Mimi Rieger is the D.C. metro area?s first certified instructor of Budokon, a cross between yoga and martial arts.
What does the term Budokon mean?
Budokon is translated as the “Way of the Spiritual Warrior” from Japanese. Bu [warrior] do [way] kon [spirit].
What can participants get out of Budokon that they can?t get out of martial arts or yoga separately?
The creative and dynamic technology of yoga and martial arts forms a very intellectual, innovative and fun practice. Practitioners can expect a sense of flow with the yogic side and energetic, strong movements with the budo practice, based upon taekwondo, Brazilian jujitsu, capoeira and karate do. The beauty of the practice is that it is always developing and growing.
You were for a time the only certified Budokon teacher in the District. Is that still the case?
I was the first teacher in the area certified in January 2006. By March 2008, we will have six teachers trained in the area and by June, 12 teachers ? a big jump in two years.
How large of a following does Budokon have in the area?
Budokon started out with a small but dedicated following [that] has expanded vastly … . I am spreading the practice into the Richmond, Maryland and Delaware areas by teaching workshops.
Do you have a favorite move or pose that you could describe?
Many of the movements are based on animal movements. Komodo Dragon is an excellent example. … Students travel across the floor with their bodies hovering over the floor supported by their hands and feet traveling at opposite times and followed by a push up ? it?s a great cross-conditioning, intellectual and fun movement. We have all sorts of cool, interesting animals, including dancing dog, gorilla, grasshopper, bullfrog, spinning monkey.
