Okido Yoga (also known as Oki-Do Yoga, Oki Do Yoga or Oki Yoga)

The word Okido [ɔkɪ´dɔː] is made up of two parts: Oki [ɔ´kɪ], the surname of the founder, and the word Do [dɔː] which translates as path or way of searching for truth in life. Masahiro Oki, a Japanese master, developed his profound understanding of human nature from his family background, his practice of many different disciplines, and his study with great teachers, including teachers of different religions. His philosophy, disciplined practice and healing arts were integrated through his living experience, particularly with Indian Yoga, the Chinese Yin-Yang principles and the Japanese Zen tradition, preserving an inclusive cooperative approach to all who search for truth. This wholeness of philosophy, discipline and healing arts has been named Okido Yoga.

Okido Yoga is based on the belief that true knowledge comes from an awakening of deep personal inner wisdom and that this can only be gained through individual experience of the laws of nature, which feature flows of Change, Balance and Stability. Its practice addresses various aspects of daily life, considering life holistically. It also emphasizes the importance of learning to work with, and for, others as it is not possible to create a balanced life that does not include harmonious and caring interaction within society. In Okido Yoga classes, we start from yoga's physical exercises, gradually becoming aware of our own habitual patterns, not through force, but naturally as we progress. These give us hints of improvements, which are there to be taken at any time. Its teachings are understandable and practical in the modern way of life. Okido Yoga is neutral from any religious group, and yet respects one and all beings. To read more about Okido Yoga, please visit our Further Reading section and Blog articles.

About Okido Yoga UK

Between 1975 and 1983, Master Oki, as well as other teachers such as Mizue Tamaki, made teaching trips to the UK many times. With the increasing interest in Okido Yoga, the UK organisation was established in August 1984 with Master Oki himself as one of our original trustees, and we have been presenting Okido Yoga in the UK ever since.

Our activities have been small in scale. However, we are trying to run them with a pure motivation and a sincere attitude; as Master Oki said, "Make a pure organization, however small it is". We aim to bring a fresh view, both useful and encouraging, and a practical approach to people who are facing difficulties – whether physical, mental or emotional – which are often caused by unbalanced or habitual lifestyles.

Between September 1984 and August 2022, our activities were run by our employed teacher, Tomoko Mori, hugely supported by her late husband, Hirotsugu Mori. Also, we were given invaluable aid by Oki Yoga Institute Japan (Mishima Dojo, which is closed now), Stichting Okido Yoga Dojo Nederland (Laren Dojo), Internationale Shiatsu School (in Belgium), NPO Oki-Yoga Kyokai (in Japan) and many other individuals.

From September 2022, Tomoko Mori, on voluntary basis, is leading Okido Yoga UK's activites, assisted by our approved teachers who have completed our teacher training course. We are continuing cooperative relation with these foreign organisations.