A Public Apology to Mr. DDP (Yes, As In Diamond Dallas Page...)

4/9/2012

Believe it or not, last month the 3-time WWF world champion, Diamond Dallas Page, got *kind of* mad at me. I mean, maybe not WWF-fighter-in-the-ring kind of mad, but definitely annoyed and/or insulted. So, after a bit more research and time to reflect on the interaction that we had, I wanted to apologize to him publicly today--to clear the air and share a bit of information about the work that he's doing, which is very unique in the yoga world.

Are you thinking, "what is she talking about?" Then let me share the entire story...

On March 13th, YogaDork put up this blog post about DDP's latest venture--DDP Yoga. The YogaDork story was entitled, "Diamond Dallas Page Now Prefers Putting Foot Over His Head To Up Someone's Ass." Eye-catching title, no? So, I read the quick YogaDork blurb about DDP Yoga, and having known about DDP in middle school, when all of the guys started making his diamond hand symbol on the school bus and wearing his t-shirts, I was totally shocked. DDP is now a yoga teacher? Whaaaattt? I saw his DDP Yoga logo, with a fist coming through the "O," and saw his slogan, "it ain't your mama's yoga," and thought, "what a joke?!" So, without thinking much of it, I wrote the following comment on the post:

"This is the first that I’ve heard of DDP Yoga and I’m horrified but also slightly amused (thank you for pointing out the fist in the O–that’s hysterical!)…I mean, is this what it takes to get “regular guys” to do yoga? I hope not! And not in my experience. But why does the advertising industry try to “macho” everything up in order to get guys to try it?

Thanks for sharing this ridiculousness. I’m usually of the opinion that no matter what it is, it’s great if it gets people (who wouldn’t have otherwise tried it) to try yoga, but this time I’m not so sure…"

Needless to day, DDP visited the YogaDork post, saw my comment, and was not so pleased with it. So he responded with a long response, of which I've included an excerpt below (read the full response here):

Mary I normally don’t care how people comment to what I’m doing with DDPYOGA… I know I’m the Black Sheep of yoga and I’m Kool with that… but the Clown who wrote this blog about me and what I’m doing today took some cheap shots at me and took my words totally out of context and he pissed me of… I’ve brought my form of yoga to Iraq & Afghanistan a number of times to work with our troops most all of whom would have never been caught doing any type of yoga but I can promise you many of them would feel different about that today… You can see clips of one of my trips in YYOGA the Movie… and you can goto http://www.DDPYOGA.com to see the number lives I’ve helped changed…

The FIST is simple … I’ve mixed my yoga with rehab moves mixed with Mixed Martial Arts moves (Punching and knees) mixed with slow burn calisthenics but what makes DDP YOGA it’s Own animal is Dynamic Resistance…I’ve found most REAL yogi’s Get IT… Have a Great day

DDP

Image via yogadork.com

Totally crazy, right? I mean, can you believe that DDP responded to little old me? So, here's what I have to say in response:

DDP, I'm sorry for writing such a harsh comment without doing a little research first. My initial reaction to the short blog post on YD was based on my own preconceptions and not on what you're actually doing. I was saddened by the thought of yoga having to be paired with a fist (when ahimsa, or non-violence, is such a big part of the practice!) or made more macho for "regular" guys to try it, so I jumped to conclusions.

But, after hearing your explanations for why you've done what you done (or branded your practice in the way that you have), and after watching the clip from the "Y" Yoga Documentary, I take back what I said. Maybe it does take a strong, dominant male role model for certain types of people to try yoga, and if they are reaping the benefits of the practice, then who cares how it's delivered (still struggling with the fact that you say "lift your ass" to get people into down dog, but to each his own, right?)? And maybe yoga has become so "hyper-feminine" in the West that we need people like you to get guys to give it a try...?

In your video I could tell that you really do love yoga, and that you are trying to spread the benefits of the practice--and the breathing and relaxation that goes along with it--to those might otherwise never be exposed to it. So for that, I applaud you! Just because I don't understand it or respond to it, doesn't mean that it isn't a good thing. I'm so glad that you've found yoga and that it's helped you, and obviously, that you're helping other people by spreading the yoga love. Good for you!

For all my blog readers, check out what DDP is doing here, and let me know your thoughts. It's definitely controversial in some ways, but I've decided that anything that gets people doing yoga, and paying attention to their bodies (and to their breath), is a good thing. Plus, I can tell it comes from a really good place (hard to tell from his website, but easier to see here).

So the moral of the story? Don't jump to conclusions, and don't judge a book by it's cover. Also, don't make flippant remarks online without doing a little research first...I've learned my lesson! Crazy story, huh?

And DDP, if you're reading this--good for you for setting the record straight! Even if you did shame me a little bit with your response ;)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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Steve link

4/16/2012 06:47:47 pm

Great post Mary. I'm sure Dallas will be happy to read it. I know DDP personally and I definitely heard it from him how much the article bothered him...

Ironically, he had the same prejudice against traditional Yoga at first just as Yoga enthusiasts might have a prejudices against his flavor of yoga. He was able to get past his preconceived notions about Yoga, and it changed his life...

I would liken his philosophy to one similar to Bruce Lee's -- who was criticized for creating a style of martial arts that mixes and matches different disciplines... mostly by traditionalists who were passionate but dogmatic at the same time. I've personally practiced traditional Yoga as well as DDP Yoga, and while different, you have to have an open mind when trying to understand what each brings to the table.

Seeing that you are not only a Yoga practitioner, but a Cross Fitter as well, you might find that DDP's brand of Yoga has a unique edge that may even appeal to you!

Pixie

5/21/2012 02:00:26 am

I am so glad you admit that you were wrong to jump to conclusions about DDP Yoga. It may not be for everyone, but the again, what is? We all have different needs and likes.

I am a 51 year old obese (yes, I said it) housewife who has been working out with My Fitness Coach for Wii. Yes, a video game! I have not weighed myself in those three months, but I know I've lost weight because I've gone down 3 clothing sizes!

I have just recently started doing DDP Yoga because I wanted to try something new. So far I love it. It may not be traditional yoga, but it is working for me. Its not just for guys, thats for sure!

If you find a workout routine you LIKE, then you will do it.

Mark link

6/18/2012 05:10:04 am

Hi Mary, great post. I have to say I'm a big fan of DDP Yoga, and not because he is hyper-masculine. I'm someone who has struggled with weight issues his whole life and back in my younger days I was able to manage it by being a runner, doing a bit of lifting, and taking Yoga classes and doing some of those Gaiam DVDs. Then I got older, married, and had a kid and my battle to keep myself healthy seemed like it was impossible. Weight lifting is no longer good because of bad joints and a really bad shoulder. Yoga is too darn expensive ($20 drop in rates for a working class dad is way too much for me), those Yoga DVDs are either too hard or too easy (or too boring), running hurts, and I just don't have time or money for Cross Fit.

For me, DDP is fun (even if sometimes corny), the perfect level of difficulty, completely scalable to anyone's fitness level, and helped my chronic pain enough that I've taken up running again. I'm not sure about the science behind it, but it has made me feel better in just a few weeks time. My shoulder has gone from being completely useless (I would be in pain reaching for the remote control) to being able to move it relatively pain free.

I should also say when I was in college (20 years ago) I took some martial arts classes and the Sensei practiced something that would be considered MMA today, but he just called "martial arts." One of the things he brought into his practice was Yoga (which he was a partitioner of outside of his martial arts), so I wasn't surprised at the idea of mixing Yoga and other types of movement. I'm not sure if this still "Yoga" or something else, but for someone like me it is a godsend.

Kinsey

6/25/2012 05:48:03 pm

My wife and I had never heard of DDP, nor ever watched pro wrestling, when we found his program on the web about 6 weeks ago. We really love it, and we do it every single day. We've both lost 20+ pounds during the six weeks and experienced dramatic improvements in flexibility, strength and confidence. We are just so psyched with DDP's program. It seems to combine Yoga with some other stuff that is familiar and satisfying -- the calisthenics, a bit of martial arts stuff. It also has a lot of positions and techniques straight out of physical therapy, a huge huge advantage of the program for older people with bad backs and such. Also, we joined DDP Yoga's team web site and have met some people, and gotten to know a lot more about DDP, who is a very charming, charismatic fellow who really helps people get motivated. We're convinced DDP Yoga is the real deal and not some "faddish" short-term thing, and are thinking in terms of a multi-year commitment to DDP Yoga as our sole or main work-out regimen. I hope other people who may feel skeptical about it at least give it a good look. It may not be for everyone, but for the people who it fits, like my wife and I, it fits superbly.

SStone link

7/18/2012 02:44:44 am

MC,

Thought you'd be a bit blown away/inspired by the type of work DDP is able to do for people through yoga. Am sure you may have seen or heard of this one example of the people he is able to reach and the extent to which he TRULY helps people.

It's "Arthur's Story." Worth a watch. See video here: http://bit.ly/isToIY

xoxo

1/2/2013 06:29:03 am

This is an old article, but I still feel compelled to respond. I'm not quite sure why DDP's yoga program was attacked in the first place. Is this the kind of snooty elitism that exists in the yoga world? If so, count me out of ever embracing "traditional" yoga.

With that said, I applaud the author for recognizing her wrongdoing and apologizing.

Still, to me, this whole paragraph reeks of self-superior condescension:

"In your video I could tell that you really do love yoga, and that you are trying to spread the benefits of the practice--and the breathing and relaxation that goes along with it--to those might otherwise never be exposed to it. So for that, I applaud you! Just because I don't understand it or respond to it, doesn't mean that it isn't a good thing. I'm so glad that you've found yoga and that it's helped you, and obviously, that you're helping other people by spreading the yoga love. Good for you!"

It's as if the author thinks her way of yoga is the "best" but bravo to DDP for catering to the "little people." Give me a break!
.
I started DDP's program a few weeks ago and love it so far. Traditional, not traditional...does it matter? There's more than one way to do something. Options are a good thing, and DDP provides one that works for me.

John

2/27/2013 10:00:58 am

Just for the record ddp is a former wcw world heavyweight champion.

Jeff

8/18/2015 12:54:06 pm

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6/25/2013 02:45:40 pm

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Amber link

10/22/2013 12:17:53 am

I found this blog while searching for DDP shirts for my husband (xmas present). I want to throw my 2 cents in. I bought this DVD for myself, an obese woman, after seeing Arthur's story. My super fit running husband teased me for impulse buying an exercise craze/gimmick. I started it, but didn't really stick to it (it is exercise after all, just buying the DVD doesn't help you lose weight! ;) ). A few months later, my husband who is an avid runner/weight lifter, hurt his knee and had to stop running. Believe it or not, he started doing the DDP Yoga as a substitute. It has been 8 months now and he is ADDICTED!! He doesn't lift weights at all anymore...and his only running is when he tags along with me every once in a while (believe it or not I started the C25K running program and have lost 30 lbs over the last 9 months!!). He is a total DDP convert and tells anyone who will listen what a great workout it is, and that he is in the best shape of his life at 44 without running or lifting weights!! But I was surprised when we saw a mutual friend recently that we know is a big yoga buff, and my husband wouldn't talk to him about it. He said "People who do regular yoga look down on DDP." And I thought that was really sad. Sure, DDP focuses on the physical benefits and less on the spiritual side, but isn't getting healthy and taking care of your body a spiritual experience in it's own? I mean, my meat and potatoes husband is actually discussing cutting down on gluten and trying to rid our family's food of GMOs because he has listened to so many DDP podcasts now talking about the importance of what goes into your body. Sure, the guy isn't doing OMMMs while doing his yoga, but he's making major changes in LOTS of people's lives!!

Matt

12/30/2016 07:42:44 pm

Wow Amber, very well said!

Diana

1/7/2014 11:10:22 am

I didn't do yoga for years because I thought I wasn't thin enough, young enough, or flexible enough. And then I saw Arthur Boorman's video.

And as shallow as people may think this makes me, I didn't want to have to learn an extinct language to exercise either. DDP Yoga prevents me from having to do that.

Aimee

2/10/2014 02:20:54 pm

Mary, I'm impressed with your apology. As a DDPYoga member I have to tell you DDP is correct! It ain't your mama's Yoga! I have struggled to exercise over the past 14 years, not because I'm lazy but because I have a severe Diastisis Recti (separation of the ab muscles) so much so, my abs are on my sides quite literally. I love Zumba but because I have no core built up I would push myself and go home and end up in bed for a few days because my back wouldn't let me stand or walk. It has always been very painful.

I have also had a hypo thyroid that only sits still when I've been pregnant. If that isn't in order no matter how much work you do, you can't lose the weight. I've had doctors tell me I have to exercise to lose the weight, but how can I do that when my body ends up in so much pain I can't take care of my 4 young children or my husband and house hold. Easier said than done... Yet I kept trying and failing!

My brother sent me the video of Arthur and his success and it was like I just knew! I ordered the program and got straight to work. The diet was simple because I like my creamy wheat & Oatmeal plain, I like my salad without dressing, I love turkey and ground turkey instead of hamburger meat etc...The eating was a cinch since I already knew how to eat. I lost 20 lbs in the first month. I also grew an inch not because I'm still growing in my late 30's but because my spine has been so crunched up (and no one knew it) that the Dynamic Resistance and constant stretching during the workouts would unwind my spine. I can attest to the program that Diamond Dallas Paige has put together, and I am thankful to him for it, because I am gaining a core and even after a workout I find myself being conscious about how I'm standing, what muscles I'm using when I walk, and I can feel my muscles working throughout the day just because I started out with a good low impact workout that is actually a super hard work out for your muscles... without all the back pain later!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and what DDP said to you. I'm grateful that you can be objective, and will maybe even give it a chance to change your life... even if you look great and feel great, it can always be better! :) Take care.

Luke

3/7/2014 11:53:40 am

DDP was actually the WCW champion. It's kind of a big deal for the guys accolades.

Shane

3/17/2014 10:44:53 pm

Champions put bums on seats.....

Dan

3/31/2014 08:43:09 pm

I've bought about 5 different exercise program videos over the past 10 years and DDP is the ONLY one I've kept up with. I actually look forward to doing it each morning.

Elizabeth Collins link

4/24/2014 03:20:35 am

Hi Mary,
This may be the only example of someone admitting their mistakes publicly on the internet! This is a really well-written piece, and I thank you for sharing it. I too had the similar preconceived notions about DDP Yoga before trying it, but I am beyond grateful that I did because it changed my life where no other form of yoga, or any other workout did. As DDP alluded to in his response to you, DDP Yoga is more than yoga. It has all the benefits of classical yoga but the dynamic resistance (inc. the punches) drive up your heart rate and have helped hundreds of people, yours truly included, lose weight and get into a healthy weight range without ANY impact that you normally have to endure to get that level of cardio. The combination of yoga and sports therapy in DDP Yoga make it so people can fix old injuries/pain conditions (again including yours truly) to gain a new lease on life and do things like run marathons. I don't dismiss classical yoga, there'd be no DDP Yoga without it, but I know it doesn't offer the same range of benefits that DDP Yoga does.
Best,
Liz

Annie

9/23/2015 11:13:25 am

I have been a daily yoga practitioner for over 15 years, and I have practiced 5 different yoga methods during that time, mostly Bikram and Baptiste. I've met many yogis from different methods and who've studied with different teachers. I have over 2500 yoga "friends" on facebook.
You wouldn't think it would be true, but yogis are the most rigid self-righteous people I've ever met in my life outside of a church. They all think the method of yoga practice is the only REAL yoga. They all think they way, or their teachers, teaches is the only RIGHT way to teach. The most shocking thing about this blog post? The apology. I don't remember ever hearing a yogi apologize for making a biased assumption before. There is hope for yoga afterall.

Katie

3/22/2016 02:01:34 pm

Mary, your article seems insincere at best, but I do to think it shows your true colors. I would never practice yoga or any exercise program under a person who was judgmental, shallow, and rude, such as yourself. DDP is unconventional, but he is CHANGING LIVES and giving people, who are usually ignored and mocked by people like you, a chance at health. Just wait until your health is taken from you and you are faced with the scary realities of limited mobility and pain. I don't know DDP personally but I commend him for giving the other 98% of society a fitness plan that that works, is affordable, and taught from the position of a partner and encourager that people like you are too shallow to associate with. Having done the DDP workouts, your article rubbed me the wrong way.

Elizabeth

4/1/2016 11:55:41 am

It's great that you apologized, but the fact is, you had a knee-jerk negative reaction to DDP simply because he is not a typical yogi. You didn't even investigate his program before slamming it. I started doing DDP Yoga after years of hatha yoga and kundalini yoga. It looked fun and I wanted to try it. I investigated it and I saw that he worked with a yoga teacher to develop the program. I think it's excellent, and I have a lot of experience with yoga. DDP is an inspiring teacher. He appeals to a lot of people who would not be caught dead in regular yoga classes. I think what he's doing is great. He's helping people who feel intimidated and unwelcome in regular yoga classes because they are obese and inflexible. (This makes me question just how much "ahimsa" is going on in these yoga studios if people don't feel welcome because of their size.) The reality is, too many yoga classes are aimed at the fit, the flexible, and the affluent. DDP is devoting himself to people who do not fit any of those descriptions. He's having a terrific "second act" helping people. He should be heartily commended for it by the yoga community at large.

troll1337

4/26/2016 10:59:27 pm

Mary,

You are kind of an asshole. How sexist is it to say " hey ddp, why are you trying to make a female dominated exercise masculine? I mean are guys too manly for yoga..." I mean just because you don't agree with a logo, doesn't mean the program is garbage. It also doesn't mean that men's egos are so big they wouldn't try it. I mean I don't believe in Islam and I don't think that people should believe in its teachings but I don't walk up to Muslims and give them the finger. Cause in essence that's what you have done. I mean its good you "apologized" for it but hell you shouldn't have said it in the first place.

You=1337

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