Mika Yoga Wear is honored to be able to sponsor Yukari Miwa, the 2011 Interntional Yoga Asana Champion. Yukari is not only an amazing yogi but also a world traveler and teacher. Check out her bio below:

Who is Yukari Miwa?

Growing up, I practiced rhythmic gymnastics for about ten years. I then graduated from Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education with a degree of health and physical education and teaching credential, which I used to teach dance at the technical college.

To learn about yoga and Pilates, I moved to Los Angeles, where I found Bikram Yoga. I fell in love and graduated from the 2006 Spring Teacher Training. After I graduated the Teacher Training, I moved back to Japan and have been teaching Bikram Yoga in Japan ever since. During this time I also acquired an instruction qualification for snorkeling & scuba diving.

In 2007, I participated in the International Yoga Asana Championship for the first time as a representative of Japan and placed 4th. I continued to compete throughout 2008 and 2009 and in 2010, I placed 3rd at semi-finals and 4th at the final. In 2011, I was honored to place 1st at the International Yoga Asana Championship.

Despite it being a competition of yoga, I have never competed against a person. To me, yoga is to face one's self. I want to express it in my own way on the stage. The purpose is to convey the splendor of yoga.

Aside from teaching Bikram Yoga, I am a yoga product development adviser for Quicksiver Roxy Japan. I also support them as a professional fitness staffer at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. I teach Pilates at the university as well as at the corporations. I have been featured in magazines, radio, TV programs, and TV commercials. Currently, I am sponsored by Mika Yoga Wear, Kulae Yoga, and Pilates Products.

After winning the 2011 International Yoga Asana Championship, I traveled all around the United States to increase awareness of the USA Yoga Federation and promote participation in Regional Yoga Asana championships. From the beginning of 2012, I started my world tour in Australia, followed by New Zealand. Now I am planning to go to Europe and Asia in the spring.

In January 2012, I appeared in NHK TV and talked about the International Yoga Asana Championship, did the demonstration, and talked about Bikram Yoga. It was shown worldwide by TV Japan. Hopefully I can inspire others to participate in yoga as well. Thank you!

Check out a video of Yukari at the Yoga Championship

More information about Yukari Miwa can be found at the links below:

Yukari's Website: http://www.yukariptus.com

Blog:http://ameblo.jp/yukariptus/

Interview: http://yokapro.com/course/pc/specialinfo/20090401/bikram_1.html

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/yukarimiwa.yoga