At some point during the hectic workweek, we need to give ourselves permission to stop. Stop working. Stop worrying. Stop getting from here to there.
But this is often easier said than done, particularly for those of us who are a little more type A, energetic, or just can’t seem to sit still. (I know I am guilty of this).
Enter Mimi Rieger. Mimi is one DC’s most well known yogis, and has become somewhat of a Budokon evangelist in the District. Under her instruction, it somehow becomes easy to disconnect from the frenzy of the workweek, and replace it with a playful, spiritual, movement-based experience. She takes you through a rigorous workout; the physical as well as spiritual effects remain with you long after.
A Southern Girl
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mimi’s voice and hospitable demeanor drip with southern charm. But shrinking violet, she is not. Mimi currently teaches 30 classes a week, and long athletic resume includes budokon, kick boxing, tae kwon do, and dance.
“I broke up with my boyfriend after moving to DC and needed a way to channel my anger!,” Mimi jokes as we chat after her budokon class a few weeks ago.
In 1997, Mimi indeed moved to DC. As a former dancer and cheerleader, she loved to move and naturally drifted to intense activities like kickboxing. But after working in equally intense careers as a lobbyist, event planner, and real estate agent, Mimi turned to yoga.
Budokon Finds Mimi
Mimi discovered ashtanga and earned her teacher certification at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Tenleytown in 2003. One year later, Debra Perlson-Mishalove, the owner of Flow Yoga Center, connected her with Cameron Shayne, the founder of Budokon.
“Budokon was life changing,” Mimi says.
Mimi was determined to learn more about this practice, which she describes as “thoughtful, conscious, masterful movement” yet “playful and spirited”. She sought out Cameron Shayne and soon found herself in the four-phase budokon certification program in New York City, where she learned all 102 budokon moves in 200 hours of dedication. Back in DC, Mimi began taught part-time while working her 9-to-5 job, teaching about 12 classes a week.
But last year, Mimi took what she calls “the leap”. She quit her 9-to-5 job and began teaching Budokon full-time, leading 28 classes a week.
“It’s much better than working in an office,” says Mimi. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Photo Courtesy of ABC News Online
Mimi’s Budokon Community
“Great crow – nice work, Michael!” Mimi exclaims while encouraging her students. Her love for the practice and her students is evident from her classes, and the community that she has grown in DC.
A typical Budokon class has three sequential elements – a yoga sequence, a jiu-jitsu sequence (or ground fighting mixed with stand-up sparring), and a “play” sequence, where you stretch the body through a series of poses that resemble animal movements.
The tone of her class is as spiritual, determined, and playful as the three elements.
But what is perhaps most unique about her classes is the supportive, loving community she has grown. In a Mimi Rieger Budokon class, adults become kids again, laughing, playing, and utterly abandoning all notions that the world is a serious place. Students – who know each other by name – encourage and help one another through tougher moves, and applaud when someone masterfully completes a difficult move.
The class ends with laughter, after everyone completes a round of “monkey cartwheels” then awkwardly slides across the studio floor imitating dolphins.
Take Budokon Classes
It’s one of Mimi’s personal goals to spread awareness of Budokon, and to give this class to every gym and studio in the District.
Anyone interested in trying Budokon can take class with Mimi at The Studio DC near DuPont Circle, where she teaches classes on Saturdays at 1pm. Members of Results, Vida, and Balance Gyms can also take a Mimi Rieger class. Please see individual gym schedules for details.
Become a Budokon Teacher
For yogis interested in becoming a certified Budokon teacher, Mimi will be hosting a teacher training December 3-5, 2010 at the Vida Verizon Center. For more details about the training, visit Mimi’s website: PureFitnessDC.com.
Posted by: Kelly
