Activities

• 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 10:00am –11:30 am (CASH ONLY)

• Format: In-Person – YAK Room 300

Everyone is welcome to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from a local vendor. This program is sponsored by Front Porch, so we can bring produce to the community at costs. So come on over to shop, have some coffee and snacks or just hang out with the volunteers and staff. Please contact Sara Fritts if you have any questions at sfritts@yuaikai.org or (408) 294-2505 ext. 514.

• 2nd Wednesday of each month (Please call to confirm day)

• Format: In-Person – YAK Room 300

• Cost is FREE for senior club member, $3.00 non-member

Movie classics’ in both English and Japanese to some of the year’s latest box office hits. We offer a wide range of movies for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Monthly movies are free to Senior Club Members, but donations are greatly appreciated.

• Last Friday of the month

• 2:00pm, YAK lobby

• Cost $3.00 for assorted flowers

Yu-Ai Kai provides transportation service to Oak Hill Cemetery for Ohakamairi. Please contact YAK receptionist to reserve your spot no later than 3pm on Thursday at (408) 294-2505. We are limited to 3 participants. If we have more than 3 participants, 2 trips will be made, with an approximate hour between each trip.

• Instructor: Roxanne Ozawa-Coulon

• 2nd Friday 11:30am – 12:30pm

• Class Format: In-Person YAK– Cafe

• Cost: This is a free service. Donations welcomed.

Need help getting a senior Clipper Card? Routing a trip or would like to learn more about VTA services – bus and lightrail, or BART, Caltrain, Muni, and more? Visit our VTA Liaison, Roxanne for assistance.

• Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30am – 11:30 am

• Class format: In-person

• AWC Maple and Pine rooms

• BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – Senior Club Members receive priority scheduling.

• Cost: Donations welcomed

We are senior level interns of Five Branches University, Graduate School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture works for the balancing flow of energy (known as Qi). If Qi is not moving freely inside of the human body, people feel pain. Acupuncture stimulates the Qi movement, so the pain can be relieved. Approved acupuncture can help for fibromyalgia, insomnia, digestive system issues, muscle pain, joint pain stress and infertility.

• Instructor: Megumi Riel

• Tuesday 5:45pm – 6:45 pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Experience ballet for adults. Little to no dance training needed. Our teacher will lead students through a ballet warm-up and movement combinations. Stretch your mind and body with these one-of-a-kind lessons led by Megumi Riel. Please dress in comfortable clothing that allows full movement. Yoga socks or bare feet is recommended.

• Instructor: Judy West and Natalia Dondoyano (Fridays)

• Tuesday and Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am, Friday 11:015am – 12:15pm

• Class Format: Hybrid - AWC

• Cost*: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

• * If you are age 60 or over and a resident of San Jose, this class is Free to you.

Join this Fun class that is based on research tested at over 100 sites. Enhance fitness provides a great all-around workout which focuses on dynamic, evidence-based cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility.

• Instructor: Megumi Riel

• Tuesday 7:00pm – 7:30pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

LaBlast fitness is a partner-free dance workout created by world-renowned dancer and fitness expert Louis van Amstel (as seen on Dancing with the Stars). It’s accessible for all levels – from the absolute beginner to the experienced dancer. Experience the full array of dance styles from Jive to Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz to Lindy Hop. Whether you want to tone your body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn to dance, or just have a great time! Megumi Riel is a certified LaBlast Fitness Instructor.

• Instructor: Megumi Riel

• Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 4:00pm – 5:00pm

• Thursday 9:00am – 10:00am (hybrid)

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom/ Hybrid-AWC

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Based on years of research, Nirvana Body & Mind system includes a number of most efficient elements that combine into the most relaxing and mindful flow of uplifting music beat, simple to follow Pilates/Yoga toning exercises & rhythmic breathing to detox the body & experience the blissful state of Nirvana. Megumi Riel is a Nirvana certified instructor.

• Instructor: Nancy DeMattei

• Friday 10:00am – 11:00 am

• Class Format: Hybrid – AWC Sakura room

• Cost*: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

A series of stretches, gentle exercises and advanced exercises designed to systematically restore the body’s function, posture, balance, and strength. Many of the exercises will help strengthen muscles that are underutilized and stretch muscles that are overworked. This class is relaxing and challenging. So, whether your goal is to increase day-to-day activity, prevent falls, or become a better athlete, this class is for you!

• Instructor: Jeff Sera

• 2nd and 4th Wednesday 10:30am – Noon

• Class Format: In-Person AWC – Gingko Room

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-members

• (7) 15-minute slots available. Call AWC to reserve your spot.

霊気 Reiki = Universal Life Energy

Your body is capable of healing itself, when you get a cut your system goes to work to regenerate the cells and heal itself. If you were to sit and meditate, you could speed up your own healing process. Reiki practice is like an external battery pack of that same energy, a connection to Source, channeling energy for your body to do what it naturally does on its own. As a Reiki practitioner, Jeff becomes like a straw between Source and the individual, or a cable between the battery pack and the phone to allow the energy to be transferred and used wherever that person needs it the most. In person, Jeff uses a hands-on technique to transfer the energy, in order to support emotional or physical healing. Sign up for your 15-minute Reiki healing sessions with Jeff Sera, a Self-Development Sensei and Reiki Practitioner.

• Instructor: Shizuyo Cole

• Tuesday 1:00pm – 2:00 pm

• Class format: In-person

• Cost: $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member

Step in traditional Japanese footwork, come out and learn the art of Japanese Dance. In this class we will go over the steps of the dance, but also what the motions and gestures represent. Everything from lively Tanka bushi to a lower paced more classical Sakura-Sakura.

• Instructor: Tom Tan and Lisa Wangness

• Thursday 1:00pm – 2:00pm

• Class Format: In-Person AWC – Sakura room

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-members

Tai Chi is a martial art and meditative form of exercise that works on the entire body in a flowing sequence. Qigong exercises are gentle movements performed to stimulate Qi (the life force in everything) which benefits mental and physical health. Regular Practice of these slow, intentional movements brings greater body awareness, and can increase and help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Join us as we work together to learn and benefit from these fundamental lifestyle practices.

• Instructor: Megumi Riel

• Tuesday 7:00pm – 7:30pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Face yoga combines exercises, stretches and massage techniques, like acupressure, for your face and neck. It reverses signs of stress and aging, such as frown lines and sagging skin. The benefits of face yoga are increased blood circulation and improved skin appearance.

• Instructor: Natalia Dondoyano

• Wednesday 7:00am – 8:00am

• Class Format: In-Person AWC – Sakura room

• Cost: $5.00 senior club members $20.00 non-members (frequency discount available)

Hatha yoga is also known as " The Yoga of Opposing Forces". The practice itself is rooted in the union of opposites where we build strength alongside flexibility and discover relaxation through gentle focus. This class proceeds at a slower pace, allowing us to focus on the breath, controlled movements, and stretching. Progressions are offered for all levels, from beginner to advanced, building your awareness from the inside out.

• Instructor: Yuki Ascue

• Monday 5:45pm-6:45pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Finding peace within Yoga class: Master Yogi Patanjali said in Yoga Sutra, the ancient Yoga scripture, “Yoga is the cessation of thought waves in the mind”. In this class, you will work with your breaths, body and mind and experience a calm, joyful and blissful physical and mental state. When you get off the mat, you will know your precious hour was well spent. A perfect way to decompress from the day and relax into your evening.

• Instructor: Jeanne Wun

• Tuesdays 8:45am – 9:30am

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Yoga Basics via Zoom is perfect for students new to yoga or who have not done yoga in a while. Learn proper body alignment; breath work; basic poses; core strengthening, balancing, and more. Must be able to get up and down off the floor without assistance. Email Jeanne Wun at moonlighting1yogi@gmail.com to complete a waiver prior to receiving Zoom login. You will need a laptop or tablet with a camera (instructor must be able to see you on your mat), floor space for yoga mat, water, and towel. Wear loose clothing or leggings. Namaste

• Instructor: Jeanne Wun

• Tuesdays 10:00am – 11:00am

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Mindful Yoga flow is perfect for yoga students who have a yoga practice or someone who hasn’t been practicing for a while and are familiar with the vinyasa poses are encouraged to attend. Students must be able to get up and down off their mat without assistance. Jeanne Wun, certified yoga instructor, must be able to see you on your mat. No charge for the first class. For the waiver and more information, email moonlighting1yogi@gmail.com.

• Instructor: Jess Hutchins

• Monday 11:00am – Noon

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom/Hybrid (4th Monday of the month at AWC-Gingko)

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members $9.00 non-members

Technology evolves rapidly, which is why our program repeats every sixteen weeks to ensure you stay abreast of the latest updates and features. Even if you've attended this class before, you'll find value in revisiting the course as new advancements are introduced regularly. Our journey begins with the basics, covering essential elements such as device buttons, camera functions, and common terminology. From there, we progress systematically through the iOS platform, empowering you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate your device confidently. Each class spans approximately 55 minutes, providing ample time for interactive learning, questions, and answers. Whether you're a novice or seeking to enhance your existing knowledge, our friendly and accessible environment fosters continuous growth and understanding. Embark on your iOS journey with us and unlock the full potential of your iPad/iPhone!

• Instructor: Jess Hutchins

• Monday 1:30 – 3:30pm and Thursday 11:00am – 1:00pm (Class is a Repeat of Monday lesson)

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom/Hybrid (4th Monday of the month – Hybrid at YAK-Room 301)

• Cost*: $3.00 senior club members $9.00 non-members.

• *If you are age 60+ and a resident of San Jose, this class is Free to you.

Discover the Boundless Possibilities of Your iPhone, iPad, or Android Device with Jess! Jess has crafted an immersive and dynamic learning experience via Zoom, tailored specifically for retirees eager to unlock the full potential of their devices. Since its inception in 2011, Jess's class has been a beacon of knowledge and camaraderie, offering seniors a welcoming environment where learning is infused with laughter, patience, and plenty of practical guidance. From mastering essential functions to exploring advanced features, Jess ensures every participant gains a comprehensive understanding of their device's capabilities. Through a series of thoughtfully curated lesson plans, participants embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the myriad ways their devices can enrich their lives. Whether it's staying connected with loved ones, accessing vital information, or indulging in hobbies, Jess empowers her students to harness the power of technology with confidence and ease. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your tech skills and embrace the wonders of modern technology. Reserve your spot in Jess's class today and embark on a journey of discovery that will transform the way you interact with your devices forever!

• Instructor: Jess Hutchins

• Monday 12:00pm – 1:00pm

• Class Format: In-Person YAK-Cafe

• Cost: Suggested donation of $3.00

Jess, our expert to assist you with your device-related queries. Whether you're grappling with Android, Windows, Mac, or iPhone issues, Jess is your go-to person. Having spearheaded the iOS Class since 2011. During these drop-in sessions, feel free to bring your quick questions to Jess's attention. Whether you need troubleshooting tips, software recommendations, or guidance on which service to utilize, Jess is dedicated to providing the best assistance possible. Join us for an informative and productive session with Jess last Monday of the month!

• Instructor: Naomi Oda

• Thursday, 9:00am – 11:00am

• Class Format: In-person

• Cost: $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member

The Thursday Craft Class is a great way to learn a variety of crafting techniques, create fun and useful items for the home and as gifts and spend some time with a wonderful group of friends! We work in various mediums including fabric, paper, yarn, beading and more! Much more! You may even bring in a sample and the instructor will help the class figure out how to recreate it! We also make many craft items to sell at the Fall Craft Fair with proceeds benefiting Yu-Ai Kai.

• Instructor: Hideko Sakamoto

• First Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm – 2:50pm

• Class Format: In-Person at YAK-Room 300

• Cost: $13.00 ($10.00 material fee and $3.00 room fee) per class. A non-refundable payment is due at sign-up. Class is limited to 10 students and is open to Yu-Ai Kai Senior Club Members Only.

Ikebana was established in 15th century Japan and is still widely practiced and enjoyed. Students learn the basic principles of Ikebana – the rules and techniques for handling material and composing shapes. Ikebana is an art form which allows your feelings and personality to be expressed with plants and other materials. Please bring your own container, a frog (kenzan) and shears.

• Instructor: Hideko Sakamoto

• First Wednesday of the month, 1:00pm – 1:50pm

• Class Format: In-Person at YAK-Room 300

• Cost: $13.00 ($10.00 material fee and $3.00 room fee) per class. A non-refundable payment is due at sign-up. Class is limited to 15 students and is open to Yu-Ai Kai Senior Club Members Only.

Ikebana was established in 15th century Japan and is still widely practiced and enjoyed. Ikebana is the art of composition of plant materials. In this class students will be able to explore self-expression and creativity, using plants and other materials. Please bring your own container, a frog (kenzan) and shears.

• Instructors: Pat Nakashima, Lynn Gott, Chris Kawashima, Reiko Takao

• Monday 9:00am – 11:30am

• Class Format: In-Person at YAK – Room 300

• Cost: $10.00 Annual supply fee

Participants are asked to join Yu-Ai Kai Senior Club. There are 4 volunteers in the class who organize and teach the different activities presented in class. This class offer Japanese/Japanese American-types of crafts which class members can make/keep for themselves or offer back to the class to sell during events like Nikkei Matsuri, Winter Boutique and events sponsored by Yu-Ai Kai. We have many donations to draw from as resources, so typically there is very little additional cost to participants. Crafts include/have included: sewing, knitting/card-making, crochet, silk dying, glass etching, and origami-based crafts. We welcome all interested in making items with a friendly, fun group of ladies.

• Instructor: Megumi Riel

• Tuesday 11:00 am – Noon

• Class Format: In-Person - AWC

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

Learn to dress yourself! Did you know that there are different styles of kimono for different occasions? In this class you will learn how to dress yourself and learn about the art of kimono. You may bring your own kimono to class or if you do not have a kimono, one will be provided to you for the class. Megumi Riel is a certified in the art of Kimono Dressing.

• Instructor: Karen Altree Piemme

• Monday 9:30am – 11:30 am

• Class Format: In-Person AWC – Sakura room

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members $9.00 non-members

Red Ladder Theatre Company is a community focused organization that leads workshops in the creative process so that participants can connect with one another in a supportive, creative, engaging environment where everyone's ideas come to life. There is no memorization required in these energizing workshops that foster communication, collaboration, self-expression and creative problem-solving through the art form of theatre and storytelling, promoting life-long learning and overall well-being. Join Red Ladder Theatre Company on Monday mornings for a series of workshops that will allow you to stretch your imagination, tap into your creativity, and, most importantly, HAVE FUN!"

• Instructor: Emi Kume

• Monday 6:00pm – 7:30 pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost*: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

This class is designed for students with beginner level knowledge of the Japanese language. Throughout this course, you will learn the fundamentals of spoken Japanese, focusing on essential vocabulary, grammar, and basic conversational skills. Our goal is to acquire a solid foundation in Japanese and be able to engage in simple everyday conversations. We will not go over the Japanese writing system in this class.

• Instructor; Cara Sakurai

• Thursday 6:00pm – 7:00 pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 nonmember.

This class is for people who have experience learning Japanese but want to learn the basics at a slow pace. We use the textbook “Japanese for busy people I (3rd edition)” either in the Romanized or Kana version.

• Instructor: Sachie Tsujita

• Monday: 2nd and 4th Monday

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost: $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member.

This class is for people who can read Hiragana and understand a simple conversation. This class will help you improve your Japanese conversation skills with more vocabulary.

• Instructor: Mickie Grace

• Monday 8:00pm – 9:00 pm

• Class Format: Virtual via Zoom

• Cost*: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

In this class, students practice constructing longer and more complex sentences in Japanese. The topics covered range from history, politics, and culture to our daily lives. For example, students learn about the history of Nihonmachi (Japantown) in San Jose. The hinamatsuri (girl’s festival) and dashi (Japanese soup stock). This class is more than just a language class; it is a place where students can learn about their lives in Japan and rediscover ours in the United States.

• Instructor: Makiko Flaherty

• Monday 11:00 am – Noon

• Class Format: In-Person – YAK Room 202

• Cost*: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-member

For those of you who want to brush up on your Japanese. Let’s have fun talking in Japanese!! Some quizzes and games are included.

• Last Wednesday of each month 1:00pm – 2:00 pm

• Format: In-Person – YAK Room 300

• Cost is $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member

We play roughly 1 hour of bingo. The first game everyone wins, followed by regular bingo (5 in a row or 4 corners, 3 winners per game), and we end with Blackout (1 winner).

• Instructor: Jeff Sera

• 2nd and 4th Wednesday 9:00am – 10:00am

• Class Format: In-Person AWC – Bocce Ball Court

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members, $9.00 non-members

Come join us for a casual game of Bocce Ball! Bocce is a fun outdoor game that can be played in teams of up to 4, for a total of 8 players. The objective is to roll a ball as close as possible to the "pallino" or target ball in order to score points for your team. Come join us for a fun filled morning with fresh air, exercise, and great company!

• Instructor: Tom and Kathy Allen

• 2nd and 4th Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm

• Class Format: In-Person YAK – YAK 300

• Cost: $3.00 senior club members $9.00 non-members

Go is a strategy board game for two players with the goal of capturing more territory than your opponent. This is accomplished by fencing off empty space. The game was invented in China more that 2,500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day.

• Instructor: Ruby Saito

• Thursday 10:00 am – Noon

• Class Format: In-person

• Cost: $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member

In this class, students will learn the Chinese tile-based game that’s been shown in such movies as “Joy Luck Club” and more recently “Crazy Rich Asians” among others. Students will learn the fundamentals of this game and eventually learn how to score and count points. Mahjong, overall, is a fascinating game that helps with mental acuity, memory and is a great social activity that brings people together.

• Lead: Eiko Ragsdale

• 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 4:00pm – 6:30 pm

• Class Format: In-person

• Cost: $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member

Do you enjoy singing. Momiji Kai offers a large library of songs to choose from and participants are welcome to bring their own VCD Karaoke Discs. Come out and sing your favorite songs and make new friends and have a great time!

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd Friday 1:30pm – 3:30 pm

• Class Format: In-person

• Cost: $3.00 senior club member, $9.00 non-member

Do You enjoy singing? Offering a large selection of Japanese Laser Disc. Participants are welcome to bring their own Laserdisc, cassettes or CD’s. Come out and sing your favorite songs and make new friends and have a great time!