Yoga, an art that originated in India over 3000 years ago, has a long lineage that we believe helps to complement training in martial arts. The traditions of Chinese martial arts and Yoga crossed paths notably when Buddhism was introduced to China thousands of years ago.
At Wu Dao, we incorporate yoga practice as a means to help our students further explore physical and mental capacities of the human body. In addition to practicing selected yoga postures during Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes, we offer Ashtanga Yoga to students who are interested in deepening their understanding of movement.
Ashtanga Yoga is said to be an ancient system of Hatha yoga. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India is credited as the Guru of the system. The Sanskrit term, Ashtanga, translates to Eight Limbs and refers to the principles of yoga that were summarized in the Yoga Sutra, compiled by Patanjali around the 2nd century BC. It is believed that through the practice, the student will observe and benefit from all eight limbs of the yogic practice. Even though Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding, it is suitable for almost anyone, with appropriate modifications to the asanas. For more information on Ashtanga Yoga, please visit the website of Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute.
