WeaponUP Is Not a Program - It's a Practice

By Sabina
Apr 23, 2025

Practicing WeaponUP at Home
A lot of people have sincerely told me:
“I love the WeaponUP program!”
And I flinch a little bit. I totally get it though. It can look like a program from the outside—especially with our online studio offers like Ten Days to Sword Mastery or Foundations and Flow. 
But here’s the truth: WeaponUP is not a program. It’s a practice.

Let me explain.

A program has a beginning and an end.
It’s something you complete. You check the box. You lose the weight. You are done. You move on.

A practice is something you return to.
It grows with you. It shifts as you shift.
It’s something you come back to—on your strong days, your tired days, your “I just need to breathe and move” days.

WeaponUP Sword Yoga Fusion is designed to live in your body—not just your schedule.
Yes, we offer and will continue offering structured programs to help guide your journey. They’re incredible for getting started, staying focused, or building skills.
But they’re stepping stones—not the whole path.

Because this practice isn’t about finishing.
It’s about feeling.

It’s about learning how to move with your sword in a way that supports your strength, your rhythm, your confidence.
It’s about discovering new layers of grace, power, and presence every time you step on the mat.
It’s about giving your body a way to move that feels free, not forced.

And the beautiful thing?
All bodies are welcome here.
You can be brand new. You can be coming back after a break. You can be deep in your training.
Wherever you are, the practice meets you. And it has room for you to grow.

I’ve been training for years, and I’m still learning.
Still discovering new edges.
Still softening old patterns.
Still gaining new skills.
Still showing up.

So if you’re wondering whether WeaponUP is a program you can finish, the answer is: no.

It’s a practice you can come home to.

And if something in you is saying, “I want to try this…” — listen to that.

Join us in the studio.
Pick up a sword.
Start moving.
Not to complete something.
But to come back to yourself.

Wherever you are in your journey, you’re welcome here.
We’ll meet you on the mat.

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🗡️ 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

Living and Training like Shaolin Monk in the Mountains of China: Six Lessons that still serve me a decade later.

[The Great Wall of China]Over a decade ago, I made a choice that veered sharply from the expected path. At 20 years old my academic and personal struggles had culminated in a profound sense of failure, driving me to seek discipline and self-understanding far from what I was used to. This search for meaning led me to study as a Shaolin monk in a kung fu academy in the mountains of China, a decision that reshaped my understanding of life, discipline, and personal growth. It was there that I would grow the seeds for the six lessons that still remain with me, a decade later, a strong yoga practice and multiple external achievements. 1. The Power of Starting The initial steps of any journey are met with resistance, both external and internal. My arrival in China was fraught with challenges, from financial to physical disorientation. I was lost for 48 hours, afraid I signed up for a scam when I couldn’t find the school and was ready to hightail it back to Toronto that very first night. Yet, looking back, these obstacles underscored the first crucial lesson of perseverance at the onset of a new endeavor. Like a physical law, initiating movement requires overcoming inertia, teaching me the value of resilience from day one. Similarly in yoga practice the initial resistance we feel when trying a new pose is not just physical but also mental. Overcoming this inertia is our first victory. 2. There's No Single Way to Live Your Life Living among monks and other students, I realized the beauty of diversity in life's journeys. Our societal narratives often dictate a linear progression: education, career, family. However, witnessing all the diverse backgrounds and journeys of my fellow monks revealed the richness of embracing one's unique path. When you are unbound by conventional expectations, you begin to craft your own path, much like yoga practice allows you to listen to your body and follow that internal guidance. You also begin to see that what we have been told is not necessarily how it has to be. You can be unique and innovative in your approach to life, but often we are not because we have never been exposed to other walks of life that we find inspirational. I was lucky enough to enter a society outside the general narrative and find beauty in this school that taught me my path didn’t have to be linear. [Sabina training the Wudang sword with Master Wu.] 3. Perfect Practice makes Perfect True mastery comes from perfect practice, not just repetition. Everyday discipline and consistency in training showed me the distinction between mere practice and perfect practice. Committing fully to each moment rather than half-hearted participation, fostered not only skill but a profound inner transformation. This lesson in dedication and focus transcends physical training and applies universally to both professional and personal pursuits. It is the commitment and the discipline that you bring to a practice that transforms us. It's about giving our all, in every moment, to truly evolve. 4. Confidence Through Discipline The daily eight hour training schedule straightened more than just my posture; it strengthened my confidence. Putting myself through challenging situations and overcoming them every single day gave me a confidence nothing had given me to that point. It allowed me to stand tall, walk with pride and take up space without hesitation. Seeing these changes in myself and other students also highlighted the lesson that confidence does not come from empty words and affirmations, but from doing difficult things and overcoming them. Similarly with a dedicated yoga practice, self-confidence is a very positive side effect of asana. [Sabina during a power stretching training!] 5. Embrace Life with Lightness Perhaps the most surprising lesson came from observing the joy and lightness with which my most respected master approached life; a man in his seventies with the ability to do the splits as if he was 22. Despite the seriousness of our training, he taught me the importance of not taking oneself too seriously, placing laughter and light-heartedness even in the most serious tasks. This balance between discipline and joy has become a cornerstone of how I approach challenges and setbacks. It is also a reminder to approach our yoga practice with a light heart, finding joy in each breath and movement. The goal is to enjoy the journey not long after the destination. 6. Avoid Complacency The final lesson I learned was to never settle and never to rest on one’s laurels.  Being 'smart but lazy' was a trap I fell into, thinking talent alone was enough. But in yoga, as in life, continuous effort and dedication to growth are what truly define us. Reflecting on these lessons a decade later, their impact extends far beyond the physical confines of the academy. They have shaped my approach to life, work, and personal growth, serving as a compass through challenges and decisions. As I navigate the complexities of the world, the principles of discipline, resilience, authenticity, dedication, joy, and continuous effort remain my guiding lights. In sharing these lessons, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys, confront challenges with resilience and joy, and pursue personal growth with discipline and openness. Remember, the path to self-discovery and fulfillment is both arduous and beautiful, paved with lessons learned from every step of the journey.[Sabina during a kung fu grading in front of the different Shaolin masters.]

Sabina