Power Yoga at MAFA is especially for martial artists and those beginning to learn the martial arts–whether for self defense training, fitness and weight loss, competition training, or just for fun. And just to be clear, we have a lot of women who like to come to MAFA, especially for this!
Power Yoga is the perfect compliment to all of the other MAFA training programs. Slower and more focused on stretching and breathwork, yoga is non-competitive and works with your own body–whatever shape it is in–according to its rhythms and your own pace.
Like the martial arts, Yoga has its roots in eastern traditions. Unlike the martial arts, however, it is not a combat sport or a self-defense system in and of itself. What it does is to put you in greater control of your body and its internal workings including your breathing, heart rate, mental clarity, and circulation.
Yoga, properly practiced, increases flexibility and agility while building strength. The slow, sustained postures (positions) that are learned and held during yoga sessions work to stretch and flex the connective tissue where muscle and bone meet. Think joints like elbows, knees, and ankles, but also places like rib cage, shoulder blades, calves, thighs, hips, and even buttocks. All places that can feel sore after a fitness class or a workout on the mats with a worthy competitor.
Increasing your body’s flexibility and respiration (yoga) is an important part of building muscle strength for striking (Thai Boxing) or grappling (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and learning to effectively use natural body leverage and quick thinking to take on (or take out!) an opponent or assailant.
Better, fuller breathing provides more oxygen for the brain, which clears the mind and sharpens the senses. Yoga will help to give you more clarity of mind and greater control over your body, meaning a bigger advantage to you in effectively utilizing the mixed martial arts.
Learn more about MAFA’s Yoga classes, for beginners as well as those with more experience. Just fill in the form on the right and we’ll help you get started!
