Y4G FAQ

Can yoga help my grappling?

I can't promise you'll become a better grappler from practicing yoga but chances are your range of motion in all joints (including your spine) will increase and make certain movements more accessible without injury. With a properly designed class, yoga can help strengthen the muscles that get overstretched from grappling and loosen up the ones that are constantly contracted. Keeping opposing muscle groups in balance this way can also help prevent injury and allow you to keep training as you continue to age. 

Does yoga heal low back pain?

Yes and no. Certain yoga postures and movements can definitely reduce low back pain but some may aggravate it. The sequences of postures and movements I choose for this website and my seminars are designed specifically for the bodies of those in the grappling arts and focus on relieving low back pain (among other things). 

How is yoga different than stretching?

Classically, yoga was very much about breathing and meditation with just a little stretching to help make the sitting for meditation more accessible. Today most classes just focus on stretching and the postures. My approach emphasizes smooth, controlled breathing as much as stretching. 

Why the emphasis on breathing?

When you use certain techniques to slow down the momentum of the breath, the mind slows down as well so it stays calm but alert. As a result, you're able to keep your focus, avoid wasting energy, and make better split-second decisions on the mat (and in life). 

Will yoga help my recovery time?

It definitely can. The movements I focus on help to increase circulation in the whole body (especially large muscle groups) but I purposely avoid making these classes too intense. I believe yoga should be more therapeutic than competitive. 

What about "hot yoga"?

I'm not a big fan of hot yoga for those in the grappling arts. Keeping hydrated becomes a full-time job if you train intensely. We sweat a lot in jiu jitsu, wrestling, etc. For us, yoga should be more therapeutic and less of a workout. 

How often should I practice yoga?

A short yoga practice (15-30 minutes) everyday is my suggestion. A longer yoga practice (60-90 minutes) can be very beneficial on days when you're not training.