YogaJaya Workshops
Patrick Oancia
Patrick Oancia is the director of YogaJaya in Tokyo, Japan.
Patrick was born in Hong Kong in 1968 to a Spanish mother and a Romanian father. He was raised in Spain, and Canada, and has been based in Tokyo for 18 years.
Patrick has been immersed in practicing raja yoga since 1996. He has traveled around the world attending advanced, intensive workshops and study in several countries. He has studied various hatha yoga asana traditions including Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Sivananda as well as regularly practicing meditation (Dhyana) and breathing techniques (Pranayama). He has also studied yoga, Indian, Taoist, Sufi and Buddhist philosophy.
Not knowing much about yoga at the start, Pat has seen his practice gradually generate a complete transformation in the way he leads his life. He has moved into a style of living that has increased his level of awareness to the point that it has revolutionized the way he feels about being alive. He has become fascinated with the intelligence within the physical body and the powerful insights that can be brought forth through regular yoga practice.
He spent many years as a performing guitar player, singer/songwriter in alternative pop/rock bands in Tokyo and abroad. He is still active in music production, performance, composition and DJ-ing, as well as pursuing interests in all facets of design.
Patrick completed the Yoga Arts intensive formal teacher training and is certified as a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) under the International Yoga Alliance.
In addition to the yoga that Patrick teaches at YogaJaya public classes in Tokyo, he also develops curriculum based on a contemporary interpretation of yoga lifestyle, facilitates on teacher training programs, and holds workshops and retreats internationally.
Freestyle Hatha Yoga
The basis of Patrick's work is to elaborate on full integration of body dynamics, meditation, pranayama, and self-inquiry.
Patrick approaches teaching asana in various different ways to directly address different aspects of the physical practice and how that can manifest into practical life experience.
He combines dynamic vinyasa style sequencing with multiple posture variations for more of a heat intensive, purifying practice. Also integrating a more restorative yin style approach to induce a better understanding of how the practice can affect the meridian system and specific organs to enhance physical balance, inside out. Patrick will also encourage holding active postures for longer periods to stimulate and promote purification of the lymphatic system, aiding in complete physical detoxification.
This combination of free style hatha asana brings about a sense of balance in physical practice that complements a very meditative quality. In turn leading to improved physical well being, altered perceptions, and psycho-spiritual transformation.
Patrick encourages for people to persevere tapping into their own potential according to their respective processes through integrated life experience. He feels the physical yoga practice is just the tip of the iceberg!
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