Confessions of a Budokon convert

By Diana Davis

“Simplicity, integrity, and compassion.” I repeated the mantra along with the rest of the class as I knelt on the floor of a dojo, or training hall, in Woodley Park. “This doesn’t seem that difficult,” I thought. “I think I’ve got this Budokon thing down…”

Observer photo by Diana Davis
“Rolling Wave” position

I spoke too soon. Only moments later, I found myself a sweaty aching mess attempting to balance my entire body on the backs of my arms in a position called “crow.” The rest of the class seemed to glide into the position effortlessly.

Budokon means the “way of the spiritual warrior.” Hollywood celebrities including Courtney Cox and Jennifer Aniston have been singing its praises for years. A unique mix of martial arts, yoga, and meditation, Budokon was founded by Cameron Shayne in 2000. Shayne, who has more than 20 years of experience in various martial arts and yoga practices, has become something of a celebrity trainer. Budokon has avid followers from actors to supermodels to Olympic athletes.

Finally, Washington wants in on the fun. Last spring, Mimi Rieger, Washington’s only certified Budokon instructor, began teaching workshops and classes at the Akido Dojo in Woodley Park and various health clubs throughout the city. Word of the practice has quickly spread, and Rieger’s classes can be found anywhere from Sports Club LA to the new Vida Fitness.

Observer photo by Diana Davis
“Floating” position into a handstand

Budokon is split into two series, the Budokon Yogic series and the Budo series. The Yogic series focuses on power, flow, and alignment. Positions like the crow explore your ability to sustain the weight of your body. The Budo series is the martial arts aspect of Budokon. It incorporates Okinawan Karate, jiu-jitsu, and Olympic style Taekwondo into a blend of standing and ground techniques.

Rieger cuts a striking figure in front the class. She is a tall and energetic presence, moving from one pose to another with agility and strength. Rieger practiced Taekwondo and yoga before she took Shayne’s class and “immediately fell in love with it,” she said.

The next step was the rigorous training required to become a certified Budokon instructor. Rieger says that due to the area’s interest, Washington will see more Budokon instructors within the next six months.

I decided to give Budokon a shot at the request of my roommate who is a Budokon devotee – she is also undergoing certification as an instructor, and probably the most athletic person I have ever met. I was slightly nervous that someone who regularly does triathlons for fun found the class “challenging,” but curiosity won me over.

Observer photo by Diana Davis
“Side Balance” position

The first class I took started out tamely enough in a series of meditation exercises and then quickly progressed to a more challenging series of floating moves. These were called floating because… well because that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. Most of the class managed to keep their hands on the floor and do a sort of handstand, keeping their feet over their heads before gently coming back down to the ground. It was very impressive; and a great workout for your arms and core. I learned this about four classes later when I got over the intimidation factor and decided to give everything a try. After all, there were mats on the floor and, as Rieger put it, “the worst thing that can happen is you fall.” “Everybody falls,” she said. I figured I could handle that.

Six months later, I’m still practicing Budokon. I am happy to report that I can now do the crow and, although there are still a lot of moves that I need to work on, the challenges are what keep me coming back. Part of the addiction of Budokon is that the differences it makes are so measurable. Within one week your strength increases noticeably; within two weeks you feel calmer, more centered, and your body begins to change.

I guess I’m now a Budokon devotee. I’m not sure if I’ve reached the status of “spiritual warrior,” but I like to think I’m well on my way.

For more information, go to www.budokon.com or www.purefitnessdc.com