Day One at Bikram Yoga Advanced Training
Yesterday evening, our scheduled 6:00 p.m. orientation didn't start until 8:00. At one point before the start, I noticed an Indian gentleman with a fedora wearing a tight shirt and long hair yelling loudly at the hotel staff. I assumed he worked for Bikram.
When the Indian gentleman later entered the conference room, the attention lavished upon him left no doubt that he was Bikram Choudhury. We had heard a second-hand report from another yoga instructor that he had an off-putting large ego – but I dismissed that as being unlikely given his extraordinary background of success. Bikram was the national Indian yoga champion four years in a row (until his guru asked him to retire), and he's built a worldwide hot yoga movement that is reputed to be the world's fastest growing yoga (and undoubtedly true). Bikram certainly is not shy about showing off his abs (which are pretty darned impressive for anyone let alone for a 63 year old) or discussing his many other accomplishments. He told us he was so late to the orientation because he was taking care of himself by working out in compensation for his over eating during a recent trip to India. Still, he also exudes a charm and clearly has a sincere passion to help others benefit from yoga.
Prior to the orientation, we had heard complaints from some of the attendees that no permission had been given to open new Bikram studios since last October. During the orientation, Bikram announced that after working with five different law firms and spending nearly "every last dollar" in the process, he has established a franchise program for the studios. I presume they'll now have to pay him royalties rather than just pay for instructor training. Bikram says that despite the bad economy, Bikram yoga sales are up 60%. There are reputedly 500 Bikram studios across the globe.
The 90 minute beginners class this morning was held for all 300 students in a large tent-like structure assembled for the event. It is quite a nice structure and includes carpeted floors, mirrored walls and a high podium where Bikram sits in a big yellow chair overlooking the class and shouting out instructions.
Bikram was tough on the class this morning, berating the students as not being ready for the advanced class – and questioning how the teachers (which comprise 60% of the group) could instruct their students correctly when they can't do the postures right themselves. In the two hour advanced class, though, Bikram took a much more genial posture. He complimented the class highly and said that the first couple of days are always rough.
So how did I do? Well, the advanced class was pretty hopeless. There were few postures I could do at all. During the beginners' session, though, I felt I did pretty good – at least when compared to my previous 50 classes. I probably worked harder than I ever did before – partly because I'm getting in reasonable shape. Having Bikram himself instructing also gave me some extra incentive. On the Supta Vajrasna (fixed firm) pose, he singled me out because I couldn't go backward (the pose involves sitting Japanese style between your ankles and then laying backwards). I gave it a good try under his instruction, and he complimented my effort.
Another student didn't fare as well. Later in the class he was not even able to sit Japanese style. Bikram told him he should go home. So despite the Walnut Creek studio owner's prediction relayed in my earlier blog, I figure I'm not the worst student at the training after all. Assuming that one guy stays, I'm #299.
