Tony Advanced: Day 1

Practicing Handstand with Tony

Practicing Scorpion Handstand with Tony

Last night we arrived in San Jose del Cabo to spend a week studying with Tony Sanchez. The next 6 days will be dedicated to "Advanced Practice," whatever that means. I still don't know what to expect from Tony or these coming days. Inevitably they will include lots of practice of Ghosh's complete series of 84 postures, but I'm sure there will be much more.

This morning begins as all things begin: with introductions. There is a french woman, an irish woman, a canadian, and a few Americans from across the country. 9 of us in total. I look forward to the close attention we will get from Tony as we practice and discuss, and the relationships that will surely form as we get to know our fellow yogis.

He begins by explaining that he will be splitting up the Advanced Series (the Complete 84) into 3 shorter series. We will practice these short series in the mornings and then practice the Complete Series in the afternoon. This morning's practice includes the Lotus Series. 

In the afternoon, we waste little time before diving straight in to the Complete Series with all of the variations and additions that have been made over the years. It ends up being something like 104 postures. He is clear at the beginning of class: "If you start strong, finish strong. I don't want you to expend all your effort in the first 20 minutes of class." He advises us to pace ourselves. The class takes about 3 hours.

At the end, during the final two sequences, Tiger and Handstand, Tony gives us all personal attention. One at a time we do the postures with him nearby. He assists and advises.

As I am doing my handstand (which by no means am I an expert at), Tony grabs my legs and says "Scorpion, bend your knees." I laughed out loud. I have never attempted Scorpion with any earnestness and was not expecting it. But with his help I gave it an honest go, the results of which were captured for posterity above. Who knows? By the end of the week, maybe I'll be close.