ESSENTRICS® with Takako
South London, UK
Email address: takako@takako.ukMobile phone number: +44(0)779 860 3390
I am a fully certified level 4 Essentrics® instructor for both the Aging Backwards program and the Comprehensive program.
I teach individuals online and I offer services for organizations, in-person and online.
I'm passionate about sharing the benefits of Essentrics®. It's a relaxing workout that suits everyone – young or old, athletic or not, and regardless of flexibility.
Why I Started Essentrics®
I started Essentrics® during the lockdown when I was physically and mentally drained. As is often the case, the lack of movement affected my health, and I struggled with pain in my shoulders and knees.
Essentrics® was a revelation—it helped me recover physically, easing my pain and improving my energy and vitality. What I appreciated was how accessible it was. Not being naturally flexible and seeing my strength decline after 50, Essentrics® allowed me to work at my own pace. It helped me heal physically and emotionally and inspired me to help others reverse atrophy and regain their health and well-being.
My Teaching Style
In my Aging Backwards program, I focus on helping people regain energy, increase mobility, and relieve pain and tension through slow, gentle movements and beautiful, flowing choreography. My Essentrics® sessions also feature carefully curated playlists, often including classical music, to enhance the calming and revitalizing experience. After each session, you'll feel refreshed and younger. Whether you're flexible and fit or just starting out, you can work at your own pace.
Voices of My Clients - Testimonials
Since early 2020, following Takako’s Essentrics instruction has given me a meditative, flowing form of exercise that allows me to stretch slowly and easily. Attending her classes has improved my balance, coordination, and flexibility.
Takako’s wide range of musical selections enrich each class session, making it easy to follow her pace through a variety of movements.
I value her teaching so much that I Zoom in from the US West Coast — because after each session, I feel calm, relaxed, and re-energized.
- Maura G.
I've tried many Essentrics classes over the years: Takako's are amongst the best. Her instructions are clear, her approach imaginative. Nothing is rushed: Takako gently lets you take your time. And I really enjoy her wide range of music—classical, jazz, pop, you name it. Afterwards, I always feel as if the rest of the world has just fallen away, worries included. I feel rebalanced, toned and relaxed.
- Cindy Deachman
I started Essentrics after being invited to Takako's apprentice session during the pandemic, when I hadn’t exercised much. I joined feeling uncertain about my fitness level, but found I could participate comfortably. I found the movements incorporated ballet and jazz dance moves, helping me refresh my body. I felt my body become more balanced, and my health improved. Takako's teaching style was gentle, with perfect timing and cues. Her sessions inspired me to become an Essentrics instructor. Essentrics has the power to heal, especially for those feeling unwell. Highly recommended.
- Yumiko Y.
Watch Videos of Essentrics ® Movements
Here are some Instagram video clips—tap the images or text below to watch (opens in a new tab/window).
Soothing movements for stress relief
Trademark movements for relaxation
Get to Know Me
Movement has always been a part of my life, long before I discovered Essentrics®. I was born and brought up in Japan. In college, I was involved in musical theatre and jazz dance, which sparked my passion for music and dance. In my early 20s, I took a month-long break from my sales administration work and travelled to America, visiting various places including New York, where I experienced ballet, jazz dance, and singing lessons for the first time. During this trip, I also discovered ballroom and Latin dancing, which quickly became a significant part of my life.
Since then, I spent years learning ballroom and Latin dancing. I also learned routines and choreographies from video services produced by Geoffrey Hearn. Additionally, I also took on side work translating these routines to be dubbed for video production companies.
In my early 30s, I set off on another adventure, travelling to the UK to study and compete in ballroom and Latin dancing, where I have lived ever since. I had the privilege of learning from world-renowned teachers, including world champions and their coaches such as June McMurdo, Stephen Hillier MBE, Marcus Hilton MBE, Karen Hilton MBE, Shirley Ballas, Ann Gleave, Geoffrey Hearn, Christopher Hawkins, John Byrnes and more. I competed both locally and internationally in ballroom and Latin dancing until I started my family.
Beyond dancing, I taught myself to read music during the lockdown, having previously played by ear, and soon after participated in local opera and musical productions. As a visual thinker, I enjoy various creative activities such as dressmaking—designing and making ballroom and Latin dance dresses.
In my sessions, I blend Essentrics® techniques with music, almost like dancing, to help improve the well-being of my participants. My choreography has been praised by both clients and Essentrics® examiners for its beauty and flow.
I’m truly grateful for the supportive communities of clients and Essentrics® instructors worldwide, where we nurture each other.
If you're interested in joining, please email me at: takako@takako.uk ↑ Top