YOGA BOU
Not just a yoga tool
WHAT IS YOGA BOU
Welcome to the Yoga Bou International page! Before you found us, you may have seen images and videos of this versatile tool on social media or heard your friends talk about it. Here is a brief introduction to Yoga Bou.
Yoga Bou (Bou translates to “Stick” in Japanese) was co-created by renowned Japanese yoga teacher Michiko Minegishi and Yogaworks Japan, one of Japan’s leading yoga prop manufacturers and organisers of yoga and fitness events.
Since its introduction in the late 2000s, Yoga Bou has been widely appreciated by many yoga practitioners for its remarkable effectiveness in aiding students with mobility issues, instilling confidence in both students and teachers across Japan.
Although it is relatively new to the rest of the world, the Yoga Bou community has spread steadily across Asia through our certified trainers. It was also introduced at the Asia Yoga Conference in Hong Kong, the Korea Yoga Fest, the Yoga Exhibition in London, and various events in Mainland China.
We welcome you to our Yoga Bou community!
WHY YOGA BOU
How does it work and its uniqueness
Traditionally, sticks have been used in yoga to refine postures. In pilates and other fitness training, sticks are often used as weights and tools to aid stability and mobility. Yoga Bou is a versatile tool that can be adapted to everyday practice, not limited to a yoga classroom. Our Yoga Bou trainers are yoga teachers, fitness trainers, mothers, bodyworkers, and caretakers who learned the techniques to help those around them and share their knowledge with their community.
After some time using the Bou, you may notice changes in moving and holding yourself. It is a tool that teaches us to do “LESS” and not “MORE,” which is a much-needed reminder to us all, given that we tend to overwork and live under tremendous amounts of stress. By understanding how much effort you need to move your body most efficiently and effectively, you will need less effort and the minimum stress on your joints.
LIGHT WEIGHT
Anywhere and Anytime
FAST AND EFFECTIVE
Instant Tension Remover
FOR ALL LEVELS
Beginners to Advanced
IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE
Feel Taller and Longer
TESTIMONIAL
"Yoga Bou has been a life changer. Being an architect I spend long hours at desk sitting in the same position. Spending 5 minutes during my break I can feel the tension melting away!"
N.L
"Yoga Bou has become an integral part of my life as it is the most effective tool for opening my chest and enhancing flexibility around the shoulder blades. After the practice, I feel more centred and grounded."
G.K
"I have been a user of the Bou for several years, and I have noticed how much difference it makes to my upper back when I cannot practice the Bou. I recommend Bou to everyone - young and older generations who wish to strengthen and improve their posture"
A.S
CERTIFICATION TRAINING COURSES
Learn to Master the Yoga Bou
8 HOUR ADVANCED TRAINING
After completing the Basic Training and digesting all the information, it’s time for your Advanced Level Training. We will discuss how to give optimum modification according to their conditions. Learn to increase/modify and add variations to the basic postures we have learned so we can sequence a multi-level class using Yoga Bou.
OUR CERTIFIED ADVANCED BOU TRAINERS
Anri Shiga
Yoga Bou Master Trainer
Actively sharing the healing practice of yoga since 2007, Anri is the only Yoga Bou Master Trainer outside of Japan with over 10,000 hours of teaching experience in Hong Kong, Japan, and mainland China. She believes that yoga is for everybody and loves to use tools that can make the practice accessible to all and maximise the effect. Yoga Bou is one of her favourite tools for her signature Neck and Shoulder Care class because the impact is immediate, and even for those unfamiliar with yoga, one can experience the benefits of yoga practice.
Anri teaches group and private sessions in Discovery Bay and Causeway Bay.
IG @Yoganri
Gloria Kong
Advanced Bou Trainer
Yoga Bou has been integral to Gloria's yoga journey for many years. Being in her 50s, Bou has been an incredibly effective tool for maintaining body alignment and enhancing flexibility, especially around the shoulder blades. The mindful movement and stretches it brings have helped her stay centred and grounded physically and mentally. Whether it’s a gentle flow or a challenging pose, Yoga Bou allows her to connect with her body, release tension, and find inner peace.
Keep exploring, learning, and finding joy in your practice!
Gloria teaches regular classes at HK Women Teachers' Organisation and private sessions at TST and Yau Ma Tei
IG @happyfacehappybou
Elisa Tam
Advanced Bou Trainer
Elisa is a dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher with ten years of experience. Her training in Alignment-based Hatha and Ashtanga yoga inspired her to emphasise the importance of alignment and breathing, which she believes are crucial for linking physical strength and mental health. Despite her extensive experience, Elisa remains a lifelong learner, continuously exploring new ways to keep her teaching fresh and inspiring.
Elisa is based at Pure Yoga Hong Kong for group and private sessions.
IG @elisatamyoga
Sally Tse
Advanced Bou Trainer
For Sally, yoga is much more than asana(poses) practice or physical activity, which the world has been focusing too much on. Yoga is a journey of self-awareness, a bible of how people should treat themselves and respect others.
Sally is amazed at how Yoga Bou helps build alignment, balance, strength and flexibility, and body awareness. She always feels relaxed and refreshed after a Yoga Bou class. Now, she is incorporating Yoga Bou into her Ashtanga and Yin teaching and practice.
Sally teaches group and private sessions on HK island.
IG @sallyogaworld
Stephanie Wu
Advanced Bou Trainer
Stephanie is a dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher who appreciates how various props can enhance the practice. Like any prop, Bou may take a while to get used to. However, she believes practitioners will feel more connected and aware of their bodies over time. Teaching with the Yoga Bou has sparked her creativity and led her to experiment more. She invites you to join her in their wellness journey and try it yourself!
Stephanie is teaching group classes at @imramayoga and private sessions.
IG @steph__onthemat
Fanny Chu
Advanced Bou Trainer
Fanny's teaching style is fun and lighthearted. From the first time she experienced the Bou, she immediately felt a connection with its power to improve health and increase inner awareness. She guides her students with wisdom and compassion for all age groups.
She offers group and private sessions on the Kowloon side.
IG @lohfannychu
Anna Wong
Advanced Bou Trainer
Anna worked in the media industry for years until she discovered yoga. She then started her Yoga studio, hoping to share the joy of practising Yoga with others.
Yoga Bou has benefited Anna’s practice by bringing awareness to alignment, and the therapeutic effect is greatly appreciated. Anna believes that with the help of Yoga Bou, everyone can access Yoga safely without thinking their body is not built for Yoga.
You can find Anna’s studio in Wanchai, which offers group and private classes.
IG:
@foodyogameditation
@ayogastudio.hk
Michelle Chow
Advanced Bou Trainer
TBC
Janice Wong
Advanced Bou Trainer
TBC
Adrienne Tin
Advanced Bou Trainer
Adrienne began her yoga journey in 2002 when she entered her first hot yoga class in Hong Kong to seek physical relaxation. Her interest developed in 2016 when she explored the connection between body, breath, and mind through various yoga practices, including the most recent Yoga Bou training with Anri.
Adrienne completed her 500-hour Advanced Teacher Training in 2019, the same year she began her teaching journey to share her passion and knowledge with her students. Her classes emphasise posture alignment to prevent injuries and find balance through body awareness, including asana, Yoga Bou, Pranayama, Meditation, Sound Therapy, and Kid’s Yoga to help with concentration and mindfulness.
Adrienne offers group and private sessions.
IG: @adriennetin
Samantha Yong
Advanced Bou Trainer
Samantha is a passionate and dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher who has been exploring the transformative power of yoga for the past 14 years. She has been teaching private yoga and in small groups, believing that yoga is not a "one-size-fits-all" practice. With personalised instruction and using yoga tools like Yoga Bou, she finds immense joy in witnessing her students discover and embark on their yoga journey.
Samantha offers private and small group sessions.
IG : @smyongsam
Ceris Wong
Advanced Bou Trainer
Sally Fong
Advanced Bou Trainer
Sally is a passionate holistic practitioner with over 15 years of practice and teaching experience. She enjoys inspiring others to guide her students on their well-being journeys. She provides recommendations and coaching while motivating them to find their inner peace and healthiest selves. Yoga Bou is one of her favourite tools for helping her students refine their body alignment and get physical and emotional relief.
Sally teaches in the HK Jockey Club clubhouse and provides private and small group sessions in Kowloon and NT taught in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.
IG: @sallyf_wellness