MSc Health Education and Sports Science, Sports Medicine Lab at the University of Tsukuba, Japan

Hironori Ikeda earned his Master’s degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Tsukuba, one of Japan’s top 13 “Super Global Universities.” Ranked No. 1 in Asia and 47th globally for sports and exercise science by edurank.org, the university is a prestigious institution known for producing 41 Olympic gold medalists, 44 silver, and 48 bronze medalists, as well as three Nobel Prize winners.

Hironori Ikeda specializes in sports medicine massage, dynamic core postural stability training, and postural assessment. Widely regarded as an expert in palpation, he is recognized globally for his ability to treat trigger points, muscle tension, and myofascial issues. His expertise attracts a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists, as well as massage therapists, who seek to learn from his techniques to enhance their skill sets.

Hironori teaches Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, and Myofascial Release from a functional anatomy and sports medicine perspective, sharing his knowledge worldwide. Additionally, as the founder of Balance Ball Yoga, he developed an innovative approach to improving core stability and posture. This method’s effectiveness in posture correction and pain relief was supported by research at the University of Cagliari, Italy in 2020-2021.

With a Master’s degree in sports medicine, he excels in trigger point identification through meticulous palpation techniques. Drawing from deep sports medicine wisdom, he has developed a trigger point therapy grounded in human kinetic principles. This innovative method is designed for effective pain relief and precise posture correction, making it a preferred choice even for professional athletes.

His profound knowledge of functional anatomy sets him apart. Under his guidance, students grasp superior therapeutic massage techniques, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between anatomy and movement. He guides students to achieve excellence in trigger point palpation and pain relief, transforming their approach to therapeutic massage to meet clients’ specific needs.

Embracing insights from Shiatsu and Thai Yoga Massage, coupled with his research in cadaver anatomy and functional anatomy, he has formulated a deep tissue massage approach renowned for its profound therapeutic pain relief. His technique seamlessly integrates client positioning and therapist posture, enabling the most comprehensive targeting of muscle layers, particularly in critical areas like the hip joint, spine, shoulder, and neck. This innovative methodology guarantees precise posture correction and effectively alleviates chronic pain resulting from poor posture and movement.

His expertise in deep tissue massage and the courses he offers attract therapists and clients seeking profound therapeutic pain relief. His teachings resonate deeply, drawing attention from physiotherapists and acupuncturists interested in delving deeper into their approach. Eager to grasp his methodologies for engaging with the deeper layers of muscle tissue, they seek his expert guidance, combining functional anatomy with palpation techniques. With his guidance, students are positioned to excel in deep tissue massage, and are equipped to deliver therapeutic relief at its most effective level.

Drawing upon his expertise in sports conditioning stretching, yoga techniques, and functional anatomy, Hironori has developed his unique Dynamic Myofascial Release approach. This methodology focuses on understanding the intricate gliding of muscles within each layer, drawing insights from his cadaver anatomy research to target adhesions and nerve sliding between multiple layers of muscle and fascia. This approach dramatically improves range of motion. Additionally, integrating stretching with myofascial release enhances joint capsule release and stimulates proprioception, making it particularly effective for enhancing dynamic postural stability, accelerating rehabilitation procedures, and improving sports performance.

Medical professionals, including Dr. Amrita from the UK, have taken this course and were impressed by its efficacy and the newly designed practical myofascial release techniques. By manipulating joint capsules and mobilizing myofascial tissues with a depth-focused approach, active soft tissue release targets adhesions and is tailored through palpation. This dramatically improves not only dynamic postural stability and range of motion but also enhances skin appearance.

Dr. Amrita highly recommends this approach. Combining dynamic myofascial release with trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage techniques provides one of the most essential skill sets for pain relief and postural correction across various therapeutic practices.

Professional athletes trust RSM for its specialized massage services. Salva Arco Frías, a Pro Spanish basketball player, utilized RSM's sports medicine massage during his offseason in Chiang Mai to enhance his physical conditioning and alleviate discomfort.

RSM isn't merely an institution that teaches massage. It's known for its practical techniques that even top athletes value. Seeking the expertise of those well-versed in sports medicine and functional anatomy, Salva chose RSM upon recommendation. Over a 10-day period, he underwent targeted massage treatments, preparing him for the upcoming season.

At RSM, the focus is on hands-on techniques grounded in functional anatomy, offering immediate benefits for practitioners.

RSM introduces the "Posture Correction Studio", a bespoke program tailored to individual needs for pain relief and posture enhancement. For those committed to understanding and improving their body mechanics, we provide instruction and guidance using our specialized sports medicine techniques.

Each program is meticulously designed with video analyses, comprehensive anatomical explanations, and tailored movement assessments. Additionally, we offer customized massage sessions, specifically designed to address pain relief and promote correct posture.

Our holistic approach ensures that clients attain a deep understanding of their body, enabling optimal alignment and health.

Balance Ball Yoga, founded and developed by Hironori Ikeda, dramatically improves dynamic posture in a short period. Correcting movements on an unstable surface requires synchronizing the center and body core alignment, reinstating proper movement.

Hironori's expertise has led to significant advancements in dynamic postural stability, benefiting diverse individuals, from the elderly to those in rehabilitation and even enhancing performance while reducing injury risk. Despite his busy schedule with massage course instruction, we plan to relaunch our instructor training course in 2025, now with an added postural massage component.

This practical addition will equip medical practitioners, massage therapists, sports trainers, and yoga/pilates instructors with essential skills for pain relief and postural correction.

Hiro is also specialized in dynamic posture in sports. His expertise is derived from his background in sports medicine and experience teaching athletes, including those with mild disabilities, to optimize their movement. 

His unique approach, called Balance Ball Yoga, utilizes tools such as the Balance Ball and Bosu balance ball to focus on the body's center of gravity and kinetic chain. This method aims to create a stable body axis and fluid dynamic movements for improved performance without pain. Use Less Energy, Gain More Power.

Professional fighters from Croatia turned to RSM for specialized private lessons on dynamic postural stability. Facing challenges in maintaining balance during critical kicks, it was essential to address these performance issues.

RSM's dynamic postural stability course, a highlight of our Balance Ball YOGA program, targets this by understanding and rectifying weaknesses in the kinetic chain and muscle tension.

By combining dedicated training and our specialized massage techniques, athletes achieve improved balance. The holistic training has visibly enhanced their skills and boosted confidence, making a marked difference in both practice sessions and live matches.

Under the careful supervision of Hironori Ikeda, RSM's Balance Ball Yoga program, which has been medically approved for posture correction, covers a broad spectrum of applications.

This includes rehabilitation, childhood spinal alignment, elderly posture improvement, and maximizing athletic performance. RSM offers the Balance Ball Yoga instructor course in both Sardinia, Italy, and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Participants can expect a comprehensive training experience.

In these courses, attendees immerse themselves in a variety of exercises to bolster posture. Furthermore, those who wish to delve deeper into understanding movement and human body mechanics often continue their education at our main hub in Chiang Mai. Here, they're equipped with the expertise to instruct balance ball exercises with an emphasis on enhancing posture.

HIRONORI has been teaching lessons, primarily in Europe, for about 15 years. He has conducted RSM pain relief and posture improvement massages, as well as balance ball yoga training in countries such as Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, and Ukraine.

In 2017, he held a workshop in Sardinia, Italy, with former Real Madrid FC trainer Simone Ripamonti on essential injury prevention training methods.

In Saarbrücken, Germany, RSM presents an exclusive "Balance Ball Yoga" course tailored for yoga instructors specializing in postural correction. Participants in the course significantly enhance their proficiency in body balance, with an emphasis on dynamic postural stability.

A critical component of the training revolves around honing the understanding and application of proprioceptors, ensuring that yoga practitioners achieve optimal alignment and movement control.

This rigorous program underscores RSM's commitment to elevating the standards of postural correction and body balance in the yoga community

At RSM, we've pioneered techniques that have become indispensable in the world of yoga, pilates, and sports training.

Our methods probe the intricacies of movement and posture, providing practitioners with tools that are both effective and innovative. Yoga and Pilates instructors, as well as sports trainers, have immensely benefited from our teachings, experiencing tangible improvements in their practice and coaching.

Our dedication to excellence ensures that every aspect of RSM is grounded in thorough research and practical application, making it a cornerstone for those serious about enhancing their skills and knowledge in these disciplines.

Japanese Industrial Standards are the standards used for industrial activities in Japan, coordinated by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee and published by the Japanese Standards Association.

The JIS is composed of many nationwide committees and plays a vital role in standardizing activities across Japan. Hiro's committee is JIS z 8500 JIS Z 8500: Ergonomics -- Basic human body measurements for technological design.

As an invited visiting researcher at AIST（The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Hiro developed and acquired a patent for shoe soles that are slip-resistant on snowy and wet surfaces. Soles devised by HIRONORI IKEDA based on sports medicine analysis have been sold in Japan for over 20 years.