An ancient art for today’s world
Three individuals dedicated their lives
It started in a cabin in the mountains of Japan…
Jiro Murai, from a family of highly educated and established acupuncturists, was more interested in the “wild” lifestyle in the early 1910s, which included excessive eating and drinking. He became terminally ill with incurable digestive issues in 1912 and made the decision to be left in his family’s mountain cabin to die peacefully.
While awaiting death, Murai sat in meditation using mudras, meditation, and fasting he had learned from his vast interest in spiritual philosophies. After 7 days of internal body changes from freezing cold to intense heat, Jiro found his health restored. He attributed his salvation to the practices used in the cabin while awaiting death and dedicated his life to deepening his understanding of his experience. Thus began the development of Jin Shin Jyutsu and Master Murai’s lifetime of research, treating, teaching and writing.
A young woman’s synchronistic trip to Japan changed her life…
Mary (Mariko Lino) Burmeister, came to Japan from her home in America to serve as a translator and study diplomacy. One evening, at the home of a student to whom she was teaching English, she was told that Jiro Murai, known as Sensi (Teacher) was coming. When Murai met Mary he immediately asked her “Would you like to take a gift to America?”. This was surprising, given that Mary was an American citizen and World War II’s impact on the two country’s relationships was strained.
Not knowing what she was being asked, Mary immediately responded “Yes”. That gift became a passion. After studying with Master Murai for six years, Mary returned to America where she continued to communicate with her teacher and deepen her understanding. Thus began Mary’s life long journey sharing Jin Shin Jyutsu with the West. She leaves a legacy of her teaching, textbooks, and premier instructors.
An infant’s experience with acupressure set a lifelong path...
Haruki Kato was born premature with many complications throughout his very early life. Western medicine was considered to be the best of care which he received as an infant, Haruki did not thrive and was unable to walk until he received a form of traditional acupressure therapy. Haruki’s experience as a child created a spark, which led him to his teacher, Jiro Murai and Jin Shin Jyutsu. Haruki Kato, named by Master Murai as his direct successor in Japan, left a treasure of his study, teaching and textbooks now shared in both the East and West.
The generations continue the work…
Mary Burmeister’s two sons, David and Michael, their families, and team of esteemed faculty instructors continue to support Mary’s work in the West through the Mary Burmeister Jin Shin Jyutsu Institute. Sadaki Kato, Haruki Kato’s son and successor, teaches and shares Jin Shin Jyutsu and his father’s lineage as both a practitioner in Japan and member of the Mary Burmeister Institute’s faculty.
