Midwest Karate and Yoga Association offers small intimate classes based on the concept of yoga as a personal journey. Our studio is community and family based with a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment, knowledgeable instruction and lots of personal attention. We have beginner and intermediate classes that integrate breath and movement, strength and flexibility increasing inner focus and outward self-confidence. Hatha Yoga is a way to connect deeply to the mind, body and spirit based on three principles: Breath--Alignment—Self-Study.
“The softest essence in the world
Penetrates quickly the hardest.
Insubstantial it enters
Where no room is.”
-Unknown-
Breath: Conscious breathing is the first step to connecting deeply to the mind and the physical body. The use of breath is the key that leads you into the transformational power of yoga postures.
Alignment: Cultivating the process of entering and exiting poses along with your connection to breath allows you to explore the depth or edge of your pose bringing your practice alive.
“Yesterday is dead.
Tomorrow isn’t born.
We can live only in the present.”
-Yogi Ammrit Desai-
Self-Study: The true benefit of Hatha Yoga lies not in the ability to attain a certain pose or reach a particular level of flexibility. It’s true benefit is the ability to stay aware, be completely present in the now and by observing with the action of self-study you allow the experience of your practice to unfold!
“99% Practice
1% Theory”
-Sri K. Pattabhi Jois-
Instructor: Laura Ocampo
Certified Yoga Instructor
Certified Personal Trainer
4th Dan Shotokan Karate
Co-Creator Yoga-Bells ™
I started practicing yoga when my first child was born eighteen years ago. But, it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with breast cancer many years later that I truly became a yogini and integrated Yoga into every aspect of my life. Shortly after my successful fight with breast cancer I made the decision to change from teaching Karate to teaching Yoga. In 2005 I took the year long 200 hour Instructors program at The Yoga Center of Minneapolis and immediately started to integrate Yoga classes into our schedule. Within one year they were successful enough to change our name to Midwest Karate and Yoga Association of St. Louis Park. Since then I have taught Yoga in the Minneapolis public school system, in corporate office settings, Family Yoga classes and Kids Summer Camps. I continue my education as a Yoga Instructor by taking classes with inspiring teachers such as Rod Stryker, Seane Corne and Dharma Mittra.
I feel blessed everyday for the wonderful community of yoga students with whom I have the opportunity to share the PRACTICE of Hatha Yoga.
