Self Defence using Karate and Yoga
Karate and Yoga have more in common than you may think – they both lead the practitioner to cultivate a sense of calm, they both require mental concentration to facilitate physical feats, and they both teach dedication and commitment. The concept of yoga asanas can be compared to karate’s katas, and yet their differences too complement each other. The yogic ideology of “ahimsa” or non-violence can be applied to karate, whose founder, Gichin Funakoshi taught that “there is no first attack”. The combination of these philosophies creates a unique form that I call Kiai Yog, which centers defence over offense. I have combined parts of yoga and karate to form simple techniques that are useful for self defence.
Over the past two years, I have been developing and teaching this new form, kiai yog, in workshops at women’s shelters, girls’ schools and my own school as well. The city I live in has repeatedly been rated to be the most dangerous city in the world for women, which is why I have developed kiai yog specifically to allow women to easily learn how defend themselves and stay safe in this dangerous city.
KiaiYog Students
Shreya Goel 