Interview: Jules Febre of Jivamukti Yoga NYC Talks about Hip-Hop Asana in Japan

Interview by Dylan Robertson.

Lately, I’ve been hearing so many people here in Tokyo talking about Jivamukti Yoga of New York. I’ve spoken to several top Japanese yoga instructors who have either been or plan on going to teacher training there. Founders Sharon Gannon and David Life recently visited Tokyo, and I heard their workshops were a great success. In March 2010, one of their foremost students Jules Febre will tour Japan. Jules is known for his innovative use of hip-hop music in his programs and making yoga more accessible to people. In addition to his many years of learning at Jivamukti in New York, Jules has also studied under world-famous yogis in India such as Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, Swami Nirmalananda, and Shyam Das.

How many times have you been to Japan? What were your first impressions?

I am happy to say that I am not sure how many times I have been to Japan. I think around eight or nine times. On my first visit I was so excited. I went to four cities in a little less than two weeks. Eating was a bit difficult on my first trip. I am vegan and spoke very little Japanese. So for the first week I only ate plain Soba noodles with no broth. It was a bit rough. The thing I appreciated the most was Japanese culture. Everyone was incredibly helpful and it seemed that most people had a high regard for where they lived and so everything was so clean—much cleaner than New York.

What are your plans for your upcoming Japan visit?

On this trip, and every trip, my goal is to make yoga as accessible as possible, so I try to limit the amount of workshops and teach more open and basic classes. I want everyone to feel welcome, from beginners to advanced practitioners. From those who live in the hip-hop community to the salary man. Young and old—no one will be left out.

What will you be teaching in Japan and what can students expect in your workshops here?

The classes are always different. People have been coming to my classes in Japan for about four years now, and it’s always a new experience. In fact, part of the reason I love teaching in Japan is that it forces me to change my approach to teaching. I rely on humor, music, and contemporary issues along with traditional scriptures to guide my teaching. What is funny in London or New York may not be funny in Tokyo, so I must be sure that I do a little homework on Japan itself before I get there. Everyone can expect to hear insights on how to apply yogic teaching to everyday life in a modern city to bring them closer to the goal of yoga. We will examine our habits and ways of being, everything from how we stand to what we eat.

What would you like students to be aware of, or keep in mind, when attending your workshops or classes?

It is always important to keep in mind that we are all practicing yoga—there is no need to feel that you must be at a certain level or very proficient at any one aspect. People always tell me they are interested in yoga but feel they are not flexible enough or feel intimidated that they need to know a certain amount before they come to class—absolutely not, that is what I am here for. It’s best to come with an empty cup.

For you, what is the relationship between hip-hop and yoga?

Hip-hop is a culture that was born out of a need to find some form of artistic expression. It is a combination of so many forms of music and ways of being. It is, in fact, a coming together of different traditions to form a unified, although unique, expression. Hip-hop is not a look or a genre of music but a way of life. Yoga is no different. It is not something that happens only in the yoga room or on the mat but continues everywhere we are. It should be clear that hip-hop is not rap, but rap is contained within the context of hip-hop. Asana practice is not yoga but is contained within the teachings of yoga. I try to focus on the positive uplifting aspects of both. Have you ever taken a class that has jazz, reggae, rap, instrumentals, ’70s funk? It can be an incredible journey through sound and movement. Many are now recognizing this, and in fact, you can see it even in “mainstream yoga” with MC Yogi.

Have you found that people in different countries react differently to mixing hip-hop music with yoga practice? How about Japan?

So far everyone loves it. The instrumental tracks, when chosen well, are a great metronome for the breath and movement. In Japan, especially, people seem fond of listening to the hip-hop instrumental. There is no English and no Sanskrit, just beats that make you want to move.

What do you hope your students in Japan will take with them from your workshops?

A renewed sense of self-confidence. Not of ego gratification but of each persons’ ability to reach a higher potential—that there is more to us than how much we make or don’t make, more to us than our hair style or where we are from—but that if we choose, we can attain to a larger sense of inclusiveness that allows us to live in greater harmony with not only other humans but animal and plant beings as well.

Japan’s hip-hop scene is very lively and growing. Are there any Japanese artists or songs you like or recommend for yoga practice?

I do not know too much, but there are a few that I use in class that seem to work very well. Hi-Fana is a great hip-hop group. Illmariachi from Nagoya has some great instrumentals. However, my favorite so far is Uyama Hiroto.

Is there anything you would like to see or do during your visit to Japan?

I have been taking classes to learn Nihongo. I am excited to learn more of the language when I am there. I would like to feel that I am with people while I am ther, not just passing through.

Is there anything you would like to take home from your visit to Japan? Anything in particular you are looking for?

I always feel inspired when I leave, and I am sure I can bring some more inspiration back with me from this trip!

For more information about Jules Febre and Jivamukti Yoga, please see the following websites:

• Jules Febre’s Website: JivamuktiJules.com
• Jivamukti Yoga NYC: JivamuktiYoga.com
• Jivamukti Yoga Japan: JivamuktiTeachers.jp