Vogue Magazine by Joanne Chen
November 2001
Strike a Pose
Finally, a new form of Yoga that just might appeal to those who can�t stay still.
Has the Material-turned-spiritual Girl ditched her yoga mat for a more combative art form? If you scored tickets to Madonna�s concert this summer, you would think so. In her performance of �Sky Fits Heaven,� she kicked and punched like a veritable black belt. And to prove she�s been practicing-a lot-her leg, ab, and gluteus muscles looked toned and lean, something not often seen in pure yogis, whose upper bodies tend to be the most developed. Fact is, Madonna has traded her usual ashtanga practice for the latest permutation, known as Yogic Arts. Developed by Duncan Wong, it synthesizes the arm and leg motions of the Korean martial art Kuk Sool with traditional yoga poses-a bent-knee stance might flow into controlled roundhouse kicks, for instance. �Form is linked with motion,� says Wong, who grew up studying martial arts with his father, and other great masters, only to discover yoga later, as a teen, while searching for a way to hone his flexibility. The merging of the two makes for an interesting workout, one that is aggressive and peaceful at the same time. Missed the concert? No matter. You can experience Madonna�s newfound strength for yourself. After a month of teaching abroad (which reportedly included accompanying the pop diva on location), Wong returns in November to introduce the discipline to curious Manhattanites at Shiva Shala, a chic new studio, with juice bar, on the lower East Side.
