Masu-haru Banno
Japanese Squat
Masu Banno was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 50 while working at a travel agency in the United States. During a period of profound personal loss, Masu discovered yoga through the recommendation of his wife. This newfound passion led him to obtain a yoga instructor license and return to Japan to pursue a career as a yoga teacher. With 20 years of experience, Masu has dedicated his life to teaching yoga, helping others find strength and healing through the practice.
This video introduces a squat program that I, Masu, recommend, combining squats with（ 気 ）breathing also Kobujyutu pose techniques.
About 10 years ago, inspired by an NHK TV program by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, I wondered if it was possible to maintain the best yoga pose for 10 minutes. I concluded that the "squat pose" would be ideal.
The rationale behind this is that humans have about 70% of their muscles in the lower body, and numerous muscles and vital organs are located around the hip joint. To promote health, it is crucial to activate and strengthen this area.
Breathing, or "気" (ki) in Japanese, represents energy and vitality. A strong connection exists between the mind and body, where healthiness signifies being energetic and lively, while weakness and sickness indicate a diseased state starting from the mind. Thus, incorporating breathing techniques into squats ensures they do not weaken the body.
We developed a squat routine that strengthens the lower body, hip joints (groin) and respiratory muscles (diaphragm). Over the past decade of teaching yoga and exercise, I have consistently included this squat routine in my classes. Masu's J-squats have received high praise from Japanese Olympic coaches and physical therapists.
