On Sunday, September 24th from 10 am to 2 pm, Tom Billinge of WarYoga will present the first official WarYoga workshop at MSTA. 

WarYoga, an ancient system of physical and spiritual culture, continues to be developed by Tom, who has spent years researching and practicing the ancient martial conditioning systems of India and Iran, as well as the echoes that can be found in the European traditions. 

In this inaugural workshop, Tom will present the Indian system of Vyayam as used by Kushti wrestlers in the subcontinent. Tom has spent a significant amount of time in the Indian akharas (gyms) training with the pahalwans (wrestlers) and learned first hand from gurus whose lineage stretches back hundreds of years.

The benefit of Vyayam is that it not only creates immense power and strength, but also promotes longevity of physical activity by building healthy joints and ligaments. It is primarily a system of physical health that also creates practical strength.

In this 4-hour workshop, you will first learn the three foundational bodyweight exercises used by champion wrestlers. You will then learn how to load and use the gar nāl, a stone neck ring. You will also learn how to lift the nāl, an Indian lifting stone. 

Then, the focus will go to the gada, where you will work on perfecting the rumali mace swing. 

Finally, you will have the chance to learn how to use the samtola (Indian log bell) and the jori (pair of large wooden clubs). 

While some of the exercises have made their way to the USA, this is the first time that the complete system has been presented outside of India. Don't miss this chance to learn the secrets that made grappling legends like the Great Gama invincible.