By P.J. Stuart
USA Yoga Federation Judges from Across the Nation Come to Scottsdale for Qualifications
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 26, 2013) – Strength, balance and flexibility are among the criteria for Arizona’s most dedicated yogis as they vie for national attention at the Arizona Regional USA Yoga Asana Championship this month in Scottsdale. Each participant will perform a total of five compulsory postures and two optional postures to earn their spot at the National USA Yoga Asana championship in New York, happening this March.
Set for January 26, 2013 at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center from three until seven p.m., the regional competition will bring out 20-30 of the state’s top yogis for a grueling, yet graceful series of posture demonstrations before judges from across the nation. This is the 10th annual contest of its kind in the United States.
While yoga championships have been practiced for hundreds of years in India, the concept of yoga as a sport is less familiar in the United States. The USA Yoga Federation, the non-profit organization which governs the championships, encourages competitive yoga as a means of inspiring participants to sharpen their skills and step up their dedication to the practice. The increase in training also fosters an overall healthier and happier life, by improving mental and physical health.
“While preparing for the championships, I found myself focused very deeply on details of my physical practice that previously went unattended,” said Mark Trinitapoli of Bikram Yoga Paradise Valley, who placed at last year’s event and is set to participate once again this year. “This deeper concentration in my physical practice has seeped further and further into my daily yoga practice off the mat.”
Championship participants will be judged according to their category – adult male, adult female, youth male and youth female. The Arizona Regional Asana Championship Event runs entirely on donations and ticket sales. The title sponsors of this year’s event are Roaring Fork and Breastnet. Sponsor booths ranging from yoga wear to artwork will showcase their products and services at the event.
To find out more about the Arizona Regional USA Yoga Asana Championship, visit azyogachampionships.com.
To learn about the United States Yoga Federation, visit usayoga.org.