Q&A

What is Yomi?

Yomi deserves a place in everyone's life. It is a physical exploration that also gives a mental boost. An interaction between 2 people on the mat. A wordless conversation. A playful but sporting struggle, like you had as a child but lost somewhere on the road with becoming an adult. A physical chess game. The underlying basis is grappling and / or playfight, depending on the intensity.

With whom do I do Yomi?

Our vision is that you can do Yomi with everyone: child, partner, friend or stranger. During a Yomi session, you explore with a Yomi guide, who has experience in rolling and who monitors the boundaries. There are facilitators who only work with specific target groups (for example athletes). It is of course also possible to roll with a friend or partner. Nevertheless, we advise to first roll with an experienced Yomi-trainer.

A playful but sporting struggle? Is it a martial arts?

Yomi is not a martial art. A sport has a clear winner or loser. Yomi is not. A sport is usually governed by rules and techniques. Yomi is not. The physical interaction is tough and physically challenging. It is a solid workout.

A mental boost? Is it therapy then?

We are convinced that Yomi can be a useful addition to everyone's life. Yomi touches on different domains (awareness, limits, trust, physicality, resilience, impulse control, sexuality, body confidence, stress release, ...), without being vague and will leave no one untouched. However, the facilitators are not therapists. We choose a 1 on 1 methodology (or very small groups), so that everyone gets the attention he or she deserves. Yomi is a metaphor for real life.

How should I imagine a Yomi session?

In the Yomi lab there is a mat, big enough to roll comfortably. Yomi's vision is that no major theory is needed. Everyone can do it. Usually you are facing each other and the facilitator will take the first step. Yomi is mainly on the ground. You can use your entire body. Tap twice = stop. You can stop as much as you need. For slightly more sporting oriented people, the session can be very intense. Performing artists will focus on other details of the roll (instinct control, primal study, ...). In principle, no techniques are taught. Each roll on the mat is different and will give you different insights (= transformation).

How long does a Yomi session last?

Originally, a Yomi session did not have a time limit. For practical reasons, we now plan sessions of 60 or 90 minutes. You will notice that this is quite an intensive training.

Is Yomi practiced mixed?

Yomi is non-binary. Man, woman, X,  roll with each other. On the ground, strength, height or weight play a less important role. It is not about brute force, but about feeling, challenging and transforming.

Why is a Yomi session 1on1 and not in group?

People play a role in a group and they behave differently. During a Yomi session, the 2 participants must be able to fully focus on each other. You have to be able to dig in yourself and spectators or a large group, would not work productively. There are Yomi explore & play groups where small groups can train & research together.

What is the vision behind Yomi?

The approach is that people often have difficulty with physical touch. We are very intimate online, but scared of a pat on the back. A playful interaction between adults does not belong and often causes confusion. Yomi goes to work and offers a safe framework to make this primary, playful, pure and physical emotion possible.

In a society characterized by #metoo on the one hand and #verpreutsing on the other, Yomi rolls between these two extremes.

In addition, it is also a useful training. The rolling works liberating. It sharpens your senses. You share a certain respectful intimacy. Everyone approaches it differently. It is a start to be more resilient in life. It reflects on your environment.

Yomi consists of 4 phases: trust - touch - accept - connect

How often do I practice Yomi?

You have to make that choice yourself. There are people who book a weekly session and others come by every few months.

What clothing do I wear during a Yomi session?

You can choose that yourself. Something that you can easily move in (short + top for example). Bare feet on the mat (stockings is ok).

Rules?

Yomi is an open frame, with as few restrictions as possible. During a Yomi session you will go out with your practice partner. You build trust and will be able to challenge the other person (and yourself) more and more. That interaction is a process.

What we do not do:

:: Hurt each other deliberately
:: Kick
:: You can give each other a tap, but with open hands (no fist)
:: Throw (unless agreed in advance);

It is not the intention to submit the other quickly, but to develop the experience of the posture / grip. How does a strangulation feel? How do I breathe? What does it do to me if I dominate the other in a certain hold? Play and discover! Feel & adjust!

Do I have to be very athletic to participate in a Yomi session?

No! In fact, a number of people with whom we train indicate that they are not sporty at all. Chances are, you will be, after a few hours on the mat :) The rolling just works addictive :)