Mari was born in Sendai, Japan, and grew up in Japan, Europe, South and North America. She is a graduate of the International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan, with a BA in Communication.

She lived in Lima, Peru, 1974-1989, where she was introduced to Tai Chi. In 1990 she moved to USA.  Soon after she began studying the Yang Family Tai Chi with Bill Walsh.  From 1997 she has been teaching Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi, later becoming a certified instructor.

She is Director of the New York Yang Family Tai Chi Center and Head Director of the United States Teacher Academy. 

In 2015 she was inducted as direct disciple of Grand Master Yang Jun receiving the name Yang Yaju.  

Email: mari@yangfamilytaichi.com