June 2011
Sam Kas-Mikha
Here at Detroit Bikram we look for certain criteria when we
choose a student of the month. How long a student has been
practicing is not one of them. It doesn't matter if you have
been practicing for days, weeks, months, years, if you have the
passion and commitment to your yoga practice you have a great
chance of being picked! That's the case with our June
Student of the Month, Sam Kas-Mikha.
Sam is a busy entrepreneur of a successful Karate School, called
Champion Karate here
in Michigan. He is a Hall of Fame Martial Artist who is an
undefeated 6-time world kickboxing Champion in 6 different weight
classes. On top of that, he's also 8th Degree Black belt
Grand Master in Tae Kwon Do! WOW!… Not to mention he is also
a Bikram Yoga student!
Sam is fairly new to our Bikram Yoga family as he has only been
practicing since January 2011. When he took his first class he knew
it was life changing! Since then he has completed the 30 Day, 60
Day Challenges and still going strong.
As a health conscious athlete, Sam became curious with Bikram
Yoga with all the health benefits it has to offer, and as a
different form of exercise to add to his daily work out routine.
Sam is a model student who is always willing to work hard and try
his best to understand the postures and breathing exercises.
He knows that with his hard work and perseverance he will be able
to master his practice in no time!
What brought you to Bikram Yoga?
In January I was driving by and saw that the new studio in Troy
was open. I did some research, read about it and knew that this
could be good for me. The part that attracted me was the addition
of HEAT to the yoga room, it made sense. My body needed a different
form of exercise that was challenging both mentally and physically
at the same time. This was it! It's ABSOLUTELY
AWESOME!
How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
Since January 2011. At first I started with 4 days a week, then
there was the 30 Day Challenge, after that I did the 60 Day
Challenge. Now I don't know how many day's I've completed. All I
know is that I come everyday no matter what!
What have been your greatest benefits from your Bikram Yoga
practice?
I just love this practice, as it has benefited me in many ways
on a professional and personal level.
On a professional level, the instructors at Bikram Yoga have
each inspired me in how I teach my own classes. They have great
compassion for the students and always challenge you to go to your
"edge". I think that's just AWESOME. I have even taken some
of their quotes from class and use them when I teach my kickboxing
classes.
On a personal level, this practice has helped me in Martial Arts
in a BIG way! I have become more flexible, and focused as a result
of daily practice. As an athlete, it helps with my
conditioning, recovery, and not to mention breathing! In my
kickboxing routines, we do 3-minute rounds and 1-minute rest. I am
now able to recover quickly with only 30-second rest! Bikram Yoga
has made me feel healthy overall and in tip top shape for the next
match! I start my day with Bikram Yoga, and then I lift
weights, kick-box and then teach karate and kick boxing
classes.
What has been your toughest challenge?
The postures are AWESOME but tough, and doing them in 105
degrees is the biggest challenge. Not to mention "locking the
knees" and trying to balance. But I know if this practice wasn't
challenging, I would not be doing it!
What is your favorite posture? Least favorite?
FAVORITE: Fixed Firm Pose. This pose feels good and I know I'm
strengthening my knees when I do it!
LEAST FAVORITE: Well, there are two. The second part of Awkward
Pose, where we stand on our toes. Still can't get high enough and
Locust Pose where we bring our feet in the air… still working on
that one.
What are your future goals for your practice?
One day I would like to be a spokesperson for Bikram Yoga! I
want to put it more on the map with my Champion Karate School and
to let the whole world know how great this yoga truly is!
Any encouraging words to new students?
DON'T GIVE UP!
DON'T GIVE UP!
DON'T GIVE UP!
Any other points that you would like to share?
I'm just truly happy and humbled that Detroit Bikram has chosen
me as a Student of the Month. I will continue to be a great example
for Bikram Yoga. This practice has changed my life!
Thank you Sam for your commitment and inspiration!
Note: if you want to see Sam in action he competes next on
July 10th. Grand Master Sam "The Cat" Kas-Mikha vs. Rick
Ross. Click here to view
the event poster. We know he would love your support!
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