Support has also poured in from individuals and companies, who have donated leotards, shoes, training gear and equipment, helping the club gradually replace its improvised setup.
Its “uneven bars” were little more than two pull-up bars wedged between buildings, for instance, and it had no springboard for vaults, no balance beam and no proper landing mats, Yoga said.
“We don’t have proper equipment, but we don’t let it stand in our way,” Yoga said.
“I just focus on what I can teach: Strength, body control, balance, flexibility and discipline. If those foundations are strong, the children can adapt very quickly in all kinds of situations.”
Doors have opened beyond sport for the children. Event organisers invite them to perform at events, while casting directors approach Yoga about auditioning them for film and television projects.
Yoga has turned down more offers than he has accepted as “some of those events would have meant the children missing school”.
But he makes it a point to inform the children of every opportunity and explain why he accepted or rejected it.
“That way, they know what possibilities are out there after they finish school,” explained Yoga, who does not have children of his own.
“They can work in the film industry and appear in action movies. They can be fight choreographers. Some may be interested in becoming coaches like me or be professional athletes,” he added.
“It’s up to them to decide what path they want to take.”
His hope is that many more champions will emerge from the neighbourhood.
“Most of the children here don’t have much to do besides going to school … so they spend most of their time just hanging around,” said Yoga.
“Around here, it’s common to see fights and even gang clashes. We’re trying to help them become more disciplined and give them a better direction.”
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