Enjoy moving your body with breath in natural functional movements that integrate heart, body, mind ,spirit. Students learn moving sequences or "preludes" that remove blocked areas in the body, build "agni" - your digestive fire, cultivate ones life breath , have a grounding and mediative effect, strengthen your bones and prepares ones body and mind for asana - seats and the internal yogic pract
ices. Shadow Yoga has grown from its founder Zhander Remete's knowledge and practical understanding of the ancient Hatha Yoga texts, Hatha Yoga anatomy and physiology, the Indian energetic system ( marmasthana ) and the Chinese energetic system. The system of Shadow Yoga re-introduces the age-old concept of preparing the physical (gross) body and cultivating the energetic system (subtle body) and correct breathing before the introduction of working the traditional asanas (seats). This is achieved through moving sequences or 'preludes' which have been inspired by Zhander's extensive personal studies of yoga, martial arts, dance and the observations and recognition of nature. Through these preludes blockages in the body are recognized and broken down, stiffness is removed from the joints, correct breathing is cultivated and co-ordination and rhythm are brought to life in a way that is challenging yet safe and teaches the body to move naturally. The sequences of the 3 shadow yoga preludes consist of movements that are circular and spiraling (warrior forms), and linear (sun forms). They utilize the principles of the marma point system ( marmasthana ), 108 vital junctions in the body) as a guide to prepare the body for asana-vinyasa and cultivate the unobstructed flow of the breath that is 'the key' for success in yoga practice and asana work. The practice builds up gradually through the 3 preludes bringing to life an inner connection through movement that cultivates sensitivity and awareness, connections between physical movements and the breath, bridging the gap between the physical body and the subtle.
