Jerry Balderas
Through yoga poses and drills, I teach students to explore how yoga props can be used for bodywork techniques, including myofascial release, trigger point, active release therapy, and deep tissue massage.
Rewire the brain to break through old movement patterns.
I use range of motion exercises in conjunction with props to help people build awareness in latent/sleeping parts of the body, uncover unknown sensitivities, and bring health to muscles, connective tissue, and joints. Using this awareness we encourage the yoga practice to develop in a harmonious manner.
Main themes throughout my classes are learning to internally map the routes of the nervous system, honing in on subtle-body sensations, and creating/maintaining a state of active meditation.
Education
University of Texas
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish/Portuguese
Apprenticeship with Bekir Algan, Ph.D.
1999 – 2017
I apprenticed with Bekir Algan, co-founder of Austin Yoga, for 18 years.
His teachings were influenced by studies in structural engineering, Iyengar yoga, Macrobiotics, Ayurveda, Continuum, Vedanta, Aikido, and the Sufi teachings of creating sparks in the hearts of kindred spirits.
Through my studies with Bekir, I learned and continue the journey of opening a well-protected heart, internally mapping the routes of my nervous system, honing in on subtle body sensations, and maintaining a state of active meditation.
Through classical and innovative design and use of props, Bekir taught me to effectively “body-sculpt” students – teaching other to properly align their bodies then build the musculature to support a well-aligned skeleton.
My main studies have been supported by the phenomenal works of great yogis such as Patanjali, Svatmarama, Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, Jois, Scaravelli, Desikachar, Ghandhi as well as workshops with Senior Iyengar yoga teachers Gabriella Giubilaro, Ramanand Patel, Patricia Walden, Laurie Blakeney, Manuso Manos, and Joan White.
I give thanks to all of my teachers along the way!
Thank you for inspiring me and helping me get to where I am today.