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Past Champions
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World Champion (2008-9)Master Yograttan Dev Kapil hails from a line of
distinguished Yogis. He began his yogic journey in India at the tender
age of 3 (yrs),under the careful guidance of his Father Shri M.R
Pareek, following the legacy passed down by his Grandfather Yogiraj
Rishikesh Shastri, a renowned astrologer and Vedic scholar. Both elders
play a major role and have been the driving force behind Master Dev’s
significant yogic realizations and achievements. His spiritual journey
was initiated by Guru "Veet raag Tapomurti Brahmrishi Danditt Swami
Laksheshwarashramji ", who is revered by Shankracharyas throughout
India, and Yogacharyani Krishnamurthi , a renowned yoga teacher and
Yoga Arjuna Awardee.
Master
Dev has studied and taught movement for over two decades of his yogic
journey in different parts of Asia ,Europe and USA. He explored many
styles in Yoga focusing primarily on Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Raja
Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Kundalini Yoga which are
diverse forms of Yogic practice with philosophies that are deeply
rooted in ancient Yogic Scriptures. His teaching styles are based on
the study of human anatomy and incorporate the lessons of traditional
and modern forms of yoga gleaned from his Guru and as a Yoga Master.
Classes focus on anatomy of body ,rhythm and flow ,safe movements to
posture on correct body alignment and using of breath, on the
importance of maintaining a daily discipline and accepting the blessing
of change, and on the extended effects of Hatha yoga toward finding
balance throughout the seasons of one's life.
Master Dev holds Diplomas in Naturopathy and a Master degree in Yogic
Science. He also has extensive knowledge of Ayuveda and Astrology. As
evidence of his strong commitment and passion for yoga, Master Dev
retained the title of National Yoga Champion in India for 17
consecutive years. In recognition of his significant efforts to uplift
and popularize yoga among the masses, the Government in India awarded
him the title of "Yogarattan".
Currently based in Singapore, Dev is also Yoga Ambassador of Real Yoga
center Singapore, Yoga Director of Tatva Yoga India and International
Institute of Yogic science(IIYS) ,affiliates from Indian university
&Yoga federation of India, in Singapore and India.. Master Dev has
worked with many Western yogis, giving him a newfound western
perspective. The ultimate high of his career was when he clinched the
World Champion title at the Bishnu Gosh World Yoga Championship
organized by the World Yoga Foundation held in Los Angeles.
As he enters a new chapter in his life, Master Dev’s focus will be to
expound the plentiful benefits of the yogic way of life and guide yogis
and yoginis to be steadfast on their yogic path.
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A northern California native, Courtney Mace relocated to New York city
in 2001, where she was first introduced to Bikram yoga. Though she
practiced different styles of yoga, it was Bikram yoga that offered her
the greatest opportunity for transformation and healing. This dynamic
series of postures brought health and balance to her life. Inspired to
share this platform for healing and self discovery with others, she
graduated from Bikram’s teacher training in 2006. Courtney currently
teaches in NY at the very same studio she took her first class. She has
competed in the Bishnu Charan Ghosh Championship three times, each year
setting new goals for herself and working to refine her practice. As
the 2009 National and International Champion, she hopes to inspire
people to believe in their unlimited potential.
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Alisa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. For 5-6 years she trained and performed with the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC, Colorado Ballet, CB II, Arka Ballet, Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Hawaii State Ballet, Russian Ballet and San Jose Dance Theatre. A dance injury led Alisa to her first Bikram Yoga class in the summer of 2003. After her first Bikram Yoga class, Alisa was hooked and attended yoga class daily in addition to her ballet schedule. She danced her final performance with ARKA Ballet and made the decision to attend the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in the summer of 2004. Since graduation, she has been teaching as well as part of the work staff for Bikram's International Headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. Alisa has competed in the International Yoga Asana Championships 2005, 2006 (US Gold Medal), 2007 (US Gold Medal), and in 2008 she won both the US and the World Title. Alisa had never wanted to "compete" in these yoga championships, but decided to use it as a vehicle to share a part of her life with the rest of the world and hopes to inspire people of all ages to believe in themselves and go after the life that they dream of.
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Sittipong Rattanapong (Ball) |
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Ball never thought his life would have anything to do with yoga. After graduating with a degree in architecture, he pursued a career in the marketing field.
Ball tried Bikram Yoga for the first time in February of 2004. The new experience of sweating and exercising in a heated room struck him deeply. Bikram Yoga quickly became an important part of his life. After 5 months of regular practice, Ball decided to resign from his marketing job so he could attend Bikram's Teacher Training in the summer of 2004.
In December of 2004, Ball took first place in the 1st Annual Thailand Regional Yoga Asana Championship. In February of 2005, he competed in the 2nd Annual International Yoga Asana Championship - Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup to represent Thailand, where he placed 8th in the world. He went on to win the Thailand Regional Yoga Asana Championship 4 years in a row, and each year he traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the International Finals. Finally, participating at the international level for the 4th year in a row, on February 3rd, 2008, Ball was crowned International Yoga Asana Champion.
Since October of 2004, Ball had taught in Thailand for 2 years then in Hong Kong for a brief period and in Korea until March of 2008 when the one year contract ended.
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Born in Vietnam, Ky Ha has lived in Houston, Texas since the age of three. Growing up, Ky suffered numerous car accidents and as a result incurred chronic ailments throughout his body. He took his first Bikram Yoga class in July 2003 at the request of a friend and found something that truly changed his life.
"I hated going to class so much in the beginning. I was so weak and inflexible, I couldn't even touch my toes." Through sweat and determination, Ky has practiced yoga every day since then and has made a transformation of his mind, body and soul.
Ky graduated from Bikram Yoga teacher training in the summer of 2004 and has gone on to compete in the International Yoga Asana Championships in 2005, 2006 (bronze medal) and 2007, when he won the U.S. and International gold medals.
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Cynthia began her yoga journey at the age of 19 and delved in many different styles for 5 years before she took her first Bikram class. It was destiny to be a Bikram yogini when she moved right next to HQ in 2001. Cynthia was born in Switzerland and moved to Singapore at the age of 3, in where she has treasured many fond memories. She continued to live in England, Japan, Germany and attended New York University in where she got her BFA in Drama.
She became certified in Spring 2003 and then worked for Bikram at Headquarters for 2 years. She then spent 8 months in Tokyo last year teaching Bikram teachers preparing to go the teacher training. Cynthia has competed in the Bishnu Charan Ghosh Championship in 2005 (US Champion/ Silver World Title), 2006, and in 2007 she took both the US and World title.
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