How Sword Yoga Built My Confidence (And How It Can Build Yours Too!)

By Sabina
Apr 21, 2025
Sword Yoga Confidence
I used to second-guess myself all the time. Even after years of yoga and martial arts I sometimes felt as though I faked my confidence. I knew how to move—but I didn’t always feel strong inside.

That changed when I finally launched WeaponUP.

Sword yoga fusion—what we do here at WeaponUP—did something different. It gave me a way to practice confidence. Not just think about it. Not just fake it. But feel it, in my body.

And I’ve seen the same thing happen over and over again to hundreds of women in our global community.

They come to the practice unsure. Some feel awkward. Some haven’t moved in a while. Some don’t feel safe in their bodies. Some want to be the woman with the sword, but don’t think they have it in them. 

But within a few weeks? They’re standing taller. Breathing deeper. Owning their space. And yes, wielding their swords!

This is why I created WeaponUP. I wanted a space where women could train physically, emotionally, and mentally. Where we don’t just get fit—we get powerful.

Here’s how it works.

Sword yoga strengthens your whole body.

You move through deep stances, balance drills, and controlled sword flows. Your legs get stronger. Your posture improves. Your focus sharpens. And that physical mind-body connection? It shows up in how you walk through life.

Sword dance isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful.

When you move with a blade, even a practice one, you feel different. More alert. More graceful. More in control. Some have said, like a “valkyrie in training”.

And when you repeat these movements, over and over, your brain starts to believe it.

You don’t just look confident. You become confident. This is a mind-body practice that truly trains both.

Its a standing meditation. Sword yoga, like tai chi and martial arts, helps you regulate your nervous system. You breathe deeply. You stay focused. You learn how to stay calm and steady, even under pressure.

Confidence isn’t a personality trait. It’s a muscle.

And we train it here—every time we step onto the mat.

I’m not the same woman I was before launching WeaponUP.

I know my power.

And I want you to feel that too.

Let this be your invitation.

Come train with me. And start to move through the world like a woman who knows exactly who she is.

—

The Science Behind Sword Yoga and Confidence

Sword yoga fusion combines the mental health benefits of yoga, the structured discipline of sword training, and the fluid grace of tai chi. Here’s what the research shows:

  • Tai chi sword forms improve posture, coordination, and lower body strength, all of which contribute to stronger body awareness and female confidence.
  • Mind-body practices reduce stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and lowering cortisol.
  • Yoga and tai chi increase self-esteem and mood, helping women feel more grounded and emotionally regulated.
  • Even short movement sessions in strong postures boost energy and self-image—proven to outperform power poses in building confidence.
  • Movement practices involving rhythm and flow (like sword dance) improve mental clarity and emotional resilience.

More Articles To Enjoy

🗡️ How to Start Your Sword Yoga Practice: 10 Tips for Beginners

[Performing a Kung Fu Sword grading in front of Shaolin masters.] WeaponUP's sword yoga method blends vinyasa yoga with the kung fu and tai chi sword. Combining the core strengths of each of these practices has led to a fusion that looks and feels empowering, fun and maybe even a little intimidating!  Thats why I want to let you know that this practice is completely accessible to all bodies - whether you’re a seasoned practitioner of other art forms or haven't moved in a way you would have liked for a while. Here are ten essential tips to guide your journey to sword yoga bad a**ery: 1. Embrace the Beginner’s Mindset BEGIN. Thats the first step. Approach WeaponUP with curiosity and openness. It’s natural to feel challenged or weary initially, but remember that every expert was once a beginner. One of my favourite quotes is by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu and it sums up this first tip pretty perfectly. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step". So start! 2. Prioritise Consistency Over Intensity Like most people, when I get motivated to start something I think I have to go ALL IN! I need the latest gear, the latest gadgets, the best outfits and I have to do it at least an hour a day or more! This obviously causes fatigue and exhaustion and usually if I approach things this way I just give up before I even start. Focus on tiny goals at first. Just stepping on the mat for regular practice, even if brief, builds muscle memory and deepens your connection to the movements. Aim for short, consistent sessions rather than sporadic intense workouts. Don't overwhelm yourself before you even start! 3. Start and End With the Basics Strong foundations build strong warriors. This is the "Wax on Wax Off" theory. Focus on fundamental stances and movements before progressing into more dynamic flows. In WeaponUP’s Ten Days to Sword Mastery program, we guide you step-by-step through sword basics, including the positioning of your upper and lower body in key stances like Horse Stance. You’ll learn how each detail builds power, balance, and control. Shaolin Monks will train basics like Horse Stance for years even if they "have learned it". Some suggest that you practice just this stance everyday for six months and nothing else before moving on.  4.  Listen to Your Body Your body will speak to you — honor it. If a movement feels off, modify or pause. Sword Yoga is about building resilience, not forcing perfection. This is where WeaponUP differs quite strongly from traditional aspects of Kung Fu and Vinyasa Yoga. We want the WeaponUP practice to fit our body, not the other way around. This doesn't mean don't attempt things because you have the mis-conception that "you can't do it". It just means to listen to your body if the hurt just doesn't feel right.  5. Integrate "Victorious Breath" Into Your Movements Victorious Breath or Ocean Breath is your secret weapon. Also known as Ujjayi breath, this is a yoga breathing technique where air is inhaled and exhaled through the nose while slightly constricting the back of the throat. This constriction creates a hissing or whispering sound, often described as resembling the sound of the ocean. We leverage this technique throughout the WeaponUP practice to get us deeper into our stances, our strikes and to increase our mindfulness.  6. Use Modifications, Not Props At WeaponUP, the sword itself is your greatest tool. Instead of external props, we want you to leverage posture modifications that help build the strength and flexibility needed to fully express each movement over time. While many yoga traditions offer the use of props as a way to ease into the practice, my personal experience with this has always been that one never progresses if they continue using props over and over again. You can't know when you are able to go deeper if you immediately go for your props - because it becomes a habit! This is why I am a big fan of modifications for your practice rather than resorting to props. Trust yourself, you are building real capability with every practice.  7. Always Warm Up First Before you move into your sword sequences, or even the basics take a few minutes to warm up. Gentle stretching, some quick jumping jacks or the tried and true sun salutations will set the stage for a safe, powerful practice. Personally I like to start all my practices with three to five Sun Salutation A to get me warm and ready. But this doesn't have to be the case for you, anything that gets you slightly heated up will work - even some light jumping. 8. Train with the WeaponUP Online Studio Guidance matters — and that’s why the WeaponUP Online Studio exists. As the only Sword Yoga fusion platform in the world, WeaponUP gives you classes, structured programs, beginner-friendly series, and tutorials you can follow anytime, anywhere. You’re not practicing alone — you’re part of a growing movement. 9. Stay Hydrated and Light Before Practice Drink water and fuel lightly before your session. I personally prefer to not have eaten anything before practice, however every "body" is different. So listen to that and fuel yourself accordingly. 10. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection The true motto of WeaponUP is "practice makes progress". The more you celebrate that idea the more you will be able to continue coming back to the mat. You will not achieve perfection on day two or even day two hundred and thats okay, but you will progress. WeaponUP is not about chasing perfection — it’s about showing up, leveling up, and becoming stronger inside and out. Also learning some awesome moves along the way.  Ready to begin your journey? Grab your sword + membership bundle right here and I will see you on the mat! ✨ Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new fitness regimen if you have preexisting health conditions.

Sabina

What is Sword Yoga Fusion? A Beginners Guide To WeaponUP

[New Beginning] You've most likely heard of yoga and tried a class or two. Perhaps you have even seen some tai-chi practice videos. But sword yoga fusion, what we do at WeaponUP is something most people don't see coming. That’s exactly what makes it so special. This guide will walk you through what sword yoga fusion actually is, how it works, and why we biasedly think it's just be the most empowering movement practice you ever try. *** So… What Is Sword Yoga Fusion? At its core, WeaponUP is a powerful mind-body practice that blends the discipline and strength of martial arts with the breath, flow, and inner awareness of yoga and tai chi. And yes—we move with swords. Specifically, the jian: a Chinese straight sword known for its lightness, precision, and elegance. But don’t worry—this practice is absolutely accessible to beginners. You don’t need any martial arts background or fancy gear to begin. Just a willingness to try something new, move and feel the body in a new way. Our movements are slow and intentional. Or quick and powerful. Each sequence is designed to ground your body, build strength, improve coordination, and create a sense of inner calm and clarity. Inside the WeaponUP studio, we structure our classes around four signature series, each focused on a specific pillar of training: • Balance: These classes help you root into your body and build stability from the ground up. You’ll develop core control and steadiness—on the mat and off. • Flex: Gentle, breath-led flows that increase your flexibility, mobility and open your body without force. Flex is about creating space—both within your body and your mind. I love to see people that have never been able to get into a posture suddenly doing the splits! • Sculpt: Strength-focused sequences designed to build tone, endurance, and power. You’ll use your sword like a training tool—one that will help you meet your fitness goals! • Grace: These sessions bring elegance and rhythm into your practice. You’ll train coordination, timing, and flow, moving like a warrior and a dancer all at once. Together, these pillars form the full WeaponUP experience. They’re not just categories. They’re tools to help you explore your body and deepen your relationship with your own movement. From fitness to balance - we train it all.  Where Did This Come From? I created WeaponUP after years of training in Shaolin kung fu, tai chi, and yoga across China and India. I lived in traditional martial arts academies where I trained like a monk—and somewhere along the way, the sword became an extension of my body. It helped me feel powerful, focused, and deeply connected to my strength. But I didn’t want to recreate the same strict, inaccessible energy I found in many traditional spaces. Both in Shaolin kung fu and the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga lineage.  I wanted to create something that felt strong and fluid. Fierce and feminine. Something that combined my passion for yoga and its gentle opening power, and the strength and grace of the kung fu straight sword. WeaponUP was born from that desire—a space for anyone drawn to this path to reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and their inner power in a way that’s both grounded and free. How Is WeaponUP Different? WeaponUP isn’t your typical yoga class. It’s not martial arts in the traditional sense. And it’s not performance or dance, either. It’s a fusion—a modern blend focused on intentional movement that’s designed to meet you exactly where you are. We train: • Balance, with grounded stances and slow transitions that challenge stability • Flexibility, through gentle stretching and dynamic mobility work • Strength, using the sword as a resistance tool to sculpt your muscles • Weight loss, through a consistent movement practice • Coordination, by building fluid, flowing sequences that enhance control and grace • And most importantly, we build confidence—the kind that stays with you long after class ends. This is a practice that trains your nervous system, your focus, your body and your self-trust. Every movement becomes a chance to claim space and move through life fitter and with clarity.  What Kind of Sword Do You Use? We practice with the jian, a traditional Chinese straight sword that’s double-edged, lightweight, and beautifully responsive to movement. The swords we provide through the sword + membership bundle are specifically made for training—safe, durable, and accessible to all levels. They are not sharp and are meant for continuous training. There is no telling how many times I have hit myself with the sword, so not to worry! And if you’re just starting out? You can absolutely begin with a stick, a wooden dowel, an umbrella, or even your hands. The most important thing is the intention behind the movement. The sword will come later. 👉 (You can check out our sword guide and sizing chart here if you’re ready to choose your own.) What Are the Benefits of Sword Yoga Fusion? The benefits of this practice go far beyond the physical. Yes, you’ll build strength, tone your body, and improve your flexibility—but that’s just the beginning. Here’s what you can expect: • Improved posture, core strength, and spinal alignment • Increased balance and stability • Leaner and stronger legs, abs, arms, and shoulders • Weight loss through a fun, unique way of movement • Reduced stress and nervous system regulation • Enhanced focus, awareness, and emotional control • A serious boost in female confidence and body positivity • A new sense of flow, grace, and ease in your everyday life Most students notice a shift within the first few classes. They stand taller, breathe deeper, and move in an empowered way. How Do I Start? Getting started is simple—and we’ve designed everything to support beginners. Grab your sword + membership bundle, and start with one of our signature beginner pathways: • Ten Days to Sword Mastery – your structured introduction to foundational sword movements. • Foundations and Flow – a gentle but empowering series to help you move with more confidence and rhythm. You don’t need prior yoga or martial arts experience. You don’t need to be strong or flexible. You just need to show up—with curiosity and a willingness to try something new. Still unsure? Try our free intro class and feel it for yourself. Let your body decide. This Isn’t a Program. It’s a Practice. WeaponUP isn’t something you “complete.” It’s something you come back to—over and over again. It’s the kind of practice that evolves with you. On the days you feel powerful. On the days you feel uncertain. It’s not about checking a box. It’s about building something inside you that’s steady, lasting, and real. So if you’re craving movement that helps you feel strong and free… If you’re ready to reconnect with your body and own your space… Then pick up your sword. We’ll meet you on the mat.

Sabina

You Can Now Use Your HSA/FSA to Join WeaponUP!

[Celebrating HSA/FSA Eligibility] You asked, we delivered: WeaponUP is now HSA/FSA eligible! Thanks to our new partnership with Flex, you can now use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase your WeaponUP Membership or the Membership + Sword bundle. At WeaponUP, we believe movement is medicine. Sword yoga isn’t just about fitness—it’s about stress relief, coordination, confidence, and taking time for yourself. Now, you can use your pre-tax health benefits to support your practice. Here’s how it works: How to Pay with HSA/FSA • Select “Subscribe with HSA/FSA” during checkout.  • If you don’t have your HSA/FSA card handy, just use your regular credit card. Flex will email you an itemized receipt for easy reimbursement. • Your purchase will require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN)—Flex provides this automatically through an asynchronous telehealth visit at checkout. What’s Covered? • Membership Only – Monthly or Annual • Membership + Sword Bundle – Yes, your sword is covered too, as it’s a required tool for the WeaponUP method. • LOMN Fee – A one-time $15 fee applies for monthly subscriptions (covered by your HSA/FSA). For annual memberships, WeaponUP covers this for you. Questions You Might Have What if my card declines? Most HSA/FSA cards are debit cards, so check your balance if it’s not going through. Didn’t get your receipt? Email us at team@theweaponup.com and we’ll help right away. Using someone else’s card? The LOMN is issued in the name of the person who completes checkout. If you used someone else’s card, you’ll need to re-purchase under their name. Already a subscriber? Changing to HSA/FSA mid-plan isn’t supported yet. Reach out to us and we’ll help with next steps. Why WeaponUP Decided to Accept HSA/FSA Whether you’re a beginner or an avid practitioner of multiple movement forms we help you build strength and confidence through intentional movement—WeaponUP is more than fitness. It’s preventive care. Take advantage of your health benefits and invest in yourself—mind, body, and blade. Ready to start? Visit https://theweaponup.com/ to subscribe with HSA/FSA.

Sabina