to brush my teeth.

I kept hurting my back during ordinary daily movements, and I realized this was not sustainable.

That’s when I decided to join the classes.

In the beginning, my lower back still hurt, and when I tried the neck exercises, I remember that due to my lack of muscle strength, even doing them for five minutes made me feel pain or even nauseous.

After starting SBM, the back attacks that used to occur three times a year completely stopped, and I rarely worry about my lower back now.

When I sense that my back might be in danger, I follow the advice to extend my SBM session, and it works.

About half a year after starting SBM, I went through a mentally difficult period and began going to the hospital.

Workload and heavy emotional stress caused my mood to drop, my motivation to disappear, and I developed depressive symptoms.

It was my first time experiencing something like this, and I couldn’t believe I had fallen into depression.

I remember what Ms. Masayo told me during my first body check:

“Men often hold stress in their neck. Mental stress shows up in the neck.”

And indeed, whenever I was mentally overwhelmed, my neck felt painful or heavy.

I experienced this firsthand.

Through SBM, I also learned the importance of taking care of myself.

Before SBM, I would have simply endured things, telling myself, “I just need to try harder,” and ignored my limits.

I now realize that I would not have noticed even when my body reached its breaking point.

I learned how essential it is to value myself.

Without mental and physical health, we cannot do anything—that’s what I came to understand.

Recently, Ms. Masayo and other members asked me why I was able to continue SBM even during the toughest mental period.

At the time, I couldn’t answer, but then I remembered something:

My doctor and counselor told me that when it comes to mental health, the approach should start with the body—not thoughts, not mindset, not willpower.

“When the body changes, the mind changes too.”

I think I finally understand what that means.

Also, the atmosphere in the monthly classes (three times a month) helped me tremendously.

The conversations with the fun and supportive senior members during lessons always filled the room with laughter.

That warm environment nourished both my heart and body, and I believe that’s why I was able to keep going even during difficult times.

Now, I no longer need medication, my mood rarely drops, and I am living my daily life comfortably.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again to Ms. Masayo and everyone at the Akasaka School.

Doing SBM at the end of the day feels like meditation.

It clears my mind, gives me time to organize my thoughts, and helps me understand my current condition.

I intend to continue practicing SBM.

Thank you very much.

 conversations with the fun and supportive senior members during lessons always filled the room with laughter.

That warm environment nourished both my heart and body, and I believe that’s why I was able to keep going even during difficult times.

Now, I no longer need medication, my mood rarely drops, and I am living my daily life comfortably.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again to Ms. Masayo and everyone at the Akasaka School.

Doing SBM at the end of the day feels like meditation.

It clears my mind, gives me time to organize my thoughts, and helps me understand my current condition.

I intend to continue practicing SBM.

Thank you very much.