The history of yoga is entwined with the history of martial arts and dance. Many of the physical practices done in yoga studios today have their origin, at least in part, in these disciplines. Exploring the deep-rooted connection between yoga and these physical arts, this workshop will offer both historical context and a physical practice that introduces practitioners to four forms: Odissi, Chhau, Kalaripayattu, and Kushti.

In each session, one of these dance or martial arts forms will first be introduced through lecture, images and video and then explored through movement. Odissi and Chhau are both classical dance forms from the state of Odisha, in Eastern India, Kalaripayattu is a martial art from the southern state of Kerala and Kushti is Indian wrestling, whose drills and physical training practices have served as the backbone of Indian physical culture.

This series is open to everyone, but acute injury or severely limited range of motion may limit participation capacity in the physical practice. The practices will take a little more space than a typical asana practice so please set up your area to maximize room to move.

Schedule:
✓ June 8th-29th, 2021
✓ Tuesdays, 7pm-8:30pm

Cost for 4-week series: $100

Note: Our series require a minimum of five registered participants, by five days before the start date; if you are considering joining please register early.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds of 90% up to five days prior to start of series. No refunds allowable after that time.

If you are having issues enrolling for this course in advance please email membership@8limbsyoga.com.
If you have questions about course content, preparation, or recordings, or are having enrollment issues within 24 hours of the course or class, email education@8limbsyoga.com.

About the instructor: Douglas Ridings

Douglas Ridings has been teaching Yoga at 8 limbs for more than 20 years. His Odissi Guru is Dr. Ratna Roy, and he has performed under her direction in the Urvasi Dance Ensemble in both the US and India. He learned the body conditioning practices of Kalaripayattu from Guru Krishna Das at Vallabhatta Kalari in Chavakkad, Kerala. He has studied Chhau with Guru Sadahiv Pradhan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.