Course Structure

If you already hold a certification from another organization, you can start from the certification courses you have not yet completed.

Course Structure

About the Course

Anatomy
(Anatomy / Biomechanics / Physiology / Posture Analysis)
Learn about the structure of bones and muscles, their associated movements, biomechanics, and posture analysis. The manual is 760 pages long, containing a vast amount of information. For those studying in Japanese, additional reference books will need to be provided.
Mat
(Beginner/Intermediate Tier1-3)
Mat exercises can be done anywhere, as long as there is enough space. These exercises can be applied to rehabilitation and athletes alike. There are about 75 basic movements, and the course includes modifications tailored to each individual’s bone structure, medical history, and background. This course teaches a broader range of movements than the number of basic exercises, as modifications for various conditions are also included. It’s an excellent course for gym trainers and sports instructors. The anatomy learned at the beginning will be integrated throughout the lessons.
Reformer
(Beginner/Intermediate Tier1-3)
This class focuses on the Reformer, which is the culmination of exercises Joseph Pilates researched throughout his life. It is suitable for both rehabilitation and athletes, with approximately 120 basic movements. Like the other courses, it includes modifications based on each person’s bone structure, medical history, and background, offering a wider range of learning than just the basic movements. This course is essential for those planning to work as Pilates instructors.
Cadillac
(Beginner/Intermediate Tier1-3)
The Cadillac exercises originated during World War I when Joseph Pilates was asked to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. Using hospital beds and springs, he began to develop what would become the Pilates method. This course, suitable for rehabilitation to athletes, includes approximately 130 basic movements, with modifications based on each person’s body structure and medical history, making it a comprehensive course. It’s necessary for those wanting to build the confidence to work with any client as a Pilates instructor.
Chair
(Beginner/Intermediate Tier1-3)
Suitable for rehabilitation and athletes, this course includes approximately 55 basic movements. Like the other courses, it teaches modifications based on each client’s individual structure and history. The chair, despite its simple appearance, is a difficult machine to adjust, so it is an essential course for those who want to gain confidence in working with all types of clients.
Barrel
(Beginner/Intermediate Tier1-3)
This course is suitable for rehabilitation through to athletes, and includes three types of barrels: Arc Barrel, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector. Modifications are taught, based on each individual’s structure and background, so the course covers a wider range of learning than the basic movements. The Arc Barrel can also be used as a prop in combination with other equipment. It’s recommended for those aiming to become knowledgeable and skilled instructors.
Advanced Cours(Tier4-5)
Cadillac only (+Tier6)
This course builds on the beginner and intermediate courses, introducing advanced exercises for professional athletes. It is necessary for instructors working with clients of varying physical abilities and conditions, as it equips them with the skills needed to handle more complex scenarios and become highly capable instructors.

Course Flow

At PAI, before beginning the exercise courses, you will need to complete the Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physiology, and Posture Analysis course.
If you hold a national medical qualification, you can be exempted from taking this course upon passing the written exam. The same applies to those who have completed an anatomy course with another organization.

Recommended Course Sequence for Those Studying Pilates at PAI from the Start

  • 01
    Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physiology, and Posture Analysis
    Anatomy / Biomechanics / Physiology / Posture Analysis
  • 02
    Mat (Beginner/Intermediate)
    APM1 (TIER1-3)
  • 03
    Reformer (Beginner/Intermediate)
    APR1 (TIER1-3)
  • 04
    Cadillac (Beginner/Intermediate)
    APC1 (TIER1-3)
  • 05
    Chair (Beginner/Intermediate)
    APCh1 (TIER1-3)
  • 06
    Barrel (Beginner/Intermediate)
    ABP1 (TIER1-3)
  • 07
    Advanced
    Advanced

For those who already hold an instructor certification from another organization, there is no need to start with the Mat course. You can choose courses based on what is needed for your career. Additionally, if you pass the written exam, you can obtain PAI certification.

Example:
Holding a certification for Reformer Beginner/Intermediate from another organization → Pass PAI Reformer Beginner/Intermediate written exam → Obtain PAI Reformer Beginner/Intermediate certification.

2025 PAI Course Schedule

Applications must be submitted by the 1st of the month before the course starts.
*It will be held if there are two or more participants.


Please make the payment by the 5th of the month before the course.
Cooling-off period: 8 days from the payment date.
If only one person registers for the course, it will be canceled, and a refund will be issued.

January
(Application deadline: December 1st, Payment deadline: December 5th.)
ABP 12th (Sun) - 13th (Mon), 9:00 - 16:00
14th (Tue), 13:00 - 19:00
English and Japanese
APM1 27th (Mon) - 31st (Fri), 10:00 - 17:00 English and Japanese
February
(Application deadline: January 1st, Payment deadline: January 5th.)
ABP 26th (Wed) - 27th (Thu), 10:00 - 17:00
28th (Fri), 10:00 - 16:00
English and Japanese
March
(Application deadline: February 1st, Payment deadline: February 5th.)
APR1 3rd (Mon) - 7th (Fri), 9:00 - 18:00
15th (Sat) - 16th (Sun), 13:00 - 18:00
English and Japanese
April
(Application deadline: March 1st, Payment deadline: March 5th.)
ABP 28th (Mon) - 29th (Tue), 10:00 - 17:00
30th (Wed), 10:00 - 16:00
English and Japanese
May
(Application deadline: April 1st, Payment deadline: April 5th.)
APM1 1st (Thu) - 5th (Mon), 10:00 - 17:00 English and Japanese
June/July
(Application deadline: May/June 1st, Payment deadline: May/June 5th.)
APR1 23rd (Mon), 12:00 - 18:00
24th (Tue) - 27th (Fri), 13:00 - 18:00
1st (Tue) - 4th (Fri), 13:00 - 19:00
English and Japanese
August
(Application deadline: July 1st, Payment deadline: July 5th.)
APCD1 18th (Mon) - 19th (Tue), 10:00 - 18:00
20th (Wed) - 21st (Thu), 10:00 - 17:00
English and Japanese
September
(Application deadline: August 1st, Payment deadline: August 5th.)
APCh1 22nd (Mon) - 23rd (Tue), 10:00 - 18:00
24th (Thu) - 25th (Fri), 10:00 - 17:00
English and Japanese
October
(Application deadline: September 1st, Payment deadline: September 5th.)
ABP 29th (Wed) - 30th (Thu), 10:00 - 17:00
31st (Fri), 10:00 - 16:00
English and Japanese
November/December
(Application deadline: October/November 1st, Payment deadline: October/November 5th.)
APR1 24th (Mon) - 28th (Fri), 10:00 - 17:00
1st (Mon) - 5th (Fri), 10:00 - 17:00
English and Japanese

Price List

Course Course Hours Teaching Practice Learning Hours
(Practical Classes)
Observation Total Hours Fee Textbook Cost
ANATOMY BIOMECHANICS PHYSIOLOGY&POSTURE ANALYSIS 20 - - - 20 ¥200,000 ¥32,000 for Japanese and English
ALL POPULATION MAT Ⅰ (TIER1-3) 35 25 15 10 80 ¥300,000 ¥4,000
ALL POPULATION REFORMER Ⅰ 50 35 20 15 120 ¥400,000 ¥12,000
ALL POPULATION CADILLAC (TIER1-3) 30 20 10 10 70 ¥300,000 ¥12,000
ALL POPULATION CHAIR (TIER1-3) 30 10 10 5 40 ¥300,000 ¥5,000
ALL POPULATION BARREL (TIER1-3) 15 10 10 5 40 ¥150,000 ¥5,000
ALL POPULATION MAT Ⅱ (TIER4-5) 5 5 5 5 20 ¥70,000 ¥5,000
ALL POPULATION REFORMER Ⅱ (TIER4-5) 20 15 15 15 65 ¥200,000 ¥12,000
ALL POPULATION CADILLAC (TIER4-6) 15 10 10 15 65 ¥200,000 ¥12,000
ALL POPULATION CHAIR (TIER4-5) 15 10 10 15 65 ¥200,000 ¥4,000
ALL POPULATION BARREL (TIER4-5) 5 5 10 5 25 ¥70,000 ¥3,500

Examination Fees

Written (Excluding Mat II) Practical
¥5,500 ¥20,000
PAI Re-Juvenate Pilates