A Toronto yoga studio has traded downward dogs for groin kicks to help its members feel safer in a neighbourhood shaken by a rash of recent sexual assaults.

In a break from yogas peace-loving tradition, a team of black belt instructors took charge at Tula Yoga Spa in Torontos west end Sunday evening to launch a six-week street self-defence course.

To hear about (sexual assaults) in your area, its a little bit scary, said Samantha Marchese, a 21-year-old hairdresser whose own safety concerns prompted her to sign up. A lot of people dont think it would happen to them . . . but I think its good to be educated.

Since July, police have received more than 10 reports of sexual assault incidents in the west downtown area.

On Thanksgiving weekend, police got three similar reports of a man assaulting women from behind in the Christie Pits area, prompting officers to urge residents to use more caution, especially when walking at night.

In response, Tula owner Isabel Lambert said she decided to partner with Toronto police and self-defence instructors to create a course to help her studio members feel more empowered on the street.

On Sunday, nearly 20 people joined two Toronto police officers and a group of self-defence instructors at the Tula studio to learn the best ways to avoid trouble on the street and, if necessary, fight off an assailant.

They learned how to escape chokeholds, wrist grabs and, perhaps most importantly given the recent trend, how to respond when approached from behind.

Its called a coward grab, said Alfie Della-Terza, a retired correctional officer who led the class, and the best way to escape is with the tall become small approach crouch and bend at the waist, then push back before twisting around to escape the grab.

The yogis also learned how to escape a ponytail grab, how to twist out of a chicken wing where both arms are trapped, and how to best target kicks to the kneecap, upper thigh and groin.

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Toronto sex assaults: Yoga studio teaches self-defence

Dahn Yoga, a Korean style of yoga, and LifeParticle.com, its partner for yoga classes online and guided meditation videos, are hosting a Yoga Gangnam Style Video Contest. To introduce the new free online yoga classes and celebrate the Korean origins of Dahn Yoga, they hope this contest will encourage people to have fun in yoga classes and in making their own videos.

Sedona, Arizona (PRWEB) October 17, 2012

Like South Korean rapper, Psy, did with his smash YouTube hit, Gangnam Style, this contest offers a chance to step outside of the box. Participants need only make a fun video based on the theme and post and share it on Youtube. The video with the most likes wins.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

What can I win?

First Place: Apple iPad or Projector (Choose one)--$500 value

Second Place: Video Camera--$300 value

Third Place: Ultimate Yoga Package (Yoga Mat, DVD, Book, and Yoga Tote)--$100 value

What do I do?

1. Watch the official contest video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKrfk8HsyTw&feature=plcp

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Dahn Yoga and LifeParticle.com launches Yoga Gangnam Style Video Contest

The first instinct is to dismiss the parents as yahoos who dont know the difference between yoga and yogurt.

But the second instinct, usually the better angel, is to try to understand whats going on here.

A group of families, maybe 40 altogether, is raising Cain with the Encinitas Union School District over free twice-a-week yoga sessions. Fired up by a local pastor and counseled by an Escondido lawyer, they believe yoga on campus amounts to spiritual indoctrination, a violation of their religious freedom.

In time for Halloween, the culture war is back with a full spinal twist.

In the early 90s, you may recall, North County school districts were inundated with breathless reports that teachers were exposing innocent children to dark books, R-rated movies and witchcraft.

Yoga, it seems, is the latest variation on the oft-repeated theme that Christian values are being undermined by multicultural public schools.

Look, its not news that Christians, from Baptists to Catholics, hear a few Sanskrit words and conclude that yoga is a Hindu religious practice. Or worse.

Two years ago, a southern Baptist minister set off a national firestorm when he preached that yoga is paganism, pure and simple.

Last year, the Salvation Army community center in Rolando risibly renamed its yoga classes stretch and tone to cleanse them of mystical overtones.

As Juliet (dressed in Lululemon) might say, Would a pose by any other name feel as sweet?

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Encinitas parents bent out of shape over yoga on campus

Colorado Athletic Club. 1821 30th St., Boulder, 303-501-1700, wellbridge.com/colorado-athletic-club/boulder

Instructor: Ani Jackson, of Boulder, began her yoga practice in 1995 and began teaching yoga in 2005. She's been teaching hot yoga for about a year and a half and started teaching the Silent Hot Yoga class at the Colorado Athletic Club seven months ago.

"For people who practice regularly, the silent class allows them to go deeper into their postures. It's more meditative," Jackson says.

The fact that Jackson practices along with the class allows her to use her own movements and breath to help set the mood for the class, something she says she finds particularly enjoyable about teaching this class.

What is the workout? The workout is basically the Bikram model of hot yoga in which the same 26 postures are done in the same sequence every time in a hot room. The 26 postures have been chosen and sequenced provide benefit to the whole body, inside and out, while working together synergistically.

What's different? What's different about this class is that it's conducted almost entirely in silence. I say almost, because Jackson does cue each posture by stating its name and the duration the posture will be held. But she doesn't give other verbal clues about the posture such as how to move into it, to check your alignment, to check your breath and so on.

I've taken many yoga classes over the years and this was the first time there wasn't almost constant chatter from the instructor and definitely the first time that the instructor practiced along with us instead of moving around and correcting postures.

Cost: The class is free to members of the Colorado Athletic Club. Non-members can pay a $15 fee to use the club in it's entirety for the day, which is pretty great considering they have some nice amenities.

Level: I would put this class at a six on a 10 point scale. I've done other yoga classes that were harder physically, but not as challenging mentally.

During class, I realized how much of a distraction the talking is in normal yoga classes. In the silence, I found my mind wandering quite and bit, and it was a challenge to stay mentally focused and in the present moment. That proved to be harder for me than the physical challenge of the postures. However, yoga is about challenging yourself in every capacity and I have no doubt that, over time, I would find this class extremely meditative.

Continued here:
Workout of the week: Silent Hot Yoga

By Megan Hussey, Times Correspondent Megan HusseyTampa Bay Times In Print: Wednesday, October 17, 2012

DADE CITY

In her nine years of teaching the art of yoga, Nancy Hamory has heard plenty of positive affirmations from students who tell her they are now breathing, walking and living better.

Some of her highest praise, however, comes from the survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

"Some of them tell me that they haven't left the house in five or more years," said Hamory, 50, owner of Sun & Moon Yoga. "They haven't always felt safe at home. They feel safe here."

Through a special partnership with Sunrise of Pasco domestic and sexual violence center, Hamory has been offering free yoga classes to the agency's clients and staff members for the past few years. She'll be among the nine honorees recognized at a luncheon today for their efforts to help the victims of domestic violence.

"Our slogan is Know Your Peace," said Terri O'Brien, director of community education and Delta project coordinator at Sunrise. "We are honoring people who do their part to bring peace to the community."

Those free yoga classes help the victims through the healing process, said O'Brien.

"Sometimes, the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault feel like they're going crazy," said O'Brien. "We assure them that their mind is like a filing cabinet that has been turned over the information is still there, it just needs to be organized. Yoga helps them organize by enabling them to breathe and think more clearly, to release their stress. Yoga can help to pull them back together."

She said some clients even said the yoga reduced their need for pain medications and therapies. O'Brien has experienced those benefits first-hand.

See the article here:
Dade City yoga studio honored for work with domestic violence victims

Yoga is great to perform all year round, but why not make it an exciting Halloween event by listening to spooky music and lighting festive candles? If you have children, make it a family event. Another great idea is to have a candlelight yoga party to celebrate this holiday. Try one or more of the following five soundtracks while you practice yoga this and every Halloween.

#1 "Tim Burton Corpse Bride Soundtrack"

Be sure to perform the corpse pose while listening to the "Tim Burton Corpse Bride Soundtrack." "Moon Dance" is one of many great songs on this soundtrack and would be an excellent time to move into half moon pose. Continue through the song by starting on one side, returning to a standing position and repeating on the other side. Continue this half moon yoga sequence throughout the song.

#2 "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary Edition"

"E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Soundtrack" is perfect for performing yoga on Halloween since it has the song "The Magic Of Halloween." In addition, it has the song "Frogs" which makes it perfect for performing the frog pose or the half frog pose. The full frog brings both legs up, but there are other variations of this posture as well. Some look more like a traditional frog such as the laying down version or the frog pose for kids. Choose your jumping amphibian of choice or perform all of them while listening to this enchanting song.

#3 "Alice In Wonderland Soundtrack"

The "Alice In Wonderland Soundtrack" features music from the Disney and Tim Burton version of this movie. "The Cheshire Cat" song is a great one to perform the cat pose to. Get ready to fight off evil spirits by performing the Warrior I, II and III poses while listening to "Going To Battle."

#4 "Mirror Mirror Soundtrack"

The "Mirror Mirror" soundtrack has a great combination of magical music ("The Dwarves" and "Magic Potion") and haunting harmonies ("Mannequin Attack" and "Beast") to perform yoga to on Halloween.

#5 "Bram Stoker's Dracula: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack"

Read more:
Top Five Soundtracks to Perform Yoga to on Halloween

World-renowned RYS yoga certified education center announces upcoming classes in Yin Yoga, Yoga Anatomy and Interdisciplinary Yoga taught by E-RYT instructors. Relaxing yoga retreat for yoga newcomers to experts with Nosara Yoga founder Amba Stapleton also available in December.

Nosara, Costa Rica (PRWEB) October 16, 2012

Nosara Yogas approach to teaching yoga goes beyond traditional poses and yoga styles. Specifically, it integrates the concept of inner inquiry into each training. Don Stapleton, PhD, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Institute, explains, What makes Nosara Yoga Institute different from other yoga training methodologies is that we believe that each person experiences yoga in his or her own unique way, where each pose and technique helps generate an enlightened inner understanding of oneself. Our curriculum of inward inquiry through yoga enriches and empowers each graduate of our training to find their own individuality, their own voice, their own style, and their own passion for teaching yoga in their yoga practice.

A 50-hour Yin Yoga Training, led by Biff Mithoefer (http://www.nosarayoga.com/professional-trainings/yin-yoga-teacher-training), will take place on the lush Nosara Yoga Institute campus from October 29 through November 3, 2012. This 5-day training teaches the Yin approach to yoga, where yoga postures are held for a long time to stretch the deep connective tissue in the joints and deepen inner awareness. Ways to lead a Yin class and incorporate Yin postures and philosophy into any practice will also be explored.

For those who wish to get started teaching yoga, Nosara Yogas 200-hour Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training (http://www.nosarayoga.com/trainings/200-hr-interdisciplinary-yoga-teacher-training) is the course to take. Central to the training, which will be held November 4 through December 1, 2012, is an inquiry into what makes a successful teacher, a philosophy that is a hallmark all of Nosara Yogas teacher trainings. This month-long course will be taught by Nosara Yoga Institutes Co-Directors Don and Amba Stapleton and, like all other trainings offered at Nosara Yoga, meets Yoga Alliance certification standards.

Experiential Anatomy for the Multidimensional Being (http://www.nosarayoga.com/professional-trainings/100-hr-experiential-yoga-anatomy-training), a 2-week training that will take place December 2 through December 15, 2012 under the leadership of Sarah Tacy Tangredi, is a 100-hour advanced training in yoga anatomy for certified yoga teachers. This program is designed to help students acquire a deeper knowledge of the body by studying both the objective, scientific aspects of anatomy, plus explore the subjective, experiential elements of the mind, emotions and the environment. The study of both elements creates an extraordinary learning experience that can be applied to any yoga instruction.

To relax and get out of the cold winter during the busy December holidays, Nosara Yogas 7-day Yoga with Amba Retreat (http://www.nosarayoga.com/retreats/yoga-retreat-with-amba-getting-a-jump-start-on-your-easy-at-home-practice) is the perfect get-away. Ideal for anyone who knows either nothing or a lot about yoga or anywhere in-between, this December 16 through December 22, 2012 all-inclusive retreat offers yoga instruction and meditation interspersed with great food, beach time and anything else to help put some fun and relaxation back in ones life. An added benefit of this restorative retreat is learning a short 40-minute simple routine that one can practice at home each day. Stretches, postures, breathing routine and meditation are tailored for each participant, so that they can be easily remembered and done quickly, providing profound results that create deep awakenings in consciousness. Leading this retreat will be Amba Stapleton, Nosara Yoga Institute Co-Director who mixes a sunny disposition with a contagious passion for yoga and fun.

We are proud to offer these Yoga Alliance-recognized certification programs for yoga teachers and yoga lovers alike who wish to expand their yoga practice, notes Ms. Stapleton. Taking a training or relaxing at our year-end yoga retreat during the fourth quarter of 2012 can also bring about a greater sense of renewal and rejuvenation in time to make next year, 2013, a truly successful year both personally and professionally for each participant.

Additional information and registration for upcoming 2012-2013 programs can be found on the Nosara Yoga Institute website at http://www.NosaraYoga.com.

About Nosara Yoga Institute (http://www.NosaraYoga.com)

Continue reading here:
Yoga Teacher Training Schedule Featuring 50-, 100-, 200-Hour Yoga Alliance-Recognized Certification Courses, and a ...

A Catholic priest in Southampton, England, has banned a yoga class from using a church building because he says it's a Hindu spiritual exercise and thus is incompatible with the Catholic faith.

Yoga teacher Cori Withell says she created the class and booked the hall in an attempt to combat obesity. The church accepted her booking and a payment of about $300, but then informed her that the class would be canceled 10 days before it was due to take place because yoga is from another religion.

Withell said, As a nation we have an obesity epidemic. I was trying to bring some exercise to the community.... I offered to go down and show them the moves and, literally, the shutters came down.

Father John Chandler claims that the class was advertised as Pilates, but then he found out it was for spiritual yoga. Yoga is a Hindu spiritual exercise, he told The Daily Telegraph. Being a Catholic church, we have to promote the Gospel, and that's what we use our premises for.... It's the fact that it's a different religious practice going on in a Catholic church. It's not compatible.

An editorial in the Catholic Herald praises Father Chandler for his decision, but Ravindra Parmar, president of the Vedic Society Hindu Temple of Southampton, said he felt let down because of the work the Southampton Council of Faiths does to get all the faiths talking to each other.

Q: Was the priest right to ban the yoga class?

In my opinion, the priest was wrong to ban the yoga class. Exercise is good for the body and the soul, regardless of whether that exercise comes from the Hindu or the Christian tradition. And we New Testament types know that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I am reminded of a place in one of the gospels in which the disciples tell Jesus that they saw a man casting out evil spirits and they told him to stop doing that because he was not doing it in the name of Jesus. Jesus told the disciples they were wrong to rebuke the man because whoever is not against us is for us.

Many believers are hung up on whether the right denomination or religion gets the credit for something good being done, but the story of the Good Samaritan, as told by Jesus in the Gospel according to Luke, would seem to argue that who gets the credit is not important. In the story, the person who is compassionate is not a member of the Jesus crowd or the Jerusalem crowd, but a hated Samaritan. In fact, to Jesus' listeners, the title Good Samaritan would have been an oxymoron. But the point of the story seems to be to respond to human need, whether that person is a Jew, a Samaritan, a Republican or a Democrat.

What that priest has done, I'm afraid, is to make the Roman Catholic faith more exclusive than it really is.

More:
In Theory: Should church have banned yoga class?

YogaVibes is excited to partner with Margaux Permutt a Hatha Yoga teacher based in Los Angeles, CA. Margauxs online yoga videos combine many aspects of the Hatha Yoga tradition and draw upon a myriad of influences from her teachers and guides.

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) October 15, 2012

YogaVibes is delighted to offer a selection of online yoga classes with Margaux, featuring therapeutic flows, chair yoga videos, and some Sun Salutation sweetness.

Chair Yoga Break (28 minutes)

This online yoga class is designed for those who spend a lot of time sitting, driving, or at a computer. Open up the joints in the shoulders and wrists while stretching the delicate muscles in the neck. This restorative practice is suitable for beginners and those with injuries.

Yoga Therapy for Healthy Joints (21 minutes)

Bring synovial fluid back into all the joints of the body. In this online yoga class, learn simple exercises to get the creaky, snap-crackle-pop out of the joints! This restorative practice ends with some targeted movements to strengthen the lower back and open the front of the chest. Its suitable for all levels, beginners included.

Basic Sun Salutation (18 minutes)

This is a slow flow aimed to make Sun Salutations accessible to beginner yogis, those with injuries, and those desiring to build strength. It is also a great reminder for more advanced students to bring their practice back to the source. Get ready to ground, open the heart, and move forward with stability in some Vinyasa yoga online.

Sun Salutation Preparation (12 minutes)

Excerpt from:
YogaVibes Launches Online Yoga Videos with Margaux Permutt

Today: Heart Walk 5K, Angelo State University, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit

Today: ASUFit Cyclocross race, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit

Wednesday: ASUFit CX series, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit

Oct 24: ASUFit CX series, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit

Oct 27: Concho Valley Paws 5K, roadlizards.org

SAN ANGELO, Texas Could the half dhanurasana, downward facing dog, or the crescent moon make you a better cyclist, runner, or triathlete?

You'll have to give yoga a try to get that question answered.

Ask the average person to describe a yoga class and he or she will probably answer with words like flexibility poses, controlled breathing, relaxation, balance exercises, and overall body toning.

That's exactly what most cyclists and runners need as part of their weekly workout schedule.

Many athletes tend to stay in a "workout rut," pushing to bike harder and longer, run more miles, do some strength work, and occasionally (maybe) stretch a little afterward.

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BILL CULLINS: Cyclists, runners, need yoga to tone muscles