Aruna Yamashita
Aruna is a freediving instructor at Immersion Freediving from Hokkaido, Japan. An accomplished athlete and experienced safety freediver at international-level competitions, she has traveled extensively and worked with freedivers around the world.
Since discovering freediving in 2018, Aruna has developed a deep passion for the sport that continues to inspire her teaching today. She is known for her calm, supportive, and nurturing approach, creating a welcoming learning environment for students of all experience levels. Her dedication to safety, skill development, and personal growth reflects the core values of the Immersion Freediving team.
Aruna’s freediving journey began in 2018, and she quickly made her mark by competing in various competitions, including two prestigious World Championships (AIDA and CMAS). By 2024, she earned her AIDA Instructor certification, showcasing her dedication and expertise. Originally from Betsukai-cho, Hokkaido, Aruna uniquely dove beneath the drift ice during winter, one of the few locations globally where this incredible experience is possible.
Trained by Japan’s pioneering freediver Megumi Matsumoto, along with Andrea Zuccari and Pim Vermeulen, she is an active member of the Tokyo Freediving Club. Aruna expanded her skills in Manazuru, Okinawa, where she co-organized competitions and served as a safety freediver at numerous high-level events, both in pool and depth competitions, including as safety manager at the AIDA POOL World Championships in Wakayama, Japan. Since the beginning of 2024, she took on the role of freelance instructor and safety diver at Freediving World and at Only One Apnea center, both in Sharm El Sheikh. Since July 2024, Aruna has proudly joined Immersion Freediving, continuing her passion for both pool and depth.
Aruna teaches a wide range of AIDA courses in both English and Japanese, including AIDA 1, AIDA 2, AIDA 3, AIDA Pool Safety, AIDA Depth Safety, AIDA Junior Freediver, and the AIDA Dolphin program (Bronze, Silver, and Gold). She is also a highly regarded freediving coach, helping athletes refine their technique, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
Contact
Marine Club (villa 21C, apt. 4)
Sharm El Sheikh
South Sinai, Egypt
+31 (0) 6 3940 7868 (Netherlands)