Prana Breathwork Teacher Training in the Japanese Alps

This is a professional breathwork teacher training, not a casual wellness week. The curriculum covers five main areas: technique practice (rebirthing, shamanic, holotropic, Wim Hof, freediving apnea, pranayama), teaching methodology (how to hold space, use your voice, handle trauma-informed facilitation), anatomy and physiology (respiratory mechanics, nadis, chakras, the five pranas, nervous system regulation), philosophy (the eight limbs, non-dual perspectives), and integration tools for after the retreat.

Wolf Kinsmen runs the training. He's been teaching breathwork, meditation and yoga since 2004. He learned the Wim Hof Method directly from Wim Hof, trained at Tony Robbins Coaching School, studied Dzogchen meditation with Sangngak Tenzin Rinpoche at a Tibetan monastery in Nepal, and explored shamanic practices with Don Howard among the Shipibo in the Peruvian Amazon. He's also a certified freediver and plays native flute for sound journey sessions.

The location is Cottage Yatsugatake in Hokuto, in the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake mountain range. The property has pine-finished interiors, heating, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and an indoor electric fireplace. Outside there's a sauna that runs up to 80°C, an open-air bath for cold immersion, a private hot tub, a hammock, a daybed, and a patio with mountain views. A river runs past the property if you want colder water than the bath.

Daily sessions include yoga, meditation, breathwork practice, and sound journeys. The training covers Rebirthing, Shamanic breathing, Holotropic breathwork, Wim Hof-inspired techniques, freediving breath holds, pranayama, Yin yoga, and Hatha yoga. You'll also learn kriyas — yogic cleansing techniques for the nervous system.

The group is capped at six people. Check-in is at 4pm, check-out at 10am. November weather in Hokuto averages around 13°C during the day and drops to about 3°C overnight, so pack warm layers for morning and evening sessions.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared room with 2 single beds - 50-hour Yoga Alliance (YACEP) certificate - Daily yoga, meditation, breathwork, and sound journey sessions - Training in Rebirthing, Shamanic, Holotropic, Wim Hof-inspired, and Freediving breathing techniques - Pranayama and meditation instruction - Yin and Hatha yoga classes - 24-hour outdoor sauna access (up to 80°C) - Open-air cold bath and private hot tub access - Family BBQ set, outdoor dining area, hammock, patio, and daybed - Kitchen facilities (fridge, microwave, induction stove, kettle, rice maker, dishes) - Basic essentials (towels, bed sheets, soap, shampoo, body soap, cleaning products, hair dryer) - In-unit washer and dryer - Heating, A/C, ceiling fan, and indoor electric fireplace - Yoga mat to keep - Guidance from Wolf Kinsmen (22 years experience)

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Daily meals - Cooking oils, spices, and condiments - Local transport (car rental or taxis recommended)