What is a yoga asana championship?
A yoga asana championship is a competition in which individuals perform
a series of yoga asanas and, using standardized judging criteria, are given scores to determine who amongst the participants is the champion. Participants are judged based on balance, strength, poise, flexibility and grace as they perform their routine.
Yoga competition is part of a rich history in India, the birthplace of yoga. It is said that yoga asana practice originated over 5000 years ago and that yoga competitions have been taking place for 2,000 years. It is estimated that at least one yoga competition takes place daily in India.
In asana championships, participants are guided to a state of perpetual growth that allows each individual to improve and attain levels of betterment that influence society. It encourages each to improve the self and to increase what they have to offer. In addition, yogis and yoginis inspire others in the community to learn more about yoga. Their representation allows others to learn about how a regular hatha yoga practice influences a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Why have a yoga competition?
Yoga competitions are a long standing tradition in India that spans thousands of years and take place almost daily. The yoga asana championships promote yoga by creating a stage for yoga practitioners all over to rise to be the best they can be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. These events allow these yogis and yoginis to inspire the rest of us and the community at large to learn more about yoga and how its regular practice can help each of us be a healthier, happier and better person.
Many practitioners feel that having a yoga competition is counter to the very meaning and purpose of yoga. Critics point to the intrinsically non-competitive nature of yoga and how the practice of yoga encourages non-judgment of others and of self. It is an inner journey, others add, and not an outward demonstration.
The PYAC respects these views. At the same time, it very rare to find a practitioner of yoga who does not want to share her practice with others. This all that the PYAC aims to do: share yoga with as many people as possible.
Sometimes, the access of a majority of people to yoga is through its physical nature. If this is a way that will attract more people to yoga, it does not appear that having a competition can be harmful in any way. And once people have been introduced to yoga, then they can find their own path along the yoga road.
As such, the PYAC aims to create an atmosphere where the competitors compete with themselves most of all: conquering their fears, breathing through barriers that they have created in their mind and enabling them to elevate their practice to a higher level.
How is the Philippine Yoga Asana Championship structured?
The PYAC is organized according to the rules and guidelines set by the organizing committee of the Bishnu Charan Ghosh.
In 2008, a yoga competition will be held for the first time ever in the Philippines. Men and women will compete separately and the champion and runner up, from each competition will represent the Philipipnes in the international championships to be held in Los Angeles in February 2009. The third place finisher will serve as an alternate in case either the champion or runner up is unable to compete in the national championships.
Each competitor will follow the same format and execute a total of seven postures (five compulsory and two optional) in three minutes. Rules and regulations, guidelines and details of the five compulsory postures can be found on the rules and regulations page of this website. The judges are looking for the individuals that will best represent yoga to the world. Out of an overall total of 80 points maximum, 10 points maximum can be awarded for the individual’s grace, poise, charisma, confidence, etc., and 10 points maximum can be awarded for the execution of each of the five compulsory postures and the two optional postures.
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