Budokon

If Chef Emeril Lagasse were standing in this yoga with a power kick class, he'd probably exclaim, "BAM!"

The latest trend in workouts is known as Budokon featuring spinning monkeys, leaping leopards, and floating frogs, according to writer Carolyn Poirot.

"Bu-do-kon translates directly from the Japanese as 'way of the spiritual warrior' and includes energetic martial arts movements along with yoga, mindful breathing, and meditation," said Poirot. "Now, Budokon Flow Yoga developed by Cameron Shayne, who taught Renee Russo how to kick, kung-fu style for the Lethal Weapon movie series, has spread from Hollywood to Fort Worth (Texas), Dallas, and much of the rest of the world."

If you live in Fort Worth, you can check out Budokon classes at Inursha Fitness at 525 Bailey Avenue. Classes are free with membership and are held at 12:15 Tuesdays and Thursdays. The phone number is 817-332-7554.

"It's not super challenging but it's fun," said Samantha, who just tried Budokon. "I particularly like the yoga portion."

Shayne can jump several feet in the air and kick a punching bag - not for beginners.

Floating lunges are next on the list of exertions for those in the class after they warm up. And, one writer who tried the class in London said that you do "feel the burn."

A typical class opens with a five-minute meditation to induce serenity then 40 minutes of yoga followed by 40 minutes of martial arts kicks to get the heart pumping then back to a closing five-minute meditation.

No classes are available in the UK yet, that is until Shayne gets finished teaching the first batch of teachers.

The high-energy, fast-paced classes supposedly also train your mind and spirit.

Much of the practice is about finding a center between your inner and outer world, creating strength in an expanded position. The result is more self-awareness.

If you're not up for the class yet, you can rent a Budokon DVD, which incorporates it all into a 40-minute workout. A fitness mat and yoga brick is recommended to go along with this power routine.

Shayne also has a weight loss program that goes along with the Budokon workout system, creating self-confidence and self-awareness like you've never felt before, according to literature. Shayne, a high-ranking Black Belt, is credited for orchestrating the fight scenes for Chris Tucker in the movies "Rush Hour" and "Rush Hour 2."

Budokon, nicknamed "a living art" by experts, was founded in 2000, and you can find DVDs at amazon.com.