Budokon Yoga
The Budokon Yoga classes offered at O'Wellness bring together yoga, martial arts and flowing movement systems. This discipline, which develops strength, balance and coordination at the same time, also supports mental focus. Its dynamic, flowing nature offers a different kind of yoga experience.
Budokon Yoga is a modern hybrid discipline developed by Cameron Shayne by combining yoga with martial arts (especially karate and jiu-jitsu). It takes its name from the words ‘Budō’ (the way of war) and ‘kon’ (essence/foundation).
The budokon yoga sessions at O’Wellness blend the traditional vinyasa flow with martial arts forms: transitions from standing positions to the floor, animal flow-like floor movements, defence-attack combinations, ending with meditation. The 60-minute session has two main parts: a vinyasa-based warm-up, followed by a budokon-specific ‘animal locomotion’ sequence.
It demands more coordination and strength than classic yoga, but it is based on a very similar philosophy in terms of flow. It is an ideal bridge practice for our members with a boxing/martial arts background or an interest in floor-based movements such as animal flow / primal movement.
Class flow
| Duration | Section |
|---|---|
| 10 min | Breath and centring, basic poses |
| 30 min | Fluid transitions: yoga poses and martial arts movement patterns |
| 15 min | Floor work, stretching and closing |
For first-timers
- In the transitions, aim for control rather than speed; going slowly is harder.
- The load on wrists and shoulders can be high; don't skip the warm-up.
- Coordination is challenging in the first classes; it settles noticeably by the third class.
Where does it fit in the weekly programme?
Alternate it with Vinyasa Yoga; it is recommended not to schedule it on strength days. For current times, see the weekly schedule page, and for all formats, see group classes page.
Attendance and booking
Group classes are included in all membership categories. For classes with limited studio capacity, you need to make a booking in advance and cancel at least 4 hours before if you cannot attend. Arriving a few minutes early means you won't miss the warm-up and can tell the instructor your goal. If you are not a member, you can join this class as part of the free trial day; membership options or you can have a look at enquiry form .
If you have a health condition that could affect this class (cardiovascular condition, recent surgery, pregnancy, acute pain), consult your physician before attending and inform your instructor.
Those with yoga experience looking for a new challenge, those with a martial arts or animal flow background, those who want to improve coordination and agility, those at an intermediate-advanced fitness level, and those who find ordinary yoga boring.
- Increases whole-body strength and endurance
- Improves coordination, agility and balance
- Combines the mental discipline of Yoga with the energy of martial arts
- Notable effect on hip mobility and shoulder stabilisation
- Develops mental focus and reflexes
Yoga mat (provided by the studio), non-slip footing (barefoot or toe socks), sportswear suitable for movement, water. Those who want joint support can bring their own.
Would you like to join this class?
Let's plan the right time and programme for you; your first trial class is on us.
