Ashtanga Yoga

David Jones

Since I posted on another thread that I have recently taken this up, a few emails have come in asking me what its like, how Im getting on etc etc. So I thought I would post a (non UFC/MMA :eek:) thread just to maybe give people a feel for what its like.

I did the weekend course as organised through these guys www.ashtanga.ie who now have a full time facility in Blackrock. It consisted of 2 x 2 hours sessions on a Sat and Sun, followed by 4 weeks unlimited training, Im currently in my second week of that. Which for €180 is very good value if you check out how much Yoga classes run. There is a little bit of the meditative side of things at the start of each class, this is not a gerri Halliwell class but after a brief recitation of a mantra, its straight into it. Progressing from 5 sets of "Sun salutations" through various other postures etc, each class you tend to add one or two more so that the workout gradually becomes longer, and I say workout because thats what this is, It is truely one of the hardest things I have ever done. I only realise now the "damage" I have done to my flexibility with years of both bodybuilding and various weight routines. But the great thing is that although it takes years to master, if you start at such a low point as me, the benefits can be seen as each class goes by, and I have to say Im hooked on the challenge each new posture presents, and I love the idea of developing functional strength to compliment the bodyweight/kettlebell training I do now.(I dont think I could ever give up some sort of resistance training.)

I'm not into the spiritual side of it but can totally respect those who are, but the breathing technique involved in each posture and movement can only benefit in all areas of both sport and life. I would highly recommend it to anyone involved in Jits, but would recommend you go to a class rather than simply pick up a DVD, it is something you could seriously injure yourself at if you are doing it wrong. Check out this US based instructor who will be doing a seminar at the blackrock centre in July, defies belief in ligaments and tendons! I will chuck up another update in a few weeks, but if you thought Yoga was for hippies, pregnant women etc think again, an hour of rolling is far easier!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAHh0ysgyC0

Chris89

Is there many adaptations to the movements? ive been doing stretches from one of pavels books but have been threatining to do something ike this for ages.

I'm still not able to touch my toes after a lifetime of sprinting and years of deadlifts, I'm getting closer every week but still nowhere close to even considering myself a beginner at this.

basically my question is, will i be wasting my time considering theres not a hope in hell ill be able to make a reasonable effort at some of those movements.

chris

Good report Dave. I started liffting durin my exams and my "rubber guard flexibility" went to sh1t. I know what you mean about the resistance training hindering flexibility.


Its pricey but looks good!

dunkamania

I have been meaning to take up yoga for a while
Thanks for the reminder, will get my ass in gear.

David Jones

Is there many adaptations to the movements? ive been doing stretches from one of pavels books but have been threatining to do something ike this for ages.

I'm still not able to touch my toes after a lifetime of sprinting and years of deadlifts, I'm getting closer every week but still nowhere close to even considering myself a beginner at this.

basically my question is, will i be wasting my time considering theres not a hope in hell ill be able to make a reasonable effort at some of those movements.

No matter what state of flexibility you start from, you still follow the same routine as everyone else. So while you are working your hands slowly down to your toes in one particular position, someone else has their hand flat on the floor etc etc. So pretty much every position is adaptable, there is no question of bouncing in a stretch or any of the other stuff you might get in Pavel or Kurzs stretching stuff. Oh and those movements in the above link are from someone who has been doing it years. Below is more like what you start off with, well at least the first couple of minutes!! But I was dubious about whether it would make an impact and it certainly is. I think if I was to go back to my late teens/early 20s and change one thing in my conditioning training it would be the addition of Yoga, prior to two weeks ago, I would probably have said Crossfit, but that is definitely coming in second.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9Sq1RvuoA

FiannaGym.com

Dave, next thing your going to be telling us you were shooting Chi fireballs around the room. haha.

The Sun Salute is a great kata though and really helps people who train for MMA. I mean in terms of stretching quads, hip flexors and calf muscles. These muscles are the most abused I think for fight training, constantly "up on your toes" or skipping means your using your calf muscles intensly but not through the full range of motion. Leg raises, knees and kicks do the same thing for the hip flexors. In terms of developing power in these (and through crosses) a flexible hip flexor is great!

In terms of hip health its great too. So hopefully if we do the sun salutation a few times our hips will last a while longer. I also think its great for Olympic lifters.

Peace

David Jones

Chi fireballs come way later

Next beginners course in Blackrock in 12th and 13th of July followed by 4 weeks unlimited classes for anyone who is interested.

Musashi

I received yesterday the three DVD set of "Yoga for Regular Guys" which is apparently heavily based on Ashtanga, has good instruction (for a DVD) and is presented by "Diamond" Dallas Page, the ex-wrestler.

It looks good, I've heard good things from Yoga guys and MMA guys on another forum. I think I'll mix it up on non-weights days with the Yoga and stretching DVDs from P90X and see how it goes. Actual instruction from a person would be better, but this should be better than nothing?

http://www.ddpbang.com/store/

MaeveD

Here's a link for a free download from Phil Migliarese's 'Yoga for Fighters' dvd (It's not on sale yet but we have a copy and it's excellent)

http://www.yogaforfighters.com/

TKD SC

Yeh, I'm struggling to make time for a yoga class - the above ashtanga course sounds class, will really try to do the next beginner course if I can, otherwise though, it'll have to be a dvd too.
WHat would the best ashtanga dvd does anyone know? Yoga for regular guys?

Thanks!

MaeveD

We've been doing a bit of yoga for a few years now so we have a few dvds. Seeing as Phil's dvd isn't available yet, I'd recommend David Swenson's Short Forms dvd, it has 3 different routines from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, then you could get his first series dvd is also excellent... those two are all you'll ever need and I think they're available from amazon and his own site.

I've been lazy the last few months, I really have to get the mat out again

MaeveD

I've just got my hands on 10 of Phil Migliarese's new dvd Yoga for Fighters.

If anyone is interested pm me or drop me an email

who007

I can also recommend the MTV Yoga dvd.. the one with the red cover (they also do a Power Yoga dvd - blue cover, but the red one is actually better "Power" yoga than teh blue)
Ignore the MTV tag - it's a fantastic Vinyasa program, works the entire body. No meditation etc; just a workout - takes approx 50 mins and will leave you in a sweat!