A little background: I have studied under Iyengar instructors for about 5 years, Power Yoga/Ashtanga instructors for about 3 years and Hatha instructors for about 3 years. I have attended a Yoga Journal conference, various workshops by various instructors and styles. I have even gone to Kundalini workshops. Fusion yoga – pilates and other forms have never really clicked with me. But I keep trying, as I try to have an open mind and attitude towards all form of exercise.

Yogic Arts – Awakening Level is Duncan’s introduction to his yoga/Gung-Fu blend. The DVD is well chaptered and the chapters are short, 3-5 minutes in length. Duncan starts the practice with bandhas and breathing exercises. You perform “Breath of Fire”, Ujai and even breathing. Then on to his warm up. He has arm movements similar to Tai-Chi but in a more rapid movement. His chapters cover opening the hips, shoulder and wrists before beginning the actual practice, all quite effective. The Duncan then moves on to a form of Sun Salutes, then his form of Warrior, standing poses such as Triangle, side angle pose and revolved side angle pose. You then move on to glute work. You are on all fours and then back kicks, back leg lifts, side kicks and side leg lifts, leg swings and then stretching the glutes. Duncan then moves on the baby backbends. He has you practice just lifting on to your head, you go no farther than that. On to modified plow pose and more glute and leg stretching. Next is core work ending with bicycle core work and savasana. The entire practice from start to finish is 60 minutes.

The DVD has an energy practice and one other for shorter programs. Also, there is Duncan performing and describing Gung Fu. This practice is a cross between Tai-Chi and Yoga and Karate. Somewhat like Budokun practice DVD with Shane. Duncan comes across as a good instructor. No real form pointers just how to maneuver into an asana. Your right leg under your left leg, right arm under your left arm, align your heels and squat. I would be interested in taking a live class with him just to see if he can instruct and define his type of yoga in a comprehensive way. As I stated above, the chapters are short and the practice just didn’t have a flow for me. You practice the warrior sequence on the right then the left and your done, same for standing poses. I suppose you can keep repeating the chapter till you feel you had enough. How did I feel after the practice? Well I did start out with tight hips and shoulders, felt better at the end of the practice. But mostly I was feeling like I missed something. I know this is his beginner's practice and it showed, however the biggest challenge you face is mastering the arm movements and squats with your leg and feet placement. As I stated above fusion yoga practices just haven't clicked with me.

Instructor Comments:
Duncan Wong is a confident instructor. This is his fusion yoga combining Gung Fu with Yoga. While I agree that the principles are similar the postures are not the same. Thus Fusion Yoga. Mr. Wong is amazing to watch.

Maria W.