For this AIDA Spotlight, we introduce Mariko Kaji - a freediving athlete, AIDA Instructor Trainer and AIDA Depth Competition Safety Freediver.

Mariko holds the Japanese National Records in both DYNB and DNF. Her DNF result also stands as the Asian Continental Record, and she currently ranks 5th in the world in this discipline.

Based on the island of Panglao in the Philippines, she splits her time between training and teaching.

In this interview, she shares her beginnings, her mindset, and why CNF is both the hardest and most rewarding discipline for her.

How long have you been freediving?

Since 2016!

How did you discover freediving, and why do you freedive?

I first discovered freediving when I joined a tour to swim with wild dolphins on Mikura-jima Island, which is an about 7.5 hour ferry ride from Tokyo. Watching them move so gracefully and beautifully through the water left me in awe. I instantly fell in love with dolphins, and at the same time, I began to wish I could swim as freely and elegantly as they do. That’s what led me to start freediving.

How does freediving help you in developing yourself in other areas of your life?

It helps a lot to me!

While working in a company and living in Japanese society, I often felt pressure from constantly being ranked or feeling like I had to be better than others.

Through learning freediving, I’ve come to shift my focus away from external validation and comparison. Instead, I’ve learned to strive toward my own goals, live for myself, and enrich my own life.

At what point did you decide to start competing and what led you to this decision?

My first pool competition was in 2016. 

I still remember I was nervous and I wanted to run away when I heard “2 min to OT” ! 

What is your favourite discipline and why?

CNF! It’s a challenging disciplines mentally and physically. But for me it’s the most rewarding - I truly feel I connected to the water and I enjoy being in water. I believe you need a great technique to dive deep in CNF. It’s worth the effort to train hard!

Which discipline do you find the most challenging and why?

CNF, same reason above.

What freediving goals do you hope to achieve this year?

Get white cards in all diciplines in both Pool and Depth! Normally I focus on 1-2 disciplines to train/compete in both pool and depth in a year to make my training simple and easier. But I’m gonna challenge myself to take on all of them this year!

I’ve done 2 pool competitions so far this year, and I’m currently training for the upcoming depth competition organized by Freedive SuperHOME, Philippines.

I will be back to the pool again afterwards, for the World Championship in Japan!

What is your best tip for someone who is just starting freediving?

Enjoy being in water!

Why do you love being part of AIDA?

AIDA is the biggest freediving community and historical organization, which is globally recognized. It focuses on not only the education system but also competition and safety protocols. To talk about something recent, the introduction of the AIDA VB Safety Course has led to the development of standardized safety protocols, and significantly enhanced athletes safety.

Do you do any other sports?

Not really. But I like nature and I always go hiking when I back to my hometown.

Any fun or interesting things we should know about you?

The reason I started freediving was to be able to swim beautifully like dolphins, but now I’m diving on the line, struggling with eq!! Never think about how elegant I am while I’m diving !!! I never imagined I’d get so into competitive freediving, but I’m happy where I am now.

I will be joining Pool WC this year!

Hope to see you many new and old friends in Wakayama, Japan!

How can people reach you?

📌 Instagram: marikofreediving