2007 on the heels of the death of both parents due to cancer my life would change drastically. Just 21 yrs old I was now full guardian of his disabled sister, navigating life in the city of Detroit.
I searched for outlets to cope with the stress. This led me to working out extremely hard in the gym routinely. I thought I was managing well but really I was running away from my reality.
I ran until one day I hurt my back deadlifting at the gym. It brought me to my knees. I couldn’t stand up straight and the spasms were constant. It was life delivering me the pause that I needed.
I searched high and low for relief nothing gave a lasting remedy until a friend of mine suggested yoga.
It was awkward at first but after a couple times I became more intrigued. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to master the practice of yoga.
Eventually I would sign up for yoga teacher training with the sole goal of deeping my personal practice. Upon entering I discovered so much more. The way I look at the things that happened in my life. The death of my parents I was finally sitting with it,instead running away.
My trials had suddenly become necessary steps for my growth. The way I ate changed, I began looking for nourishment over cravings. They never really taught us how to eat healthy in my household or community.
The people around me began changing. The people I called friends I realized were energy suckers and were only interested in a good times.My true friends remained after my journey of eliminating the cravings in my life like drinking, drugs,negative talk and sex.
It was lonely for a moment but as I began doing things that gave me life and pouring into myself new friends started to appear. Healthy friends. People that saw the good in life instead of dwelling in the bad. This environment shaped me and I like to believe saved me.
I honestly believe everyone on earth should experience a yoga teacher training at some point in their life.
Since then I've went on to take over thousands of hrs of yoga teacher training while mixing in my 19 years experience in massage and thai bodywork.
I soon realized that more people in the communities needed this. Unfortunately the world of yoga hasn’t always been inviting to minorities and those that don’t match the profile of a “yogi”.. This sparked me to begin teaching Trap Yoga classes where I incorporates music,dance and yoga as a way to introduce the practice in a fun yet informative way.
I would later coin The Trap Method as a way to bring people closer to their light.
I've taught and spoke on the benefits to thousands across the country. While training more than 200 yogis to be yoga teachers.
I believe the way towards a life of freedom we must learn to sit with the uncomfortable parts of our life story and inspiring others to do the same.
Upon graduating high school I found myself in massage therapy training. 18 years old with two feet in the bodywork field that I never imagined before. Through the training I continued to be introduced to more and more modalities. None stood out more than the thai bodywork workshop. The intriguing part for me was the cool stretches and shapes being performed on the people body. It was pleasing to my eyes. That short workshop sparked the curiosity that led to my passion of thai work. At the time this was 2005 there wasn't many local places in Detroit teaching Thai Bodywork.
It wasn't until 5 years later where I found a thai massage studio that blew my mind. I found myself going back to get a session weekly. After every session I would ask her to teach me the thai work she was doing. Every time she would say "I can't teach you". I wasn't sure if she was saying she can't or just didn't want to teach me so I kept asking.
This weekly back and forth went on for months until finally she cracked.
"You still want to learn thai massage?"
Uh yes!
"My aunt come here from thailand. She can teach you."
I didn't care who it was teaching me at the time I was open to whoever.When she gave me the number I called and just as I expected it was a very strong thai accent on the phone.(That got me even more excited) 😂 I told her how excited I was and that I was ready to learn. Her reply was simple
"$1300"
Excuse me?
"I teach you everything I know for $1300".
This was way more than what I was expecting but I was too invested mentally to turn it down. I asked how long is the training?
"Long as you need.$1300"
UHHH ok,I got the $1300 part but as long as I need?
"Yes I teach you what I know until you have it figured out. Just make sure you have the $1300."
😂 She wanted her $1300. I showed up to that Monday with my $1300. I would stay for 6-7 hrs a day practicing on her and the many other thai bodyworkers working at this massage studio.
The vast majority of this training was based on understanding the Sen Lines. I wanted to learn the funky techniques and to walk on people.😂(I was only 23)
Despite my wishes she insisted I learn the lines first and the stretching and standing later. It took me two weeks to learn the lines. 😖 I kept asking her
"What muscles are the lines on? I'm not finding them." Her reply
"I don't know no muscles,I know feel."
That statement changed everything! 🤯 I was trying to see something that is met to be felt. I drained every bit of wisdom she had until she finally told me. I have no more to teach you. 😂
I wouldn't stop there. I went on to take trainings across the country in everything from Myofascial Release to Advance Thai Technique,Medical Massage and over 1200 hours of yoga training.
This training will be taught very similar to how I learned. Practice and exploration. Your greatest teacher will always be your own personal experiences so expect to become in tune with yourself before addressing anyone else. I'll be sharing more of my crazy experiences through the many trainings that helped me to craft this Blacthai Flow style. Have fun with this guys. The only difference between a master and a novice is the master has tried and failed many more times than the novice ever tried.
Rooted in traditional thai massage Jamel adds over 18 years of massage and thai bodywork in a rhythmic yoga like flow to create Blacthai Flow Assisted Stretch. This style of practice is a perfect compliment to trainers,yoga teachers and massage therapists looking to build their following. Improve your clients flexibility,peace and relief.
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