GOING UP FRONT on the Gratz Arm Chair
Preparing for balance in the air. Connecting your torso and limbs, sandwiching your stomach and spine, and creating a neutral line that extends powerfully from the toes to the top of the head. Pull the springs with both arms and Going Up!
ROWING SERIES INTO THE STERNUM on Gratz Reformer
Both arms extending from the back are moved while resisting in the water as if rowing a boat. The carriage must be controlled so that the boat moves silently across the water.
Japanese Classical Dance
Japanese Classical Dance is based on the techniques of Kabuki dance. The costumes are very heavy and require physical strength to dance. The strong, long, whip-like spine developed through Classical Pilates has dramatically improved Kohei's dance performance.
About Kohei Ichikawa
Kohei Ichikawa trained in Classical Ballet and Japanese Classical Dance before discovering Pilates as a way to strengthen and develop his body.
He began Classical Pilates training in 2017 after meeting Davorka Kulenovic and Martin Arezina in Stuttgart, Germany. The Classical Pilates method established by Romana Kryzanowska transformed his life and guided his transition from contemporary to classical style.
Since July 2019, Kohei has continued his studies under Sonjé Mayo. As the director of one of the few Classical Pilates studios in Japan, he now hosts international workshops and is dedicated to expanding awareness of Classical Pilates throughout Japan.
“I use only GRATZ PILATES APPARATUS in my studio. Classical Pilates goes hand in hand with the use of GRATZ PILATES APPARATUS. The two cannot be separated.
In practicing Classical Pilates, I value the grace that comes from the classical style. Grace comes from Control, Resistance movement and Stretch with strength.
My purpose in life is to inherit the classical style I learned from Davorka and Sonjé and pass them on to the next generation.”
Connect with Kohei Ichikawa
- Website: classicalpilatestokyo.com
- Instagram: @kohei.pilates