The Sword, The Myth, The Legend
Cool, controversial, or quirky, sword yoga might be making its way to park practices and fitness studios near you. Like I was at first, you may be wondering “What in the world is sword yoga?”
Known primarily as the brand WeaponUP by Sabina Storberg, sword yoga is a practice influenced by yoga and martial arts, where the practitioner performs controlled movements using a blunt, lightweight sword.
Before we jump too far in, consider viewing the practice as its own entity. It’s not purely yoga. It’s not purely tai chi, kung fu, or traditional Chinese swordsmanship. There’s a lot of buzz online about this unique combination of practices, and I’m not here to pass judgment on it either way.
Sword yoga, like many other movement practices before it, draws elements from historic and cultural practices and traditions. Such traditions should be given due respect by all who choose to practice all or part of them.
Practicing sword yoga has brought many a sense of focus and empowerment, and much can be learned from studying the traditions it is derived from. If you’ve attended (or taught) yoga or martial arts classes, you’ll see similar principles carry over into your sword yoga class. While still in its infancy compared to the lifespan of other fitness practices, sword yoga may be integrated into singular classes, taught alongside tradition and principles in a workshop, or explored as a niche offering for you or your students in the future.
Here, we’ll break down what sword yoga is, how to get into it, and how you can integrate it into your teaching.
What is Sword Yoga?
While it has yoga in its name, sword yoga goes beyond poses you might see in an ashtanga or vinyasa practice. The proprietary provider for sword yoga comes through the program WeaponUP. Their website describes sword yoga as a “fusion practice created from the combination of tai chi and kung fu straight sword, qi gong, intuitive movement and vinyasa yoga.”
You’ll see movements and breathwork that originate from qi gong and yoga. The practice is based in a flowing movement similar to vinyasa yoga. Movements are paced and vary from longer holds to sword-spinning movement.
WeaponUP pairs this combination with martial arts influence from kung fu and tai chi. It explores slow but powerful movements that control momentum and energy.
What makes this practice unique is its use of a sword. It is modeled after a modern kung straight sword, made from a steel designed to flex and reshape with use. The ones used in WeaponUP are lightweight so they can be used throughout an entire class without overfatiguing the hands, wrists, and arms. It weighs between a pound and 1.5 pounds, just enough to feel the weight in your hands without tiring. The blade is blunt and is not designed to cause injury (as that would not be safe and definitely wouldn’t adhere to the non-violent yama ahimsa if you’re focused on the yoga aspect).
The culmination of these movements results in a practice that focuses on balance, coordination, and controlled motion, all of which are challenged by the use of the long sword. It becomes, in many movements, an extension of the body or an opportunity to resist or balance a movement.
How Does a Sword Fit Into Your Yoga Practice?
While some practice yoga with nothing more than the ground and themselves, most who’ve been in a studio are no stranger to props that aid and improve their practice. We see blocks, straps, and bolsters that act as extensions of the body or offer support where needed.
However, the sword is not likely to be found in the prop closet at your local studio. The sword in sword yoga is less of a prop and more of a discipline in itself. Sword yoga is considered a niche or emerging format within yoga and fitness, rather than a widespread prop integration in classes.
If you like the idea of sword yoga, sans the weapon, you can use a broom handle, wooden dowel, or any object of like size and weight to mimic the same effect.
So does a sword fit into your regular yoga practice? Perhaps not if you’re at a crowded, non-sword-wielding studio. But alone at your house or in a safe, supportive venue? It might be just the thing you need to shake you out of a funk or widen your movement horizons.
Give Me a Sword and Sign Me Up!
Now that sword yoga is on your radar, where do you go to learn?
For dedicated classes and instruction, WeaponUP is currently the sole provider. They offer membership options as well as pop-up-style in-person events. For more local options, look for similar classes at your local martial arts studio.
While a teacher training for sword yoga hasn’t been released yet, there may be opportunities for education if the practice continues to gain traction.
Alternatively, you can learn the blend on your own, though I recommend doing so with caution and a good teacher. Look for martial arts training (with swords and without) and blend it with your own yoga practice. Many sword yoga practitioners have a background in yoga, Pilates, or martial arts.
So You Want to Teach Sword Yoga
If teaching is your love, and sword yoga is something you want to bring to a workshop or retreat, consider becoming certified in its related disciplines. This will give you a broader view of each individual practice and how it could contribute to a sword yoga workout.
Before you begin instructing, ensure that you feel well-trained and have appropriate safety precautions put in place.
Good sword yoga instruction requires key principles to keep class safe and effective.
Clear spacing is a must. The space required by each student grows substantially when handed a sword. Think about all the ways in which your students could move and account for students of varying heights and limb lengths to ensure each one’s comfort and safety.
Controlled pacing is requisite for an effective sword yoga session. Remember that even a small weight can change the pace and flow of a class. Repetitions and movements will become more difficult, and students will tire faster.
Demonstration is the key to success. Most people have never wielded a sword, so the movements will likely be new to class members. Teach simply and effectively, with options for modifications and variations available for all levels of learners. Allow for extra time to learn and perform movements.
Remember that teaching sword yoga does not make you a martial arts master or self-defense guru. Remain within the scope of practice of your primary certifications as a fitness instructor, and steer clear of any indication that you are teaching your students skills to employ in actual combat. Let them enjoy main character, warrior energy while still existing safely in the training space.
Of Swords and Safety
Safety is paramount for practicing on your own and especially if you decide to teach it to others. This cannot be stressed enough. All fitness programs carry risk, but that risk certainly increases when you hand your student a sword – even dull ones only used for practice!
Since there is no formal training or certification for sword yoga, the class design, safety considerations, and modifications all land on you as the instructor. Keep yourself and your students safe by:
- Planning safe movement sequencing and flow development. Not only do you need to be able to control your body in each position and transition, but you also need to maintain awareness and control over the sword.
- Teaching basic sword handling and positioning. Since these skills are not intuitive to most of us, it would be best to learn from a professional here. Learn to handle your blade safely and become conscious of how much space it takes up in contrast to the space you’d need in another exercise class.
- Minimizing risks for injury. Identify movements that have the highest risk for accidents or overuse injuries and ways to reduce or prevent them.
- Carrying a comprehensive insurance policy. Did you know Insure Fitness Group covers sword yoga as a modality? I’ll give you one reason to sign up for a policy before starting your sword yoga journey: sharp(ish), pokey objects. Enough said.
- Learning about object-based instruction. Practices such as tai chi, qi gong, and yoga are all done sans objects (except for the occasional prop). Learn when to draw attention to the object and when the focus needs to be on the body. There’s a balance between the object helping the practice and hindering it.
The best teacher is the one who is prepared.
The Next Step On Your Sword Yoga Journey
Sword yoga provides students and potential teachers a new and innovative way to move. It’s a practice that breaks down barriers and reaches out to people who may not find other more traditional fitness practices as enjoyable.
Whether as a one-off event or a regular class, this unique form of fitness instruction brings with it added equipment, coordination, and complexity. Be ready for it with quality insurance and wield your sword a little safer with yoga instructor insurance from Insure Fitness Group.
