Ghosh Cup Asana Championship Coaching Clinic
With my coach Mary Jarvis, I have learned an extremely effective way to prepare for Asana Champioships. It entails a daily practice of Bikram Yoga plus a series of "homework" exercises. While training for championships I dedicate myself to this routine for up to 6 hours per day for months at a time. By training this way since 2003, I have profoundly deepened my asana practice.
I set aside at least 2 months out of the year to nothing but prepare for the Ghosh Cup. During these focused practice periods, I do not take on any other commitments, so that everything revolves around yoga practice. When I am not on the yoga mat, I am resting, nourishing myself, getting bodywork, and getting ready to practice again. I make the yoga practice a priority and let it happen.
Numerous participants in the Ghosh Cup have benefited from learning the "homework" including, myself (2005 Men's World Champion), Jonny Mauk (2006 Men's World Champion), Emily Carpenter (2007 Women's Int'l runner up), Ball Tattanpong (2008 Men's World Champion), Chau Kei Ngai (2010 Women's Int'l runner up) and Casper (2010 Men's World Champion). In October 2007, 19 competitors joined me in Colorado for three weeks of consistent training, and from that group 9 people won regional championships.
It is mandatory to be committed to entering the Ghosh Cup if you are attending this clinic. You will learn how to prepare yourself for competition. You will leave with a training strategy, and you will be more mentally prepared for demonstrating postures on a stage with people watching. Among other things you will learn:
- How to be of service to others through your yoga practice.
- The format, history and purpose of the Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup.
- How to accurately demonstrate the art of hatha yoga, despite your ability in the postures.
- How to develop your postures beyond your current limits.
- How to compete with others in a way that mutually benefits everyone.
- Champion training techniques to prepare for asana championships.
- How to prepare your 3 minute routine to use in the the Ghosh Cup.
Because of the large interest in recent Coaching Clinic, there is limited space available. Registration priority will be given to those who sign up first, are competing in upcoming championships, have competed in past championhsips and have attended previous Coaching Clinics. A commitment to attend the entirety of the clinic is mandatory.
One of the things that makes this kind of training effective is the willingness to prioritize yoga practice for a focused amount of time. Expect your entire day, during this period, to revolve around yoga practice. Any sort of recreational drugs are not tolerated during this clinic, even when away from the group. If you drink caffeine, smoke cigarettes, or eat lots of refined sugar, reduce your use and dependence on these before coming so that you will have an easier time working into deeper postures. All of these habits will limit what you are capable of.
Our daily schedule will look like this:
- Morning Bikram Yoga Class
- Afternoon 2 hour “homework” session
- Evening Bikram Yoga Class
- Evening 2 hour “homework” session
The schedule will vary from day to day depending on the needs of the group. During the clinic we will likely visit several other Bikram yoga schools in the area, and in some cases offer asana demonstrations. One of the best ways to prepare for competition is to do demonstrations in front of people. Please do not expect to know ahead of time the exact schedule that we will follow, it will adjust from day to day as necessary.
There is a $25 registration fee payable by PayPal at the time of registration. The registration payment will let me know who is committed to joining me for this coaching clinic. Also I require that all participants register as an Athlete with USA yoga. Beyond that there is no fixed price for the clinic. You are welcome to make an offering in the amount that you determine the clinic is worth. You will have minimal expenses once you arrive because a place to stay will be provided.
Lastly, please remember that the effects of this training are cumulative, and that only sustained practice over time will accomplish profound results. The Coaching Clinic is only an introduction to a way to prepare for the Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup. The results will be profound if the "homework" practice is continued beyond that.
Further orientation materials will be provided once you are registered.
Registration for Charleston is closed. Please stay tuned for new clinics in the future.
