Prabu Yoga and Pranayama Class

Finally free from work and can come back to my blog. Quite some time not checking my email and have no update here. As such, overlooked an email from one of the ex-YZ Sri Petaling member who plan to invite Prabu (ex-YZ teacher) to come to KL for teaching.

In fact, I heard that Prabu has been back to Malaysia but wonder he is currently in KL. Anyway, this ex-YZ member has formed a small group and they will have a discussion at Bukit Jalil Park (Malaysia House) tomorrow (9th May) on this matter. Whoever interested, may conatact the persons below for further details:

1. Ms. Yee Ting @ 012-331 8002
2. Ms. Irene @ 012-305 2316

Looking forward the good news from them...

Inner Yoga

There is another new yoga studio just launched last week. It’s named “Inner Yoga” located at Menara Summit, Subang Jaya. They will have a soft launch at the looby of the Summit Shopping Mall this weekend on 28th & 29th Mar 2009 (Sat & Sun). Below are their simple leaflets or may visit their website www.inneryoga.com.my. Wish to visit them but will be outstation this weekend. Anyway, will try to visit them when I’m free, so that can update other yoga lovers here.

Earth Hour 8:30-9:30pm on 28 March 2009 Saturday

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald (a daily broadsheet newspaper published by Fairfax Media in Sydney, Australia) in 2007 with 2.2 million homes and businesses turning off their lights for an hour in between 7:30pm to 8:30pm on 31 Mar 2007 Saturday. Many Sydney icons were switched off for the hour including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House sails and the Luna Park face. According to Energy Australia, there was a 10.2% reduction in electricity consumption across the Sydney CBD for the 60 minutes Earth Hour 2007.

This event had grown into a global sustainability movement by the following year of 2008 and achieved worldwide participation up to 100 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In 2009, the Earth Hour will be at 8.30pm local time on 28 March, Saturday. Hope the people across the world to turn off their lights and join together in creating the vital conversation about the future of our precious planet. The iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to The Americas will stand in darkness at that one hour.

[Source: www.earthhour.org, Wikipedia, WWF Australia and Facebook Earth Hour Group]

Earth Hour is a message of hope and a message of action. It’s just as simple as a flick of the switch. So, lets join for the Earth Hour 2009 next Saturday (28 March 2009) from 8:30pm to 9:30pm and make a difference.

Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach more than one billion people in 1,000 cities around the world (sign up and be counted). They will send you newsletters filled with useful tips and a reminder for the big night.

Everybody, lets save our blue planet by turning off the light for an hour on 28 Mar 2009 8:30pm to 9:30pm. To Sign UP Now!

The End of Urban Yoga and Newborn Energy

I'm just away for 2 weeks, my blog already messed up by another war... Most of the comments under the title of "World Yoga Day 2009" against the yoga spirit or the meaning of this World Yoga Day, really sad :( Will spend some time to read all and spring clean it later!

[Wonder why the yogis in Malaysia couldn't practise yoga in peace...]

Beside the fire fighting, another yoga center is going off so fast, i.e. Urban Yoga. With effective Mar 2009, the new management (TSM) has taken over and renamed as "Energy". They also implemented new package fees @ RM168 per month unlimited for the public. Those existing members of Urban Yoga and anyone with a membership at any yoga or fitness center, can enjoy RM388 unlimited 3-month package. But a new joiner without any existing membership will be charged @ RM488 unlimited 3-month.

The Cheras outlet will be shifted to Tasik Selatan with effective May 2009 while the other 2 outlets at Kepong and Plaza Damas will be remained. This is due to expensive rental to occupy the entire 5th floor at Cheras Plaza and heard that this new building at the Tasik Selatan is the owner's property. I think cost saving is needed at this economic crisis, but wonder the location is fit to the customers' need. I went to the site but not too sure which building is it as they yet to put up any signage or banner. I just aware it is around the factory area behind the "Giant" or "UCSI" and below are few snapshots captured.

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World Yoga Day 2009 [Sunday on 8th Feb 2009]

World Yoga Day is a day where the yoga teachers and schools around the world will donate their time and space to a two hour yoga session which is devoted to human rights. The class should be held from 11:00am – 1:00pm sharp, local time in each time zone, which will lead to a 24-hour yoga marathon around the world.

This is a NON-Profit prject with with NO commercial interest involved. Students attending the event will donate whatever tuition they can afford. All contributions are welcome and also students who can't pay at all – the money is important to help victims of human right violation but so is the spirit.

Found that this campaign only started in year 2007 and Germany has the most yoga teachers and schools/centers participated. This year 2009 is the first time that Malaysia participated and I only found yogaloft and yoga365 from Malaysia in the list. I couldn’t even find any participant from Hong Kong and Singapore. No wonder some of the practitioners yet to aware of this meaningful event.

This idea was originated from Germany by a film director cum yoga teacher living in Berlin, named Samira. One Saturday morning after a long night with little sleep, Samira was counting milk bubbles in her Cappuccino when the idea for World Yoga Day popped out of nowhere. When the fabulous Sandra, Bjoern and Lei joined her the idea started to walk. The milk bubble count was 6844.

Sandra is a freelancing interaction designer and graphic design teacher living and working in Berlin, Germany. Of course she's an enthusiastic yogi too and always searching for projects that actually do make a difference.

Björn is an IT professional who also living in Berlin. He did his very best to set up this accessible website for Samiras great idea of a WORLD YOGA DAY for charity. Let this union of yogis become an energetic swarm and in 2008 Björn became an enthusiastic and certified Tantra Practitioner.

Below are the past and current World Yoga Day:

21st Jan 2007 (Sun)
In 2007, they joined forces with Medica mondiale (www.medicamondiale.org) to contribute to the elimination of violence against women and girls in Afghanistan.
Donation collected so far: US$19,731 / €14,657

3rd Feb 2008 (Sun)
While China is fast developing into a global super-power, the human rights situation in China is still cause for concern. Therefore, in 2008 World Yoga Day decided to support AI's Human Rights for China campaign
Donation collected so far: US$37,085.45 / €23,394.22

8th Feb 2009 (Sun)
This year they like to support people in Zimbabwe. The country has been deteriorated in the 28 years regime under Robert Mugabe and brought about massive suffering to its population.

For further details, you may visit their website at http://www.worldyogaday.net

Tribal Style Belly Dance

Happy New Year to everyone. Quite some time didn't drop any note here and miss you all. Thanks for some of your concerns and email greetings and I'm fine, just a bit busy and facing some challenges at work. Anyway, hope the year of OX 2009 brings everyone good health, great success and peace in practising yoga.

Just receive a piece of information about "Tribal Style Belly Dance" taught by Nanci Traynor. There will be a free trial class on this Sat at KLPAC and below are the details:

Date: 7th Feb 2009 (Saturday)

Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: KualaLumpur Performing Art Centre (KL Pac)

Website: www.klpac.com

Event: Tribal Belly Dance Class (18 years and above)
Host: Nanci Traynor

Contact: Yoga.dance.life@gmail.com

Description: Tribal Style Belly originated in San Francisco in the 1960’s. The movements of this style are based on traditional dance from North Africa, India and Eastern Europe. Tribal Belly Dance builds unity, creates feminine strength and gives a sense of belonging. The movements are improvised and performed in a group. Nanci Traynor has a special ability of simplifying movements so all students can understand.

It sounds interesting. Those yoga lovers who also love dancing, should pay a visit there... Below is a simple map to KL Pac.

On The Mat and Beyond A Healing Practice (2)

Just visited "On The Mat and Beyond" blog and found their schedule is very interesting. Hope they will have a great success in organising this special and meaningful event in the beginning of New Year 2009. They seem still need some vehicles, small lorries or vans for transportation from Rawang to Bakti Siti Hasmah building on the event day. Appreciate if anyone could help can contact them (Roslin Mohd Daud @ 012-3981229 / jeeszer@yahoo.com or Indra Widjanarko @ 016-3614888 / indra.widjanarko@gmail.com.

Below are the relevant simple route maps to the Bakti Siti Hasmah Building as an easy reference for those interested to participate this event on this coming Sun (4th Jan 2009).

Please click the above map to enlarge it for better view

On The Mat and Beyond A Healing Practice (1)

Lately, there are too many unhappy incidents happened in Malaysia Yoga World. At first, YogaZone (“YZ”) crisis started in Jun/Jul, followed by its Receivership in Aug and declared closure in Sep. Everything just happened too fast within a quarter (Q3 2008).

Now, it happened to yogaloft which should be a luxury yoga center with high end facilities has postponed their official opening due to internal problem and announced temporary closed for renovation. Luckily, they were willing to make a full cash refund to all the affected members with little compensation. So that the members’ hard earn money won’t get burnt again. No matter what is their internal business issue, the most important is none of the yoga friends / consumers being hurt.

There are too many negative chi lately and caused some very upset and disappointed. So, let start some POSITIVE chi now to light up everyone’s new hope. As usual, our nice bloggers here always send me useful information and the event that near to date is “On the Mat and Beyond - A Healing Practice”. This event is about a group of yoga teachers, practitioners, supporters and friends who got together and decided to organize a day of free yoga classes to a special group of people namely:

• the seniors - aged 50 years and above and beginners / first timers to yoga
• the blind and the hearing and speech impaired
• the critically and terminally ill
• stroke patients the physically disabled
• the overweight - BMI of 25 and above
• families and couples/partners

Their objective of this event is “to share their knowledge and skills with the participants so they could take the practice home with them. Through this event they hope to extend love and compassion transcending race and religion, tighten family ties and encourage healthy living.” Sounds great, right?

Due to this is a Charity event, they need some helps from the public for the items below for the event and also the volunteers (teachers and practitioners) on the event day on 4th Jan 2009.

• Yoga mats*
• Yoga blocks*
• Yoga belts*
• Steel chairs*
• Wheelchairs*
• Blankets*
• Bolsters*
• Bottled water
• Food items
• Teachers for advice and consultation on the sequence for the special groups and to lead and assist with the classes
• Sign language translators
• Volunteers on the event day
• Any other contribution i.e. publicity and word of mouth

* These items can be on loan or sponsorship/donation, new or used ones. The sponsored/donated items will be sold to the participants at the end of the event and the collection forwarded to the needy.

Below are the date, time, venue and contact persons and you may surf their website/blog for further details.

Date: 4 January 2009 (Sunday)

Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Venue: Main Hall, Ground Floor, Block B, Bakti Siti Hasmah Building, No. 6 Cangkat Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Website: http://onthematandbeyond.blogspot.com

Contact Persons: Roslin Mohd Daud +6 012 398 1229 (jeeszer@yahoo.com) OR Indra Widjanarko @ +6 016 361 4888 (indra.widjanarko@gmail.com)

Let start a good cause for year 2009 and have a brighter future in Yoga World Malaysia. CHEERS ^_^

Tribunal for Consumer Claims - YogaZone Case

Please click the above image to enlarge it for better viewing or easy reading

There are so many kind bloggers here always help me in updating this blog with latest news and events. Their efforts and contribution make this blog more informative. Really appreciate their kindness and helpfulness all the time. THANK YOU.

One of the regular bloggers updated that the Sinchew Daily dated 11th Dec (yesterday) published a small column about the winning case of the Tribunal claim of YogaZone's incident. Another one of them has sent me the above scanned news as I couldn't find it online.

I'm not so good in Chinese and hope my translation below is right, otherwise please send in your comment and correction.

It stated that a well known yoga center was closed in Sep 2008 and a number of the affected members have filed in their calims in the Tribunal lately to claim the refund of their paid membership fees from the owner of this yoga center. Majority of the cases received by Tribunal for Consmer Claimsin Kuala Lumpur this week are this Yoga Center case.

Claimants:

• Accountant (37 year-old)
  Staying at Sri Petaling and she has signed up a life package on 26th Apr at RM3,500.

• Bank Staff (30 year-old)
  Also staying at sri Petaling and she has signed up on 1st Jun. prepaid RM2,500.

• Planner (25 year-old)
  Signed up at Kepong branch on 20th Jun at the fee of RM1,116. The package is for one year and free another 6 months.

• Engineer
  This engineer signed up on 1st Oct this year and later found that the yoga center was already closed. As such, he appeal a refund of RM1,116.
  (Comment: I thought by mid of Sep, a number of victims already started to file their claims to the Tribunal and the Receiver declared closure with the notice in YogaZone’s website on 25 Sep 2008. By 1st Oct, the affected outlet space in Plaza Damas and Kepong were taken over by Urban Yoga. So, wonder which outlet this engineer had signed up the package on 1st Oct…?)

• Business Woman
  This business lady has signed up a “Golden Circle” package and paid RM5,888. She claimed that the yoga center was closed and unable to deliver services, as such appeal for full refund.
  

The defendant was absent and the above five claimants won the case with total amount of RM14,120.

The whole article never mentioned about the name of YogaZone, but we all aware that the only well known yoga center in Malaysia declared closure in Sep 2008 is YogaZone.

My concern here is although these five claimants have won the case but will they successfully get back their refund as the defendant was not even to take his responsibility to attend the court for hearing and YogaZone has already been declared closure. So, how are they going to get the refund? Would appreciate if any victim of YogaZone has successfully claimed their hard earn money could share with us here as there are still many victims out there looking for justice... THANKS!

Stop The War in Yoga World

I’m extremely tired and my eyes sore these few days. Seems like no time to have a good rest over the long weekend as busy monitoring and filtering this blog. What happened? Instead of having a long holidays break, I took my 3 days off at home to read all the published and unpublished (filtered and censored) comments and a number of emails from the bloggers (yoga teachers, yoga practitioners from KL and Malacca and other yoga centers) and other blog’s owner as well. I spent time to read every comment and email carefully and replied accordingly. Never being that busy and hard working on all these non-work related and non-profitable activities, just because of interest and “I love yoga”.

I might not right all the time (otherwise I won’t be conned by YZ as well), but I think I’m at the position that need to say something after receiving so many emails and comments (both published and unpublished due to unethical) from different groups of people.

- I found that some people kept on trying to misuse other people’s name or identity to post all the nonsense and garbage here. It was not co-incident that different person having with the same name or the actual person written the comment. They misused the ex-YogaZone teachers’ names to start the war. Ken Lim (ex-YZ’s chief pilates), Ethan (pilates teacher), Ethan’s wife / Siew Ming, Serena (ex-YZ yoga teacher), Leric (ex-YZ yoga teacher) and Mr. Jason from yogaloft names have been misused. All the posts by these culprits been censored.

- The same comments kept on being posted repeatedly by different names. The culprits kept on trying to post the same comment with different identities due to I have filtered and censored some of the unethical comments.

Some talking bad about yogalofts on how the tricks similar like YogaZone but also few came out and told that someone trying to take advantage by jeopardizing yogaloft. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Anyway, below is my personal view towards this yogaloft’s incident and in fact I have posted the same in replying one of Zen’s comment.

- etsu wellness is being responsible on whatever their internal problems that caused the delay in opening and need to closed in Dec for renovation. They reacted fast and got the matter solved within a week. All the members are allowed to opt for full refund in cash. Although this full refund couldn’t reimburse the members’ intangible loss such as mentally stress, at least they didn’t con members’ monies and made the members relief from further worries. Unlike YZ, never got the problems solved in months while members trusted YZ & TJ so much and were patiently waiting for it… (Doubt: etsu wellnes is not that irresponsible…)

- As per Zen’s comment, the company paid the salaries to everyone except 2 teachers. (Doubt: If the company refused to pay and playing trick, they should hold all the employees’ salaries like YZ…)

- I’m not here to query or doubt on Zen’s comment neither siding etsu wellness/yogaloft. But noticed that too many conflicts on all the comments and emails and each party told different story - “公说公有理，婆说婆有理” (not good in Chinese and hope don’t quote wrongly).

===========================================================
To all my dear yogalover friends,

We don’t really know what was actually has been happened in between both parties. So, as a third party, I think we are not in the good position to comment or just to side either party (to be fair). Let time to prove everything and the justice will tell one day.

Since all the members have got back the cash refund and a little compensation (yoga mat @ RM1 and a free serum), you would not lose anything if yogaloft really can’t open their studio. Although your intangible loss such as mentally stress over the week and your time could not be compensated, they never con your money. If you are the ex-YZ members, you should remember how bad the incidents was compared to this and none of us got back a single cent of refund after suffering for months (in term of mentally stress, time consuming and monies – traveling here and there for checking and some even paid up additional RM99 hoping there would have a change). I’m sorry that not intentionally to remind about this sad experience but just would like all to be positive looking at this incident which considered much lucky where all the refund are in cash within a week.

If yogaloft can be opened as told by their management, then just you further judge and decide whether to join or not. It is your decision.

If we really start the war here, it will only make the yoga in Malaysia looks ugly and create a bad cause or karma in influencing some practitioners losing their confidence in yoga. Then, the yoga war creator would be the winner that achieved their goal in screwing up the peace of yoga world here.

We just want yoga and hope no further complication in yoga. So, please again look forwards and let hands in hands to rebuild the confidence and the yoga world in Malaysia. The little good effort from every yoga practitioner (teachers and students) will contribute towards this goal which I believe all of us wish to have it achieved.

I will continue posting other yoga centers information here (in fact found another yoga center in Puchong and PJ) and will try to get more yoga relevant articles or topics to discuss. Let start a POSITIVE force from now onwards. CHEERS ^_^

yogaloft (5) - Refund is Allowed

Dear yogaloft members,

Just received a call from Ms Ellen (in fact she is the PR & Marketing of etsu wellness for beauty product and help in yogaloft setup). She clarified that:

- They have appointed a consultant team for the yogaloft setup project. This consultant team in charged in the design, construction, renovation and webpage design. But there is something happened between etsu well and this consultant team and they have to close the outlet temporary and also the webpage shown blank and they couldn't do anything as this webpage is registered under this consultant and controlled by them.

- Only one of the staff was terminated due to mis-conducted while other teachers and ambassadors were resigned by temselves. All the cheques are cashable and not bounced (I think only the cheque receivers know about this...)

- They are busy calling all the affected members to offer either refund or leave the deposit with them till the yogaloft opening but will offer them a compensation package if choosing this option.

- Initially refund is in term of checque but due to some negative comments in my blog and members' worries, they agree to refund by cash as well now.

- etsu wellness is taking legal action against the consultant team and will engage another new team to continue the setup. But due to the festive season now, believe everyting will be delayed as most of the contractors are busy.

I did ask her to claify this in my blog here to give an assurance and comfort the affected members but she said they don't want to make this issue more complicated. They have called the affected members and ready to refund. Action will be taken.

I found a lot of negative comments and some people trying to put on fire here. I'm not siding yogaloft (otherwise I won't post this issue here and glad that they are willing to refund) but just only concern all my yoga friends' benefits. So, I would say those affected yoga friend better take an immediate action to contact Ms Carine from etsu wellness @ 03-7880 2210 to arrnge for a cash refund since they willing to do so at the moment. If whatever etsu wellness claim is true and you still interested to join them, you can pay them again upon their official opening (when you can see something solid from them).

I would apprerciate those affected members do update us here that whether it is true you manage to get a full refund as Ms Ellen assured me they are doing so but some people keep on saying the members are conned without any refund from etsu wellness. I just hope fairness and truth. Otherwise, those simply accused are te one causing the worries to the affected members.

This is the best we can do at the moment.


p/s: please do offer your helping hands instead of putting on anymore fire to the affected members as we should sympathise to them being caught in this situation again. Hope they can really get a full refund on their hard earn money.

yogaloft (4) - Closed in Dec for Renovation?

Got a big SHOCK this early morning when login to my blog read all the comments that yogaloft is wind up; closed in Dec for renovation; members tried calling yogaloft (03-7875 5848) for the past 2 days but no one picked up the calls; all the dedicated teachers such as Dawid, Zen, Sean and etc were terminated by the company without prior notice; the ambassadors' email accounts were removed and etc. Is it True?

My first reaction was have to call Ms Ellen from yogaloft for clarification. She was the one got my contact number from an ex-YZ teacher and contacted me for the first time on 5th Nov morning with a courtesy request to remove the press conference invitation from my blog due to some typo error [which I posted on 4th Nov 2008 with the title "yogaloft (1)"]. She also gave me another courtesy call on Monday morning (1st Dec) that requested not to publish the studio photos first as it is still under renovation (I did ask permission when taken the photos).

Anyway, have called her and been told that it is not true that to wind up yogaloft but it is closed for the month of Dec 2008 for full renovation. It will be reopened in Jan 2009 and all the members are already being notified via calls from yogaloft and none of the teachers is being terminated. But I was in doubt why the members were so anxious and worried with the above comments if they were already being notified. So, I asked for a contact number which allow members to call for further clarification. She is kind and helpful during the conversation and gave me the HQ number @ 03-7880 2210 [same number as given by an Anonymous posted in the post of "yogaloft (2)] and look for Ms Carine who is the HR Manager. I just wonder why to contact a HR Manager instead of a Sale or PR Manager... But, I didn't ask further as my mind was so busy thinking so much thing - what happen to the members that have signed up and paid such an expensive deposit. I don't hope this would be the second YZ case that Money is Conned in Yoga. It is not easy for those yoga practitioners that being conned one time and regain the confidence to join another yoga center just with one objective, i.e. continue yoga practice. PLEASE, PLEASE, don't hurt them for second time.

Thereafter, I login to my Gmail to check whether any update (as some of the bloggers are nice to update me via emails from time to time) about this issue before I could post it here. I got a second SHOCK.

One of the regular bloggers here (she is an ex-YZ member who has recently signed up and paid to yogaloft) sent me a long email telling about this issue. Just to summarise it, Zen (ex-YZ teacher who is working with yogaloft) called her late last night and told that she has just lodged a police report against yogaloft. She also told that TJ was one of the team helped in setting up the studios but was being kicked off now. The ex-YZ teachers (of course Zen and believed others could be Dawid, Sean and etc.) are siding TJ and already resigned and etc.

It was a long story like another drama after YogaZone. In fact, I don't intend to mention anything about TJ as every time his name appear here, for sure a war will start. Anyway, don't wish to reveal any of their politics there but only CONCERN about the members that have signed up and paid. It would be better to further clarify with them as members were told that they would enjoy unlimited free classes in Dec if they signed up. The package sound nice as "attend first and pay later". But, upfront members already paid a huge sum of deposit, 1 month downpayment and some administration fees. So, it would be better to have a clearer picture of this yoga center as they should take care of the signed up members' benefits.

Dear yogaloft members, please do update here if anyone of you manage to find out further reliable clarification from yogaloft as all the signed up members are worried. Hope everyone would be fine and appreciate if any of the yogaloft personnel or the teachers that beinng claimed that have been terminated by the company could post your comments here as clarification. THANK YOU!

May GOD bless everyone. Yogis just want yoga for health, so please don't fool us...

yogaloft (3)

Finally able to schedule my time to visit yogaloft at Plaza Kelana Jaya, PJ this morning. However, a bit disappointed as the outlet has nothing much to view as mainly is under renovation. Only one studio is ready for classes. Anyway, Sean is very helpful in briefing the package and brought me to visit the whole outlet although it is in a mess. He tried his best to describe, so I have to try to visualise and imagine it. Should be nice when it is ready.

According to him, it will be ready and officially launch in Jan 2009. So, just wait for it and to visit again when it is fully renovated. Below are some information and guide to the place as there is no banner leading to their studio yet. I have to ask around to reach the destination.

Google Map showing the location of Plaza Kelana Jaya

Please click on the above map to enlarge it for easy viewing

From LDP-Puchong highway, you will pass by "Western Digital" on your left and no far later you will see a football field and "PKNS" on left as well. Please keep to the left lane and be ready to turn left once you see a small sign board states Plaza Kelana Jaya. You will see some shoplots before the junction.

Once you have turned left, the right side is a nice garden and the left side is Plaza Kelana Jaya. There is a big sign "PLAZA Kelana Jaya" as shown in the photo below, turn left and this is "Jalan SS 7/13A" which leading to the car park of Plaza Kelana Jaya.

The main entrance is at first floor. So, you may walk up through the staircase next to a restaurant named "Rumahku". Once you reached the first floor, you may see a new building under construction next to Plaza Kelana Jaya on your left (as shown in the photo). Turn right and you will see the yogaloft big logo placed outside their shop (refer to the photos below).

This is the main entrance view where you can see a very nice yogaloft words placed in front of their shop.

This is the reception. You will see it once you enter from the main entrance. It is at first floor of the shop and the only ready studio for classes now is located at this floor.

There are four indoor studios where only one is ready for classes now while the other three are still under renovation. According to them, they are planning to have an outdoor studio. If not mistaken, I read about this outdoor studio in their earlier webpage.

The only ready studio is nice and facing to the lake view. All the studios are located at first and second floors while the ground floor are the shower and changing place (not ready yet as it is still under renovation and in the dark, no light at all and can't see anything).

The biggest studio facing the lake view and the flooring is white colour. There is another small studio for Yin and Meditation classes. There is also a Hot Yoga studio with heaters. The flooring is brown colour and it is different from the other 3 studios' flooring. Anyway, it is still under renovation.

[NOTE: Modified on 2nd Dec 2008 @ 2:00pm and the photos of the studios are removed as it is still under renovation. Might re-post it in future when it is ready, if there is an opportunity. Anyway, apologise for any inconvenience caused to you and if you wish to view it, you may actually pay a visit personally. A brief roadmap and guide are provided above. THANK YOU ^_^ Yogalover]

The 3-storey shop is facing the lake and here have few snapshots taken outside the studio (it is a back view).

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Package

I hope I can remember the whole package and some important points that really need to take note as they disallowed me to have the brief copy of the package. I'm not as lucky as some friends here that have some powerpoint slide show to view. Anyway, I'm not to disclose any of their material as no brochure nor leaflet been given, so just can share as much as I know and what I can remember. For further detail, then you have to visit them personally...

RM128 (1 month prepayment, will be offset the last month fee when termination happened)

RM200 (Refundable Deposit)
RM100 (Yearly Administration Fee)
RM50 (I-Card)
---------
RM478 (Total) + Optional RM1 (for a mat which worth RM199)
=====

Note:
- First time enrolment charge is at a total of RM478 and plus another RM1 for a Yoga Mat worth RM199. For those practitioners that yet to have a mat, be reminded to take this RM1 offered mat if you decided to sign up as their stutios don't provide any mat.

- Basic monthly fee is RM128 but it is only valid for a maximum of 10 hours. Additional hour will be charged @ RM10 per hour. Please note that certain classes would be 1 and a half hours.

- They told that their concept is similar to Maxis and touch&go where deposit is needed and total bill will be sent to the members by end of the month based on the total usage such as total hours of classes attended, other facilities used and other consumption. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card.

- Early Bird will enjoy FREE unlimited classes for the month of Dec 2008 as their outlet is not fully in operation. Besides, members will also enjoy RM100 credit limit in their Deposit account.

- Please take note on the purpose of this "Refundable Deposit". The deposited amount allow your I-Card to swipe freely on whatever charges beside the RM128 monthly basic package. Once you exit the limit, the I-Card would not allow any transaction and you have to pay by cash or credit card on that particular transaction. Sounds complicated. Okay, example:

If you are an regular practitioner have attended 35 hours classes and have a credit of RM50 for any of the facilities, and you wish to attend another class but your I-Card would not get the transaction thru successfully as your credit limit is hitted (similar to our Credit Card Limit).

Reason: Your Deposit of RM300 (RM200 paid by you upon registration and RM100 credit limit given by yogaloft for Early Bird members). First 10 hours classes @ RM128, additional 25 hours classes @ RM250 plus RM50 usage on facilities. Once you have settled your total bill of RM428 (RM128 + RM300) by end of the month, then your Deposit amount resume at RM300 again.

This Deposit is like our Credit Card limit and you may top up the Deposit amount to more than RM200 as required if you think you may have heavy consumption there.

Hope the explanation above is clear...

This is a sample of free etsu wellness caviar luxe mask for any first time visitor.

Yoga Ban

I was just out of town for 3 days and is shocked to know such a big news this morning that Fatwa Council banning Muslim for yoga practice as worshipping and chanting are prohibited in Islam. This subject make me recall a post in Yogajess with the title "Christianity and Yoga". It seems YOGA become a religious topic.

Today's STAR paper with the subject "Yoga Fatwa on Hold" that the implementation of the fatwa (edict) banning the practice of yoga by Muslims has been put on hold in two states - Selangor and Perak. The other subject "Give alternative version of yoga, says Perlis Mufti" where Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainul Abidin said the National Fatwa Council should have offered an alternative version of yoga instead of banning Muslims from practising the ancient form of exercise. He said “Yoga practitioners who are Muslims should be given an alternative by practising a version of yoga that does not resemble the version practised by other religions,” he said, adding that chanting while practising the exercise should also be stripped.

I'm NOT here to post this topic for debating the Fatwa, but just concern and caring about the Muslim yogis teachers and friends. I just read a comment from a Muslim friend at my earlier post "yogaloft (2)" as below:

ramuna bt arun said...
or try to create a flow of yoga that can be completely non-chanting,non-woshipping. actually as a democratic country, i believe government should set the rules to govern the yoga studios than banning Muslims to practice yoga, i have been practicing yoga for 5 years and it made me more faithful to my religion and more loving to my family. I believe yoga is a teaching, just like "pendidikan moral" in school, nothing more than that.
November 23, 2008 2:18 PM

I think those comercialised yoga centers are teaching yoga as one of the fitness or health features. I found the classes they have mainly on asana (physical movement - exercise) and could have few pranayama classes. May be some of those small individual groups of non-profit yoga teaching that focus and concentrate on meditation could have involvement on worshipping and chanting...

You may find more relevant articles are posted in Ninie's blog.

yogaloft (2)

Everyone is so excited and concerned about yogaloft's packages. I just received an e-letter from them and believed those have ealier registered at their website received the same. It briefly tells about the package and also their introduction trial calsses called "HELLO" classes from 21th to 23th Nov 2008. So, plan your schedule ahead and attend their "HELLO" class to experience it and share with us thereafter.

Below is the e-letter received and please click on it for better viewing. You may also find the same from yogaloft's website now as they just uploaded it.

Just be updated that there are slight changes on the schedule for Sat (22nd Nov) and Sun (23rd Nov) noon and evening classes. The 7:00pm class is cancelled but additional 1 class at 12:30pm. I have re-attached the revised e-letter below for your easy reference. [updated on 21 Nov 2008 @ 10:00pm]

Please click on the above image to enlarge it for easy reading

Beside the e-letter, I have also received an email from SH (my regular visitor) who is so kind to share the details of yogaloft's package. Below is the email content:
================================================
The fee structure is quite similar to Astro or telephone bill.

Initial Package Price
The package comprises of :
1) Admin fee @ RM100
2) Refundable deposit @ RM200
3) I-card @ RM 50
4) 1month deposit @ RM128
5) December fee @ RM128

In total, an initial charge @ RM606 and you may pay RM1 to purcharse yogaloft mat which retail price @ RM199 (washable in washing machine. It is white colour and limited stock available.

You can get - Free class during November & unlimited class in December. Once you have signed up, you have to commit to 1 year. Otherwise, a penalty fee is imposed for breach of contract! (plese further clasrify this term with the consulatant there face to face for a better understanding).

Monthly Basic Package
Basic package: RM128/month for 10 hours (RM128 is minimum charge even if you attend less than 10 hours)
Additional hour after the 10th hour, will charge @ RM10 per hour

Example:
If you attend a total of 15hour in the month of Dec, they will charge you RM128 for the 1st 10 hour and subsequent 5hour @ 5hour x RM10 = RM50. So they will send you a bill of total RM178 in the end of the month or following month.

I-Card
yogaloft practices paperless. All the expenses will be using I-card. Every time your entry to class, u need to swipe the card including the massage, cafeteria & purchase of book from their store. All will be using that I-card. At the end of the month, they will bill according to your spending which recorded in the I-card.

Points Collection
You will also get points on your spending (like Genting point or Bonuslink). So you can redeem gifts by the points collected. If you recommend friend to join, extra points will be given.

Easy e-Booking Services
If you have signed up the membership, you can book the class through online even the place you want to be at (the mat location in the studio). A maximum practitioners per class is at 25, not more than that!

Actually very soon, yogaloft will be getting more outlet, but Nicole refuse to let me know!

Ok, this is the general information and their colour is WHITE!

==================================
Hi SH,

I have slightly modified your email but content remained. Hope you won’t mind… Once again, thanks for your useful information. CHEERS ^_^

===============================
Message to all my dear readers,

I will be attending a 3 full days seminar from 22th to 24th Nov. As such, would not be able to further update you all during this period but will definitely revert as soon as I'm back on 25th Nov (Tue).

Wish you all enjoy your weekend calsses at your respective studios including the "Hello" Classes at yogaloft and also have a nice weekend. CHEERS ^_^

Yoga Centers at Klang Valley

The yoga business is getting more competitive since the official closure of YogaZone and YFitness. There are so many new established and upcoming yoga and fitness centers within Klang Valley these few months since August 2008, such as Life Yoga (Cheras), Light Yoga (Cheras), Yoga Mind (Kepong), Ojas Yoga (Bukit Jalil), YingYang Yoga (Poolside at Bukit Ceylon, KL), Urban Yoga (Kepong, Plaza Damas and Cheras), Yogasana Studio (Puchong), CHI Fitness (Centro Klang) and yogaloft (PJ).

At the same time, some of the existing yoga centers are also refurbishing, relocating or expanding their studios and this may help to grab some of the ex-YogaZone students.

Les Studio was shifted from Klang to PJ and so coincident it is located near to yogaloft's new setup studio. Believe it will be very competitive for them now as yogaloft is backed up by a well known established beauty company (etsu wellness) with huge capital (RM2.8 million investment as announced). Anyway, all consumers have different kind of needs and each business targets at their niche market. Like what "Blue Ocean" teaches to create own niche market and don't be caught in Red Ocean. Air Asia is a very good success story. (Ops... sorry that out of topic)

One Yoga was earlier informed their members that they are going to shift their studio from Kuchai Entrepreneur Park to Esplanade Arcade, Bukit Jalil due to the landlord at Kuchai Lama didn’t want to further extend the rental agreement. Moreover, the new 3-storey shoplot at the Esplanade Arcade is fully owned by them. They originally planned to open this new studio in Nov but later postponed to Dec 2008. However, just received a good news from them that they will remain the outlet at Kuchai Lama while the new studio at Bukit Jalil will be opened in Jan 2009 (instead of Dec 2008) as headquarter. Sounds great!

Yoga Events from 9th to 16th Nov 2008 - Klang Valley only

Hi my dear yoga friends, sorry for late update today as busy visiting Ojas Yoga (Mezzanine Floor is completely renovated), Yogasana (new studio in Puchong) and also went to One Utama for the yogaloft's yoga performance. Just managed to compile it....

==============================================================
Outdoor Yoga by Penny and Felix
(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 9th Nov 2008 (Sun)
Time: 7:45am
Venue: Plaza Kelana Jaya lakeside (outside the shops and facing the lake)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
yogaloft participates in the "Female and nuyou bumper rewards 08" performace at One Utama. There are five gurus involved in the short 5 to 10 minutes performance. Below are the details and some snapshots. Please click on the photos to enlarge it for better viewing (sorry that I'm not a professional photograher and unable to snap the best view... just okay to glance thru...)

Event: "8energy" Yoga Performance by etsu wellness
Performed by: Kamal, Felix, Sean, Thomas and Siew Mei
Venue: One Utama (New Wing)
Date & Time:
- 8th Nov 2008 (Sat): 2:30pm-2:40pm and 6:30pm-6:40pm
- 9th Nov 2008 (Sun): 12:15pm-12:25pm and 6:30pm-6:40pm (just be informed that the evening perfomance is cancelled - updated on 8th Nov 2008 @ 9:15pm)

==============================================================

Light Yoga

Outdoor Yoga by Thomas is on this Sunday

(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 9th Nov 2008 (Sun)

ime: 7:30am

Venue: Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Bandar Tun Razak

Contact: Thomas @ 017-8823023 or refer to http://lightyoga.blogspot.com

==============================================================

Ojas Yoga Sdn Bhd (831866-A)

No. 7-23, Jalan 14/155B, Esplanade Arcade

Bukit Jalil Commercial Centre, Taman Bukit Jalil

57000 Kuala Lunpur

Tel: 03-8994 9615 Fax: 03-8994 9625

Please call for booking

Please the above schedule to enlarge it for eeasy reading

==============================================================You may only check the schedule for Kepong, Plaza Damas and Cheras Plaza outlets from 10th to 16th Nov 2008 at their Blog.

They have finally decorated with some nice plants and the curtains are put up for the shower cabins. Below are few snapshots taken latelly.

yogaloft (1)

I have received few emails query about the status of yogaloft as there is no further news or update from their website since mid of last month. I don’t really have full picture about yogaloft but have just received some additional information to share.

“yogaloft” is setup under etsu wellness Sdn Bhd, which is a subsidiary of etsu international, Japan). They will invest RM2.8 million for this 5-star Boutique Yoga establishment at Plaza Kelana Jaya.

Brand Positioning
- The 5-star BOUTIQUE yoga establishment focusing on the “lifestyle” group.
- The “A-CLASS-ABOVE” yoga establishment with the best teaching team and service in town.

Area
- Indoor – 12,000 sq.ft.
- Outdoor – 3,000 sq.ft.

Studios and Facilities
- Four 8nergy studios: signature yoga studios.
- One jing studio: the first 5-senses meditation and pranayama studio in the region.
- One balé studio: the first contemporary outdoor yoga pavilion by the lake in Malaysia.

Teaching Faculty
- All gurus are with at least 2,000 hours of hands-on teaching experience.
- 50% International teachers are from India and Americas.
- 50% senior local teachers.
- GSC (Guru’s Signature Class) by visiting yoga teachers exclusively offered to yogaloft’s members.

Innovative technology – One Card System
yogaloft has invested more than RM500,000 in setting up the club management system to ensure members’ interest and safety are well taken care. At the same time, members will be able to enjoy the benefits of modern innovative technology, i.e. online reservation, online check-in, self-check-in, cash-free spending etc.

Membership Package
The revolutionary breakthrough with post-paid membership packages in wellness/fitness industry. “ATTEND FIRST, PAY LATER.”

They sound so great and exclusive. They seem to make this yogaloft a place where members can find an exclusive lifestyle and feelings of second home. I believe they are targeting the high end market with exclusive price package. Anyway, they will be opened soon before mid of this month and be informed that they will have a press conference on 5th Nov 2008 where their chief strategist officer will be there to introduce yogaloft to the public. So, let wait and check out the papers on 6th Nov whether any new update.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

yogaloft will have a Press Conference tomorrow (5th Nov 2008) at The Garden Mid Valley at 3:00pm. They have invited the editors and potographers from the media to witness this grand launching. So, expect some news publication on the papers on 6th Nov.
updated on 4th Nov 2008 @ 10:30pm

Yoga Events from 3rd to 9th Nov 2008 – Klang Valley only

Light Yoga

Outdoor Yoga by Thomas
(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 2nd Nov 2008 (Sun)
Time: 7:30am
Venue: Taman Metropolitan Kepong http://www.mycen.com.my/map/selayang.html (map)
Contact: Thomas @ 017-8823023 or refer to http://lightyoga.blogspot.com

==============================================================
yogaloft

Outdoor Yoga by Dawid, Zen and a new guru
(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 2nd Nov 2008 (Sun)
Time: 7:45am
Venue: Plaza Kelana Jaya lakeside (outside the shops and facing the lake)

==============================================================
Ojas Yoga

Below is Ojas’ next week schedule and for booking, please call at 016-335 4773 / 03-8994 9615. You may also check the timetable via the Ojas Yoga’s website.

Nov 3rd (Mon)
7:45am – Hatha [B] (Yoon)
9:15am – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Yoon)
9:30am – Restorative (Gilbert)
6:00pm – Hatha [B] (Serena)
6:30pm – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Jane)
7:30pm – Vinyasa [A] (Serena)
8:15pm – Yin (Jane)

Nov 4th (Tue)
7:45am – Gentle Vinyasa [B-I] (Gilbert)
9:15am – Restorative (Gilbert)
10:00am – Pilates [B] (Jane)
6:00pm – YogaCore[I] (Jane)
6:30pm – Yin (Yoon)
7:30m – Energy Flow [A] (Gilbert)
8:15pm – Hatha [B] (Jane)

Nov 5th (Wed)
7:45am – Yin (Jane)
9:15am – Hatha [B] (Yoon)
9:30am – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Jane)
6:00pm – Gentle Vinyasa [B-I] (Yoon)
6:30pm – YogaCore [I] (Jane)
7:30m – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Yoon)
8:15pm – Pilates [B] (Jane)

Nov 6th (Thu)
7:45am – YogaCore[I] (Gilbert)
9:15am – Restorative (Gilbert)
10:00am – Gentle Vinyasa [B-I] (Yoon)
6:00pm – Qi Core [I] (Ethan)
6:30pm – Hatha [A] (Yoon)
7:30m – Pilates [A] (Ethan)
8:15pm – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Yoon)

Nov 7th (Fri)
7:45am – Hatha [I] (Yoon)
9:15am – Yin (Yoon)
10:00am – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Jane)
6:00pm – Restorative (Gilbert)
6:30pm – Pilates [B] (Jane)
7:30m – Energy Flow [A] (Gilbert)
8:15pm – Yin (Yoon)

Nov 8th (Sat)
9:15am – Yin (Jane)
10:45am – YogaCore [I] (Jane)
2:00m – Hot Vinyasa [I] (Yoon)
3:30pm – Hatha [I] (Yoon)

Nov 9th (Sun)
9:15am – Gentle Vinyasa [B-I] (TBC)
10:45am – Hot Vinyasa [I] (TBC)
2:00m – Hatha [B-I] (Jess)
3:30pm – Yin (Jess)

==============================================================
Urban Yoga

The free trial classes at Urban Yoga Cheras Plaza is ended.

They have setup their website – www.urbanyoga.com.my but you may only check the schedule for Kepong, Plaza Damas and Cheras Plaza outlets from 3rd to 9th Nov 2008 at their Blog.

Yoga Events from 26th Oct to 2nd Nov 2008 - Klang Valley only

Light Yoga

Outdoor Yoga by Thomas is on this Sunday

(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 26 Oct 2008 (Sun)

Time: 7:30am

Venue: Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Bandar Tun Razak

Contact: Thomas @ 017-8823023 or refer to http://lightyoga.blogspot.com

==============================================================

Yogaloft / etsu Wellness

Outdoor Yoga by Dawid, Zen and others is on this Sunday

(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 26 Oct 2008 (Sun)

Time: 7:45am

Venue: Plaza Kelana Jaya lakeside (outside the shops and facing the lake)

* Note: The Wed outdoor yoga is called off already as the teachers are helping in Yogaloft's new setup.

==============================================================
Ojas Yoga

Ojas Yoga will be closed on this Sun and coming Mon (26th and 27th Oct 2008) for pre-renovation cleaning. Anyway, good news that there will be more classes effective coming Tuesday after the pre-renovation cleaning. You may also find the class starts earlier at 7:45am and ends late at 8:15pm. Besides, there is another new teacher joining, i.e. Jess.

Below is the schedule for tomorrow and also next week from Tue to Sun. Please call at 016-335 4773 for reservation to avoid any disappointment.

Oct 25th (Sat)
10:00am – Hatha (Yoon)
12:00pm – Energy Flow (Gilbert)
2:00pm – YogaCore (Jane)

Oct 26th & 27th Oct (Sun & Mon)
CLOSED for pre-renovation cleaning

Oct 28th (Tue)

7:45am – Gentle Vinyasa (Gilbert)

9:15am – Restorative (Gilbert)

10:00am – Pilates [B] (Jane)
6:00pm – YogaCore (Jane)

6:30pm – Yin (Yoon)

7:30m – Energy Flow (Gilbert)
8:15pm – Hatha (Jane)

Oct 29th (Wed)

7:45am – Yin (Jane)

9:15am – Hatha (Yoon)
10:00am – Hot Vinyasa (Jane)
6:00pm – Gentle Vinyasa (Yoon)

6:30pm – YogaCore (Jane)

7:30m – Hot Vinyasa (Yoon)
8:15pm – Pilates (Jane)

Oct 30th (Thu)

7:45am – YogaCore (Gilbert)

9:15am – Restorative (Gilbert)

10:00am – Gentle Vinyasa (Yoon)

6:00pm – Qi Core (Ethan)
6:30pm – Hatha (Yoon)
7:30m – Pilates (Ethan)
8:15pm – Hot Vinyasa (Yoon)

Oct 31st (Fri)

7:45am – Hatha (Yoon)
9:15am – Yin (Yoon)
10:00am – Hot Vinyasa (Jane)
6:00pm – Restorative (Gilbert)

6:30pm – Pilates (Jane)

7:30m – Vinyasa [A] (Gilbert)
8:15pm – Yin (Yoon)

Nov 1st (Sat)
9:15am – Yin (Jane)
10:45am – YogaCore (Jane)
2:00m – Hot Vinyasa (Yoon)
3:30pm – Hatha [I] (Yoon)

Nov 2nd (Sun)
9:15am – Gentle Vinyasa (TBC)
10:45am – Hot Vinyasa (TBC)
2:00m – Hatha (Jess)
3:30pm – Yin (Jess)

* Note: You may also refer to Ojas Yoga's website for the schedule.

==============================================================

Urban Yoga

Urban Yoga Cheras Plaza is having Free Trial Classes till end of Oct but next week schedule yet to be released. However, next week schedule for Kepong and Plaza Damas outlets are released and you may refer to Urban Yoga's Blog.

==============================================================

Coming Monday is a public holiday for the Deppavali celebration. Here wishing All of YOU Happy Deepavali and Have a Nice Long Weekend Break. Do enjoy your holidays and those who are driving for long journey, be reminded to drive safely.

CHEERS ^_^

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

Yogasana Studio

All the visitors of this blog are so kind and generous in sharing information. In fact, I have received this e-brochure of this new setup studio last weekend and thought of gathering more details first before posting it. But so happened that was busy last weekend and their website is not yet ready for me to dig for more details. So, better just upload this e-brochure first as the yoga practitioners at Puchong might be exhausted in lookinng yoga centers in around their area.