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.

More Articles To Enjoy

Where to get a sword for your WeaponUP sword yoga practice?

[Japanese style sword] Your guide to choosing the best sword for WeaponUP classes. Welcome to your one-stop guide for finding the perfect sword for your WeaponUP journey. Whether you're new to sword yoga or an experienced mover, the right sword makes a huge difference. Our practice is centered around the Kung Fu Jian (Tai Chi Straight Sword) — lightweight, semi-flexible, and designed to move with you like an extension of your body. Why the Jian Sword? At WeaponUP, we combine the fluidity of Vinyasa Yoga with the precision of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. The Jian sword adds rhythm, resistance, and grace to your practice. It's: • Lightweight & semi-flexible • Produces a beautiful 'whoosh' sound when swung • Makes us feel graceful, balanced and disciplined What Sword Length Do I Need? Here’s a quick chart to help you choose the right blade based on your height: Your Height                     | Sword Length Under 5'0 (152 cm)        | 26 inches 5'0 – 5'3 (152–160 cm) | 27.5 inches 5'3 – 5'6 (160–168 cm) | 29 inches 5'6 – 5'8 (168–173 cm) | 30.5 inches Above 5'8 (173+ cm)     | 32 inches Where to Buy Your Sword Around the World United States:  • We now offer a Sword + Membership Bundle directly through WeaponUP! Your sword and membership are delivered straight to your door! • Buy the bundle here: View Here  Canada:  • Wushu Straighsword (AliExpress): View Here Europe: • Flexible Straightsword (Dragon Sports EU): View Here  Australia: • Tai Chi Wushu Training Sword (Jinli Australia): View Here  Other Fun Options: • Training Swords (Foam/Wooden) – Great for complete beginners or kids • Lightsabers – Yes, you read that right! Some students love this twist Don’t overthink your first sword — just get started. If you are excited to make the sword  an extension of your body, you’re on the right track. Let us know once you’ve got your sword — we can’t wait to see you flow with it in class!  Still unsure? Drop us a message and we’ll help match you with the perfect blade.

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

The WeaponUP Balance Series

Welcome to our blog series where we highlight some of the different movements you can expect out of the WeaponUP practice. Kicking things off, let’s explore the world of WeaponUP Balance. This series is all about blending the stillness and focus of hatha yoga with the dynamic precision of straight sword postures. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a budding sword martial arts enthusiast, the WeaponUP Balance offers a unique challenge that bridges these two complementary practices beautifully. What Is The WeaponUP Balance Series? The WeaponUP Balance series is more than just your average workout; it’s a specialized approach created to enhance both mental and physical stability. By incorporating a straight sword into traditional balance postures, you’ll find yourself engaged in a practice that demands deep concentration and exceptional control. It sounds simple, but believe me, it’s quite the challenge. Incorporating the sword in these poses adds a new level of difficulty, helping you develop sharper focus and greater body awareness. Imagine holding your balance with the added weight of the sword—it really tests your core stability and mental focus! Photos From Our WeaponUP Encyclopaedia: Sword Tree and Sword Warrior Three [Sword Tree Pose (Vrksasana)] In “Sword Tree Pose”, you’ll experience a unique blend of stability and grace. Holding the sword overhead or by your side, this pose challenges your balance and engages your core like never before. The added (slight) weight of the sword enhances the traditional Tree Pose, requiring deeper focus and a stronger connection to your center.[Sword Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)] Sword Warrior III elevates the classic Warrior III pose by incorporating the straight sword. Extending the sword forward as you balance on one leg, this pose demands exceptional control and concentration. It intensifies the workout for your core and legs while fostering a heightened sense of body awareness and precision. Benefits Of The Balance Series: • Improved Focus and Concentration: Handling the sword requires your undivided attention, turning each session into a powerful mental exercise. • Enhanced Core Stability and Balance: Maintaining your posture while managing the sword really fires up those core muscles, more so than in traditional yoga practices. • Connection of Mind and Body: The deliberate and controlled movements foster a deep connection between your mind and body, enhancing the overall quality of your practice. Try This Five Minute WeaponUP Balance Flow with Me Join me for a quick flow where we go through key balance poses with the sword. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of how the sword integrates into and enhances yoga poses. [Free Five Minute Sword Yoga Flow] We’ve aimed to create a practice that helps both newcomers and seasoned practitioners refine their skills and embrace new challenges. I invite you to step onto the mat and experience the transformative power of the WeaponUP Balance for yourself. Whether you’re looking to enhance your martial arts technique or deepen your yoga practice, this series promises to bring new levels of stability and serenity to your routine.  Join us at WeaponUP and master the art of balance with the straight sword! Stay tuned for more from this blog series as we explore Flex, Sculpt, and Grace, each offering unique benefits and challenges to enhance your practice!

Sabina