A MOVEMENT CLASS BASED ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOGA AND THE PRINCIPLES OF AIKIDO.
Awaken to your true self by exploring body movements and breath awareness.
At the core of our system lies the key to freedom. According to the Yoga Sutras, a 2500-year-old text describing the path of Yoga, our suffering comes from a false identification of the Self. In an attempt to distinguish right from wrong, truth from delusion, the Ego gets entangled and shrinks into a lesser self. Yoga recognizes this duality and proposes to silence the chitchat of the Mind by controlling the breath. On a similar path to freedom, the founder of Aikidō states, “Body and mind should be bound as one, unified with the activity of the universe.” Also called the Art of Peace, Aikidō is a Japanese martial art based on a non-violent philosophy. Following the wisdom of these two Arts, I invite you to unleash your natural ability to connect with yourself and the world.
THE CLASS
WHERE
GOLDEN GATE PARK.
West Hellman Hollow, 880 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94121, across from Marx meadow (if you see a vespa with the number 53 on it, you have arrived).
Tuesday and Thursday @11am.
Bring a large blanket or Yoga mat.
The class is 75 minutes long.
Donations are welcome.
HOW
“Ki” exercises, using the breath and basic Yoga poses, are first introduced. You will become more aware, sensing, and feeling. Ground exercises and Aikidō “rolls” are then explored using natural movements. These exercises will develop strength, coordination, and mobility. More yoga poses will follow, allowing you to link your mind and body together. The class will end with partnering work using Aikidō principles and dance-like movements. You will learn how to blend with your partner and “dance” your way through in a fun way. You will leave feeling alive and more present in your body.
WHO
Originally from Normandy, France, Xavier Fayant has been living in San Francisco since 1991. Xavier was first introduced to the principles of healing and movement through Aikidō, a Japanese martial art rooted in a philosophy of non-violence. His journey eventually led him to bodywork, and Xavier became a Certified Massage Therapist in 1995. His interest in body language drove him to performing arts and dance (Mime and Jazz dance). Xavier became Zaz. Shortly after, Xavier found Yoga and completed a two-year teacher training program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco. Eventually, Xavier started climbing trees and crawling on the ground. Becoming more primal has helped him discover the missing link: activation of an innate process of self-transformation. Following the principles of Aikidō, the philosophy of Yoga and primal movements, Xavier created Yogakidō, a class designed to awaken the natural wisdom innate to each human being through exploration of body movements and breath awareness.