IT'S YOGA BIRTHDAY IN NIGERIA!

IT'S YOGA BIRTHDAY IN NIGERIA!
APRIL 16TH

NATIONAL PRIDES OF YOGA NIGERIA

NATIONAL PRIDES  OF YOGA NIGERIA
LEADING YOGA PRACTITIONERS AND PATRONS

NYF offers HATHA YOGA inc PILATES prog

NYF offers HATHA YOGA inc PILATES prog
BENEFITS: Flexible, Trim, Flat Abs, Lean and Toned Body INC Core Alignment, Core Strength & Core Balance for Health, Beauty, Vitality, Enhanced Self-esteem. CLASSES AVAILABLE at BMS Spa & Gym, Ikoyi, Lagos. For MORE INFO & SUBSCRIPTION, please call Front Desk MON through SUN between the hours of 10am to 9pm. FOR PERSONAL TRAINING, you can call or send sms to Grandmaster Ikpeme on 0802 660 7075. Other YOGA STUDIO associated with NYF is DA YOGA LIFE HOUSE located @ 33, Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. FOR MEMBERSHIP INFO, Please call 0805 964 2220 or 0802 699 0795.

POSTER OF HATHA YOGA BASIC ASANAS

POSTER OF HATHA YOGA BASIC ASANAS
YOGA CALLISTHENIICS PROGRAMME:Physical Regenerative Stretching Exercises of Ashtanga as designed and taught in Nigeria by Grandmaster Ikpeme to both performing athletes and the elites, to promote functional holistic health. Guaranteed to relax, eliminate ergonomic tension / stress, boost tonicity if and when combined with resistance training, slenderiize, strengthen, restore balance, equilibrium to the body. Yoga Asanas fuse harmonously with Pilates in what is now known by fitness fondi as Yogalates. The exercises can be practised as warm up or warm down routines to other fitness programmes such as aerobics, body pump, etc, with the aim to enhance or restore natural suppleness to the muscles. Yoga asanas is highly recommended by physicians as an alternative or complementary health therapy to women during pregnancy.

OUR NATIONAL YOGA HERITAGE

OUR NATIONAL YOGA HERITAGE
PAYING OBEISANCE and TRIBUTE to the World's Revered Gurus (Teachers of Spiritual Enlightenment) and Most Powerful Inspiration and Guiding Influence in Nigeria Yoga since 1953, starting from Ashtanga, Kriya, Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, Sahaj, Ananda Marg, Vinyasa, Vin- and Sant Mat Self-Realization Yoga disciplines heralded by Paramahansa Yogananda through elder J.A. Babalola in 1953 through to 1973-on when American Richard Hittleman yoga was brought the living rooms of Nigerian via telecast. Yoga has continued to flourish across the country ever since, howbeit conservatively due to prevalent religious believe system and sensitivity of the uninformed. DISCLAIMER: YOGA IS NOT A SECRET CULT BUT A UNIVERSAL PATH TO GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGH STRICT SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF BODY & MIND FOR REGENERATIVE HEALTH, FITNESS, BEAUTY, VITALITY, LONGEVITY, TRANQUILITY AND SERENITY including PERSONAL POWER DEVELOPMENT FOR MASTERY OF LIFE.

Renowned Yogi Mike Angere

Renowned Yogi Mike Angere
Yogi Mike Angere, Renowned Yoga Authority, Instructor of the Elites & Pioneer Columnist with the Vanguard Newspaper

Sahaj Yoga International in Nigeria

Sahaj Yoga International in Nigeria
MABEL OYEMIKE -Celebrated Yoga model and National Institute for Sports certified Personal Trainer and member of Sahaj Yoga International founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi . She is a long standing performing artiste for the Vanguard Newspaper which features weekly yoga articles written by a national instructor and consultant, Mike Angere on health. Mabel has featured prominently in the prestigious annual Women on Wellness as a resource person. Her fronltline status as most featured yogini as publicized in the national daily courtesy Vanguard publication, inspired Nigeria Yoga Foundation to name her as the nation's Yoga 1st Lady.

Father of the Divine Art, Science of Ashtanga Hatha Yoga in Nigeria for Beauty, Health & Peace

Father of  the Divine Art, Science of Ashtanga  Hatha Yoga in Nigeria for Beauty, Health & Peace
GRAND TRIBUTE TO Richard Hittleman (1927 - 1991) -American Author & Pioneer TV Yoga Instructor in the 1950s. Pioneer-Instructor and Educationist of Ashtanga Hatha Yoga in Nigeria. His TV programme and teachings brought Yoga to the homes of many Niigerians and also inspired and influenced Emmanuel Ikpeme in his early teens to adhere to the discipline and practise of Hatha & Raja Yoga. Hittleman had been a student of the great Indian spiritual master, Ramana Maharshi, along with Dr. Paul Brunton, in the late 1940s and regarded Maharshi as his guru

First Television Yoga Instructional Programme in Nigeria

First Television Yoga Instructional Programme in Nigeria
Richard Hittleman, internationally renowned American pioneer Yoga TV instructor was a weekly feature in Lagos, Nigeria, presenting his popular serialized programme titled Yoga for Health on Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Television now known as Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10. His follow-up book Yoga for Health sold thousands of copy in Lagos in mid-70s.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

OM NAMASTE!


Welcome to
NYF
Nigeria Yoga Foundation
since 1953
-Senior Advocates of Self-Realization Culture in the Nation

DEVOTED TO THEPreservation and Transmission of the Original, Authentic and Unique
Liberating Wisdom & Power of Yogic Disciplines to the
BODY ● MIND ● SOULfor
Spiritual Perfection

Grandmaster Emmanuel Ikpeme, Ph.D.
(Sri Mahatmani Eckananda)
STARTED YOGA IN 1973 AT AGE OF 14
INSPIRED BY RICHARD HITTLEMAN
ATTAINED GOD-REALIZATION IN 1987
motivated and guided by combined teachings of
CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM
HARVEY SPENCER LEWIS
KRIYA & BHAKTI YOGA DISCIPLINES
ROY EUGENE DAVIS
SRI RAMANA MAHARISHI
SRI PAUL TWITCHELL

YOGA HOLISTIC HEALTH BENEFITSRelaxation ● Reinvigoration ● Regeneration ● Revitalization
Functional Health ● Radiant Beauty ● Youthful Vitality
Cardio-Pulmonary Fitness ● Flexible but Firm and Toned Body
Eustress ● Serenity ● Tranquillity ● Total Awareness









CAVEAT EMPTOR:
Yoga is not a sect or fringe religion nor occult group,
Yoga does not engage nor promote demonic practices;
rather...
YOGA IS A NON-BIASED PHILOSOPHICAL & UNIVERSAL DISCIPLINE OF
SELF-REALIZATION
for
HEALTH OF BODY
PEACE OF MIND
PROSPERITY OF SOUL
ENLIGHTENMENT OF SPIRIT
LOVE OF GOD
while...
it enriches and enjoins all its divergent practitioners to be faithful and devoted to their individual belief system or religion.
DICTUM:
We see ourselves as that which are not
And that which we are we fail to see
MAN. KNOW THYSELF!
He who knows others is learned
He who knows himself is wise.
HISTORY OF YOGA IN NIGERIA
-By Grandmaster Emmanuel Ikpeme
PIONEER INSTRUCTOR-SAT GURU
FORMER...
PRESENTER OF YOGA ON National Television & Radio Nigeria FM
DEVELOPER OF Yoga Curriculum for Martial Arts School
TRAINER OF America Embassy, Lagos, Medical Unit Staff in Yoga 1988-1989
NATIONAL COACH OF Nigeria & Africa's First-ever Olympic Taekwondo Champion 1992
AWARDEE OF Institute for Sports Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
TEAM LEADER TO First World Cup Taekwondo Championships, Florida, USA

CREATOR: Mahatmarg Yogashalam
FOUNDER: Nigeria Yoga Heritage Foundation
FOUNDING PUBLISHER: Yoganigeria Web Blogspot

ARCHIVE:

Let's Try Yoga in Nigeria
Published in Nigerian Tribune April 16, 1953 -By J. A. Babalola

Nigeria has become a known figure in world activities. She is setting out gradually to manage her own internal affairs thought central and regional ministers.

If the men and women who control Nigeria’s destiny want this country to be a model for future generations to follow, the practise of yoga science is a vital importance for physical mental and spiritual development.

The question arises, “Can Nigerians in all the works of life make use of their study of yoga science?” I say, “Yes.”

Every human being is chiefly attracted to one of three types of magnetism: material, mental, or spiritual. The science of Yoga teaches the scientific method contacting spiritual magnetism, the source of mental and material magnetism. Unless Nigerians learn how to contact God, the Spiritual Magnet of this complex universe, most of their wealth will be wasted useless desires.

As America and other western countries have specialized in industrial and material efficiency, so India is a specialist in spiritual efficiency. Men like Mahatma Gandhi, the poet Tagore, Lord Buddha, Lord Krishna, Lord Shankara, Supreme Master Babaji, great Master Lahiri Mahasaya, Master Swami Sri Yukteswarji, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Vyasa, the author of the great Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita, possessed a fundamental background Yoga science. The India educational system has been saturated with Yoga philosophy.

Two international schools where Yoga is taught to Western and Eastern seekers situated in California and Bengal: Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, and Yogoda Sat-sanga Society in Dakshineswar. Paramhansa Yogananda, founder of these international schools, established residential high school with Calcutta University matriculation standards) with Yoga training at Ranchi, Bhihar, India.

It will be advantageous to all Nigerians if the study of Yoga science is included in the Nigerian educational system. The Western world needs the spiritual food of modern India as an important vitamin or protein that is indispensable in any diet. India too requires the industrial material efficiency of America and the west for balanced development. Nigerian citizens need Yoga science as a tap-root of growth in all works of life in order to build up modern Nigeria. If many Nigerians become Yoga students and if we have many Yoga teachers in schools and colleges, moral laxity will be wiped out from our society.

There is an element Yoga philosophy in Moslem theology, unknown to many followers of the faith. It is also buried in the Bible of the Christians, especially in St. John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation. The Science of Yoga is like a well brought up to the surface in the Hindu Bible of the East, Bhagavad Gita.

-Courtesy: Ananda Africana

UNTOLD COSMO-GENESIS OF YOGA ANTIQUITY REVEALED

The Blessed Lord said: I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku. -BHAGAVAD GITA


Now, when a sincere seeker
approaches an enlightened teacher,
with the right attitude of discipleship…
communication of yoga takes place

Yoga takes place when there is
stilling of the movement of thought…
Then Yoga (when yoga thus happens),
the seer…exist by itself and as itself.
-The Yoga Sutras



Yoga is a holistic culture that originates in India. Yoga is said to be 5,000 years old but was first documented 2,500 years ago. Simply defined, Yoga is a Hindi term derived from the root word yuj which means to yoke, to bind, to connect, to join, to link, to unite; self-integration, body, mind, spirit. Yoga is NOT a religion but a universal Path to Self-realization through body, mind and spiritual harmonium.

Patanjali’s (cir. 2nd Century B.C.) Hatha Yoga was pioneered in the West by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888 – 1988) who is revered as the original teacher of internationally renowned grandmasters including Pattabhi Jois (1916 - 2009), B.K.S. Iyengar (1916 - ) and the first lady of Yoga, Indra Devi (1899 – 2002) who in turn taught Richard Hittleman (1927 – 1991), the American TV pioneer Yoga guru who through his broadcast programme on NBC-TV now NTA TV in Lagos 1973. Yoga has continued to flourished across the country ever since.

Meanwhile, as far back as 1953, Yoga culture had been advocated for practise in the Country by Elder J.A. Babalola (Kriya Yogi) who experienced a spiritual visitation and mantle of authority from Paramahansa Yogananda shortly before translation and, subsequently, wrote a clarion call article in the Nigeria Tribune newspaper published on April 1953 captioned "Let’s Try Yoga in Yoga”, herein presented below.


●●●●●●GRAND TRIBUTE●●●●●●


Mahavatar Patanjali


-The Ancestral Patron Saint of Ashtanga


the Yoga of All Yogas


Patanjali born in Bharatavarsha, India 250 BCE . His father was Angiras form Himalyas and hismother was Gonika from Kashmir . At 20 years old Patanjali married Lolupa. The son of Patanjali was Nagaputra.

Patanjali learn yoga from his mother and guru Gonika and from his param guru and grandfather Hiranyagarbha. Patanjali study Samkhya, Vedas, the Upanishads, Kashmir Saivism, Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism.(Patanjali's lineage was Hiranyagarbha and Kapila)

-Courtesy: Asian Union of Yoga


PROMINENT NATIONAL & GLOBAL PROMOTERS OF YOGA
TRIBUNE NEWSPAPERS
NIGERIA TELEVISION AUTHORITY
Ananda Marga & Divine Life Societies
Radio Nigeria-2 Fm
U.S. EMBASSY, LAGOS
World Health OrganizationAlternative / Complementary Medicine Practitioners
International Yoga Federation
International Federation of Yoga Sports
VANGUARD NEWSPAPERS, NIGERIA
Diplomatic Community of Nigeria
International Olympic CommitteeAnanda Africana
Commonwealth Games Federation
Ergo Fitness Solutions, Cross River & Akwa-Ibom State
INSTITUTE FOR SPORTS SCIENCES, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
National Institute for Sports, Lagos
BMS Spa & Gym, Ikoyi, Nigeria
Eko Gym & Spa, Lagos, Nigeria
Indian Cultural Association, Lagos, Nigeria


Olako “Choc” Akharoh is a healthcare consultant and American-certified yoga instructor. Choc completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program under expert practitioners Mimi Loureiro and Elliott McEldowney of O2 Yoga in Boston, Massachusetts. Plugged into more than 10 years of yoga practice across the US, UK and various African countries, Choc teaches electrifying vinyasa flow classes influenced by ashtanga. Her classes are wired in alignment, core work, and breathing techniques with basic poses and creative sequencing. Choc believes “every expert was once a beginner” and designs each yoga lesson to energize the body, cultivate a meditative consciousness, and stimulate greater vitality and health. Through her magnetic, inspirational and even quirky approach, Choc integrates her commitment to public health, consciousness, and lifelong learning into her teaching to help students expand their understanding of yoga and life balance. In addition to private lessons, she currently offers yoga classes at the American Guest Quarters, Bodyline Fitness & Gym, and Fitness Central in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Atlanta native holds an MBA from Cass Business School in London, an MPH from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Contact Details
Email:
Choc@Chocolako.com
Mobile:
+234 809 048 2333
Website:
www.Chocolako.com
Instagram:
@Chocolako_
Twitter:
@Chocolako_

INTRODUCING ASHTANGA YOGA:
The Original Structure of the
EIGHT STEPS TO SELF-REALIZATION, PEACE & BLISS-An Eternal Guide for
BEGINNERS ● STUDENTS ● DEVOTEES ● ADEPTS ● MASTERS

YOGA APHORISM:
By the Grace of God, one finds a Guru
And through the grace of the Guru, one gets God
When the Chela (student) is ready , the Guru (master) will appear.
It is the duty of the Guru to push from without, for God to pull from within.
-Anon.
1) YAMA
●Meaning :Moral Disciplines1) Non-Violence
2) Truthfulness
3) Chastity
4) Non-Stealing Non-Receiving

2) NIYAMA
●Meaning : Ethical Disciplines
1. Non-Violence
2. Truthfulness
3. Chastity
4. Non-Stealing 5. Non-Receiving

3) ASANAS
●Meaning : Exercises that Promote Comfort and psycho-physical harmony.
Asanas practise purifies, strengthens and gives flexibility, youthfulness, total relaxation and healing comfort to the body in Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, Stress….
Programme of Asanas:
PRECAUTIONS:
Do adequate warm ups first ● Exercise on a light stomach ● Wear NO jewelleries
Exercise in an airy or well ventilated place or room.
Spread a blanket of use your yoga mat, proceed gently and slowly.
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Your Body is a Holy Temple, train It accordingly
with
Love and Care.


Starting from... Cross–legged Sit or corpse, do centering exercise, mental & physical relaxation deep breathing exercises. Facial Exercises - Continue with Eye rolls – Neck Rolls. Arm / Shoulder / Wrist / Finger Exercises / Proceed to Head Stand – Pose of a Child - Dog Stretch - Cat Stretch – Camel Sit – Peacock - Twine – Cross Beam - Thunderbolt – Hurdler’s Stretch with variations – LOTUS SIT REGIME – Archer – Butterfly – Heron – Forward Bend – Straddle Sit - Shoulder Stand – Plough – Fish – Bridge -Spiral – Locust – Cobra – Bow – Spinal Twist – Sun Salutation ● End session with Total Relaxation pose.
4) PRANAYAMA
●Meaning: Breath Control for Boosting Energy, Longevity & Vitality in three phases: 1) In-breathing 2) Retention 3) Out-Breathing.

5) PRATYAHARA
●Meaning : Sense Withdrawal for Insight Focal Points : Gaze at 1) The Nose 2) Mid-point between the eyebrows 3) Navel 4) Thumb 5) Hands 6) Feet

6) DHARANA
●Meaning : Mental Concentration Practical Hint : This is ability to direct stream of thoughts on a topic, ideal, subject or object and sustain absorption without wavering or distraction.
7) DHYANA
●Meaning : Contemplative Meditation in which Soul finds in tranquility, serenity and bliss in stillness. ‘’Peace. Be Still and know......’’ Practical Steps: Choose a serene environment, your quiet corner. Sit comfortably. Relax body. Take a few deep breaths. Select an object, scriptural verse for the mind to reflect, ponder, and think upon.
8) SAMADHI
●Meaning :Transcendence. Expressed paradoxically in scriptures as "He who must find himself , must lose himsef". Self-Realization; The first-hand experience of God-Realization and God-Consciousness Love – Peace - Bliss through Self-knowledge. Enlightenment. Ultimate Attainment of Yoga The final Spiritual Goal of All Religious Faiths: Attainment of Truth. Reality
NRELEVANT QUOTATION:

● He who knows himself, knows God -Holy Prophet Mohammed
TRADITIONAL PATHS OF YOGA
Ashtanga Yoga
Atma Yoga
Karma Yoga
HathaYoga The most popular core Yoga physical education culture, safe for everyone (men & women; young and old to practise for occupational therapy healing, curative, preventive, promotive and restorative health care, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Kriya Yoga
Ayurveda Yoga
Jnana Yoga
Raja Yoga
Laya Yoga
Kundalin Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
Mantra Yoga
Vedanta Yoga
Sahaja Yoga
Sivananda Yoga
Swar Yoga
Tantra Yoga
Vini Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga

ECLECTIC STYLES OF YOGA
Yogalates
Yogaerobics
Chair Yoga
Laughter Yoga
Power Yoga
Hot Yoga
Prenatal Yoga
Sport Yoga
NEED FOR A GURU?
"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth." -BHAGAVAD GITA
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY OF HATHA YOGA ASANAS
FOR
FUNCTIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
First Wealth is Health. -Emerson
Beloved, I wish above all else that thou may be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth
- 3 John 1 : 2

The Yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means steady and comfortable pose. This is because the Yoga Asana(or posture) is meant to be held for some time. However this is quite an advanced practice. Initially, our concern is simply to increase body flexibility.


The body is as young as it is flexible. Yoga exercises focus on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. Stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The spinal column houses the all-important nervous system, the telegraphic system of the body. By maintaining the spine's flexibility and strength through exercise, circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen.

The Asanas also affect the internal organs and the endocrine system (glands and hormones).
Traditionally, Yogis practice
Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation, before the Asanas. Although there are many Asanas (8,400,000 according to the scriptures) the practice of the 12 basic postures brings out the essence and all major benefits of this wonderful system.


These 12 Basic Postures are:
1.
Headstand (Sirshasana)
2.
Shoulder stand (Sarvangasana)
3.
Plough (Halasana)
4.
Fish (Matsyasana)
5.
Forward bend (Paschimothanasana)
6.
Cobra (Bhujangasana)
7.
Locust (Shalabhasana)
8.
Bow (Dhanurasana)
9.
Spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
10.
Crow pose (Kakasana) or Peacock pose (Mayurasana)
11.
Standing forward bend (Pada Hasthasana)
12.
Triangle (Trikonasana)
At the end of the session one must do a deeper, final relaxation.
Sitting postures for meditation and Pranayama include the
lotus pose.

There are four basic positions in yoga called the asanas: 1) the Standing position 2) the Sitting positions 3) the Supine position, and 4) the Prone position. Each of the above poses is further sub-divided into various other postures which are practiced in the course of learning. Here, we are trying to get a basic knowledge of all the four basic poses.

Standing pose: The standing position is performed by standing erect with the feet quite close together, both the heels and the big toes touching each other. Hands touching thighs, this position help achieve stability of pulse. Standing postures require both strength and flexibility and categorize most of the advanced asanas. The various important sub-poses of standing position include, Veerasana, Trikonasana and Vrikshasana.

Sitting pose: The sitting position is the one where one sits with both legs together and stretched, toes erect, spine erect and both hands straight and palms resting on the floor. Most seated postures are suitable for the beginners as the majority is easily adapted to any level of strength or flexibility. Padmaasana, Dhyanmudra and Vajraasana are some of the important sub- poses in this section.

Supine pose: The supine position is performed by lying down on the back with the legs together, straight extended, the toes erect and the hands straight and palms resting on the floor. Supine positions are done on the back and are a great way to end your yoga practice. Supine postures release stress and promote flexibility. Matsayasana, Tadagasana and Shavaasana are the important sub- poses in this category.

Prone pose: In the prone position you lie down on front side of the chest and abdomen with the chin on the floor. Both hands should lie besides the thighs, and palms should rest on the floor. This is a belly down posture and builds the core body strength in the low back and abs. Prone postures are simple enough for the beginners yet very challenging to hold on for long. Sub- poses for the prone position include Sarpasana or Bhujangasana both mean the same and Dhanurasana

All these basic postures are associated with some basic movements these movements are very useful to beginners, who want to start doing yoga but don't have any experience of yoga or any other exercise.
There are many joints in our body, in our regular life some of hese joints are overused and some are rarely used which may create problems at later stages of life. Basic movements help maintain the healthy condition of the joints in our body which sometime get overused and strained or are rarely used and become stiff besides being useful to prepare the body to take up Yoga. The basic movements are the neck movements, shoulder movements, hand movements, leg movements, and the knee movements.

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE:
PILATES vs YOGAJoseph Hubertus Pilates(1880 – 1967)
Pioneer – Father of PilatesJ. Pilates practised Yoga and martial arts, and infact infused some of thier elements into his now
internationally renowned Pilates fitness system.
LINEAGE OF YOGA GURUS & SAINTS:
The 18 Tamil Yoga Siddhas
INC.
Shiva Mahavatar Babaji Nagaraj
Mahavatar Patanjali
DESCENDANT YOGA PIONEER-MASTERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Yogananda Paramahamsa

Tirumalai Krishnamarcharya

Pattabhi Jois

B.K.S. Iyengar

T.K.V. Desikachar

A. G. Mohan

Indra Devi

Richard Hittleman

OBITUARY

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar

B. K. S. Iyengar
    BornDecember 14, 1918, Bellur, Karnataka
    DiedAugust 20, 2014, Pune, India

CELEBRATED PRACTITIONERS & RECOGNIZED INSTURCTORS OF YOGA WORLDWIDE
Oprah Winfrey
Madonna
Michael Jackson
Babara Streisand


Mike Angere
(Frontline Instructor & Columnist, Vanguard Newspaper, Nigeria)
Mabel Oyemike
(Frontline Yoga Model & Instructor, Vanguard Newspaper, Nigeria)

Master Adegoke(Instructor, Eko Gym & spa, Lagos)

FOUNDATION STUDENTS / MEMBERS OF NYHF:
Obadofin Cliff(Leading Instructor & Consultant)
Krishnapad Das
Mrs. Salwa Debais(Lebanon)
Shady Debais
Lucy Portalupi
George Haddad(Lebanon)

Moshood Obafemi Disu(Practitioner & Management Consultant)
Associate Grandmaster, Prof. Emmanuel Maximin-Agha, EP , mnassm(Director, Institute of Sports Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki)

Master John Wilson Egbe, 5th Dan(Pioneer Headcoach, Cross River State Taekwondo Association, CEO Ergo Fitness Sloutions)

Master Anthony Ekaidem(Elite Training Consultant)
Mr. & Mrs. B. Adefila(Pioneer Member, NYHF; Advertisement Professional @ http://www.copycoach.org/)

Mr. & Mrs. D. Adefila(Pioneer Members Advertisement Professionals)
Iquaibom Usen(Patron & Supporter of Yoga Development in Akwa-Ibom State, Uyo)


SPECIAL GUESTS IN NIGERIA:
Mrs. Donnie Day Patriarca (American Reality Therapy Coach), 63 year old first-ever oldest but ageless Yoga practitioner in Nigeria (Lagos) with pedigree in Bikram Hot Yoga
Ms. Maya Poddis, (a student in her 20s), Member of Laughing Lotus Yoga, USA & first American to give a formal class demonstration of Vinyasa Yoga in Lagos, Nigeria, 2009.

...and many others yet to be publicized

SELF-REALIZATION ORGANIZATIONS IN NIGERIA

  1. Ananda Marg
  2. Sant Mat
  3. Divine Life Society
  4. Sahaj Yoga International
  5. International Sai Baba Organizations
  6. Centre for Spiritual Awareness
ENTER SPORT YOGA FOR THE OLYMPICS
Introduction

Yoga Sport originated in India and has been in existence for 2500 years. Yoga is spiritual education. "Spiritual" does not refer to any particular religion; rather it refers to the spirit, which consists of feelings and emotions. The mastery of the physical techniques of yoga is valued only if the human being achieves dominion over his mind and spirit. A sport is a regulated game in which there exists competition between two or more persons.

Yoga Sport establishes whether or not a certain human being is competent physically, mentally, spiritually, socially, ethologically, ecologically, and culturally. Yoga Sport is a lesson in life itself which is a competition in every instance. However, the most important thing to remember in


Yoga Sport competitions is that they are games, where one must achieve control over his emotions, feelings, and passions in the face of stress. The greatest Spiritual Intelligence obtains more points than any other evaluated category in the competition, such as flexibility, strength resistance, and balance.


Judges determine Spiritual Intelligence by evaluating the Affective Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence of the competitor. Affective Intelligence is one’s ability to adapt to the feelings of those around him. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to adapt to one’s own emotions.

Yoga Sport develops these forms of intelligence within the context of competition where the environment could generate imbalance, dissatisfaction, and stress. Competition motivates the competitor to achieve personal transcendation and spiritual training, which ultimately serves him in conquering the obstacles life places before him on a daily basis. Ultimately, Yoga Sport uses competition of physical yoga techniques as a means to a spiritual end.

Divisions of Yoga SportYoga Sport is divided into four Ramas, Styles, of Lines:

1) Athletic Yoga
2) Artistic Yoga
3) Rhythmic Yoga
4) Yoga Asanas

1) Athletic YogaAthletic Yoga evaluates the perfect execution of asana, the perfect alignment, and the range of flexibility, strength, balance, and resistance. It also evaluates the perfect execution of Pranayama (control of energy), and appropriate breathing techniques, or Swara Yoga. Other factors that are evaluated include achievement of Pratihara (introspection), Dharma (concentration), and if possible the achievement of Dhyana (meditation). Spiritually, the competitor should not be nervous or altered; rather he should feel relaxed, harmonious, content, and happy, which causes him to gain more points in the competition. The spiritual state in which the competitors are in wins them more points than their physical qualities: flexibility, strength, balance, and resistance.

2) Artistic Yoga Artistic Yoga is composed of kramajis, or series of yoga postures that create an uninterrupted cascade of asana. Qualities of artistic yoga include use of music, costume, good taste, natural art, rhythm of execution, and rhythm of breath work. The series should be executed to music chosen with good taste. The postures are united with the use of intercalary postures, being the ones that create a passage between the two postures with the least weight displacement and the least time possible. It is fundamental in artistic yoga to express spirituality and the joy of movement. The competitor should achieve a state of empathy and connection toward the judges and the audience.

3) Rhythmic YogaRhythmic Yoga is executed in pairs and is trained with the use of a mirror to ensure the synchronization of the postures. The postures ought to be executed by each individual to the same degree and at the same time. Rhythmic yoga preserves the primary qualities of Artistic Yoga.

4) Yoga AsanasYoga Asanas is closely related to Athletic Yoga. It deals with the execution of athletic asanas which are to be performed at the competitor’s maximum of flexibility, balance, alignment, and resistance.


YOGA VIDYA:

Lecture Notes on Implication of Yoga for
Sport Competition
Modern Yoga Competition
In India today, nearly every state holds some form of yoga championship; events that have gained much interest since Swami Gitananda established the Pondicherry Yoga Association (PYA) and held its first state yoga championships in 1975.
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, the current General Secretary of the PYA, says, however:

“many things have changed over the years, and though I support yoga sport for the children and youth, I may not say the same for the adult competitions… unless the theoretical aspect is taken into consideration, it will be only another gymnastic competition.”

Demonstrating this ideal, the PYA now uses yoga competitions to help create a broader interest in the art and science of yoga in today’s youth. Since 2000, it has organized the annual Swami Gitananda Best Yoga Youth Award yoga competitions, which tests the young competitors not only in the physical asanas, or postures, but also in the theoretical and other elements of yoga too.

The PYA has also introduced yoga theory aspects into all its yoga competitions, with the aim of exposing competitors to spiritual aspects of the great science of yoga in addition to developing their skills in asana.

Yoga Sport Today Competition itself is not a foreign concept in yoga. In fact, intellectual debates between masters of various spiritual traditions were a vibrant part of ancient Indian culture.

Yoga Sport competitions are now seen across the globe. Though some event founders and even some competitors speak publicly about the spiritual and lifestyle aspects of yoga, it is not so apparent that these elements and the comprehensive attitude of the PYA is being embraced by the majority who run or participate in these events.

The now famous Bikram Choudury began organizing his International Yoga Asana Championship in 2003, a spectacle that was highlighted in the controversial 2006 documentary Yoga Inc. Ashley Hooper, a former medal winner, says, "We don't feel we are competing with each other. We are competing with ourselves.”

Yet the focus of these yoga competitions remains physical. Competitors are only judged on the ‘perfection’ of the pose, its difficulty, their poise and composure, and the grace of movement both into and out of the position. Other well-known yoga competitions include the annual World Yoga Championships, sponsored by the International Yoga Sports Federation, which was first held back in 1989. The European Yoga Alliance organizes the annual European Yoga Championships, while regional competitions happen throughout the United States and Canada as well. All of these focus primarily on the performance of asanas.

Yoga is still in its infancy here and a competition gives yoga a more visible stage to highlight its virtues. Second, given the good that yoga represents, there is a global initiative to petition the International Olympic Committee to include yoga as a demonstration sport in the Olympic games, a step toward eventually turning it into a medal sport. Third, this competition invites a healthy discusion among those who believe that this event will be for the growth of yoga here, and those who believe that a journey toward inner peace—which yoga is—should not be competitive.
Competition History in India
Yoga competition is part of India’s rich history. It is said that the yoga asana (i.e. posture) practice originated over 5,000 years ago. Competitions have been taking place for 2,000 years now, albeit in a more philosophical form. Today, it is estimated that the yoga pose competition in its current form began about 100 years ago. At least one yoga competition takes place daily in India.

In asana competition, yogis (male yoga practitioners) and yoginis (female practitioners) inspire others in the community to learn more about yoga. Their representation also lets others learn about how a regular hatha yoga practice influences a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Historians point to the work of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj, founding father of the Yoga Sport concept that was introduced in India in the 1970s. In 1975, Gitananda founded the Pondicherry Yoga Asana Association in south eastern India, which became the leading organization for yoga asana championships.
The aim of Yoga Sport, as the concept of competing in asanas is called, was to introduce young people to the art and science of yoga through competitions. At the time, Yoga Sport was considered an ideal sport for India as no infrastructure or costly equipment was required, and people from all walks of life could achieve so much from it.

For three decades now, the Indian Yoga Federation and the Yoga Federation of India have been conducting yoga asana competitions in various age groups throughout India. The First International Yoga Championship was held in 1989 in Pondicherry under the guidance of Swami Gitananda.
Today, The International Council for Yoga Sport of the International Yoga Federation is the international governing body of Yoga Sport and is based in South America, Asia and Europe.In Europe, there is the annual European Yoga Championships organized by the European Yoga Alliance. In the US, there are regional competitions leading to the International Yoga Asana Championship (IYAC) Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup in Los Angeles every February since 2003.
-COURTESY: International Federational for Sport Yoga
TRANSITION:
Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois
(July 26, 1915 – May 18, 2009)
LEGACY:
Father of Vinyasa Yoga who transmitted Ashtanga the modern world.
This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with
a progressive series of postures
–a process producing sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
om shanti shanti shantiom sat chit ananda hum
ADMONITIONS:
Worship the gods if you must
But let your first duty be to know
Who and what you are yourself
-ECKANKAR
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
And all else shall be added unto you
-Holy Bible
CONTACT:
Nigeria Yoga Heritage Foundation


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