Unique fitness trends from overseas are bringing a new wave of activity to Japan, and values regarding beauty are diversifying. With the 2020 Olympics approaching, could a third wave of fitness be upon us in Tokyo? Jun Co., Ltd., celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, will open a new women's fitness center, "B.I.F BY NERGY," in Harajuku on July 10th. B.I.F BY NERGY is a branch of the company's "NERGY" brand. As the name "B.I.F" suggests, the facility offers a newly developed, unprecedented fitness program based on "karate forms," and is gaining attention. The birth of "B.I.F BY NERGY" began with the question, "What is the unique beauty of Japanese women?" The beauty unique to Japanese women—fluid movements, beautiful, graceful posture, a presence that exudes inner strength—is gradually being lost in modern everyday life. To reawaken these qualities, we reinterpret the spirit and etiquette of martial arts, which have been used since ancient times to cultivate strong, supple minds and bodies. This fitness program was created for women who want to be beautiful, strong, and supple in mind, body, and lifestyle.

What kind of experience awaits us? We quickly visited the first store prior to its opening.

Arriving at the Entrance

Upon arriving at the entrance, we were greeted by a pink interior. The concept color of "B.I.F BY NERGY" is pink. Lessons are held barefoot, wearing original gi (free rental). In the pink-themed locker room, you fasten your pink belt (first-timers will receive a lesson on how to wear the gi) and head to the studio. The locker room is also equipped with showers with hair shampoo & treatment and body soap, so you don't have to worry about sweating a lot during your workout ◎

Pink locker room. I was happy to be able to use the "Repronizer" hair dryer!
Heading into the pink-lit studio. Let's get started
The program is based on posture and breathing. Everything begins with meditation and bowing, cherishing the martial arts spirit of mind and body unity, courtesy, and etiquette. At the opening, three 45-minute lesson programs are available. On this day, I took the introductory course "B.I.F 1," which aims to teach core stability, the foundation of beautiful posture. While learning basic "kata" in a training-like manner, the program targets the muscles that help maintain posture through repetitive exercises accompanied by spot and colored lights and music. This program is packed with elements essential for developing a beautiful back and posture.

"Kata Enbu" is a program flow based on "karate kata."
Utilizing the core stability learned in "B.I.F 1," "B.I.F 2" teaches more challenging and faster karate moves at a higher level. By boosting your basal metabolic rate, this program is expected to help you shape your entire body. "Refresh" focuses on refreshing effects, increasing concentration through the continuous repetition of simple "kata" movements. Meditation and learning martial arts philosophy will help you align your mind.

For first-timers, we recommend the trial lesson (3,000 yen), which comes with free mineral water (500ml), face towel, and bath towel. There is also a limited-time campaign during the opening period (until August 31st) where you can take the trial for 1,000 yen. Other plans available include a plan where you purchase a lesson ticket each time (one-time ticket 4,000 yen), to a monthly membership plan (15,000 yen) that allows you to attend 30 times a month for a fixed price. Reservations are currently being taken on the official website (https://bif.jp/program-price/program/).

Experience a completely new type of fitness originating in and first-of-its-kind in Japan that will awaken your inner "dignified beauty" while having fun, even if you have no prior martial arts experience!