Being married to a wonderful woman has many incredible benefits. Being married to a wonderful woman with drive, focus and elegance is even better. My blushing bride is the lovely, intelligent Dr. Stacia Kelly, Ph.D. She is a practicing holistic health coach, and she is dedicated to balance and focus in our lives. Stacia has introduced me to a number of philosophies and activities I would never have tried without her guidance.
Last year, Stacia and I had the opportunity to become certified trainers in a women’s self-defense program. The training was led by law enforcement expert, Steve Kardian, and we made a number of great introductions, becoming friends with several of the other instructors. One of the members of this crew was Phil Migliarese of Balance Studios. Phil is a Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Master Level Yoga Instructor. He offers a Yoga for Fighters program at his studio, specifically designed for BJJ and Mixed Martial Arts students.
Phil and his brother, Ricardo, work together to introduce students to the methods and techniques they learned from the legendary Gracie family. The Migliarese brothers have a long relationship with the Gracies, and Balance Studios in Philadelphia is a haven for students interested in BJJ and MMA. Phil has put together a Yoga for Fighters DVD, with sequences specifically designed for the joint flexibility and focus these sports require.
The Yoga For Fighters DVD is broken into several sections. The introduction provides Phil with the chance to welcome students to the program and to explain the flow of the practice. The practice program includes variations on yoga flows like the Sun Salutation, standing poses, seated poses, and a cool down. His voice over is patient and constant. He emphasizes the importance of breathing, which is every ounce as essential as proper technique.
The poses in the yoga practice can be challenging but they will provide flexibility, balance, core strength, focused breathing and relaxation. Phil and Ricardo then go through a series of exercises that explain the application of the yoga poses to MMA. Phil demonstrates the importance of a straight back over a rounded back, the alignment of the head over the hips, and the most important moments for a fighter to remember breathing.
The DVD also includes links to resources including FreeJiuJitsu.com and many other yoga and MMA related sites. Those interested in an introduction to yoga may find this DVD a bit challenging, but any student of an art that includes mat techniques can benefit from this program. In Yoga for Fighters, Phil proves that he understands the needs of BJJ and MMA students, and he provides education and demonstration of techniques valuable to these students.
For more information, please visit YogaforFighters.com.