From intense martial arts to acrobatic AcroYoga – Simon Kathan reports

Simon, the leap from martial arts to yoga is quite large, to say the least radical. How did this decision come about?

This question has been asked of me many times! After my many years in martial arts, for which I am also very grateful, I came to AcroYoga through the recommendation of a friend. I am really very happy with this decision - the intense training and the diets before the fights took a toll on my body. Wrestling is a very holistic, fair martial art that requires speed, technique, mental strength, and discipline, which made my transition to AcroYoga much easier. From the fair competition in martial arts, I now live and teach a sport where a harmonious, supportive togetherness is key.

AcroYoga is different from classical yoga. Can you explain it to us briefly?

I practice yoga for my body and mind. AcroYoga combines the art of acrobatics and yoga, where you always practice in community and rely on each other. In AcroYoga, we train in a self-strengthening community where trust, body awareness, and communication within the team play a significant role.

What sparked your passion for AcroYoga? What is special about it?

I love challenging acrobatic lifting figures and various technical transitions that can become quite demanding. Additionally, the exercises keep my partner and me fit and agile. The bodywork in AcroYoga strengthens my balance and body awareness. Moreover, I love collaborating with people. As a trainer, I can pass on my passion for AcroYoga to others, enhance their awareness, and make progress together, whether physically or mentally.

You as an athlete have already gained some experience in various areas. What role does nutrition play for you in sports?

I think it's like a motor: if you use the wrong fuel, it can't deliver the necessary performance in the long run. Since I want to be in top shape during training, a balanced and healthy diet is particularly important to me.

How did the first touchpoints with hemp foods and CBD products come about? What potential do you see in the hemp plant?

My former roommate brought hemp seeds and CBD oil to our home. The seeds are not only tasty and crunchy, but they are also versatile in the kitchen! The externally massaged CBD oil had a very pleasant effect. Curiosity was sparked, and through further research on these natural products, I became convinced to incorporate hemp products as food and cosmetics in my household.

What are your experiences with hemp foods and cosmetic hemp products with cannabidiol?

I feel empowered by the high-quality nutrients that hemp has to offer. It's incredible what is packed in those little hemp seeds. But hemp and CBD have also fully arrived in natural cosmetics. At the AcroYoga Base Camp, which I was able to host again this year, HANAFSAN was our main sponsor, and the feedback from all surveyed participants was truly more than just satisfactory.

What development does the image of the hemp plant still need to undergo, and what would you wish for?

Honest and scientific education in the media would be helpful and would certainly assist in making this plant with its wonderful active ingredients more socially acceptable.

Image source: © Simon Kathan