A new business with eyes on helping customers in the pursuit of self-realization is now open downtown St. Joseph.
Shala 606, a combined yoga and boxing studio in the former Waterfront Framing location at 606 Ship Street, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony last night with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
Clare Ramirez, who also owns Boxing House International in St. Joseph, is a former boxing champion and licensed instructor who trains with amateurs and professionals alike.
“I became a champion in the south and west side of Chicago and I trained with people who didn’t have a lot in life – they didn’t have a lot to lose.” Ramirez said. “I’ve also trained with police officers who worked with those same neighborhoods and we were all on this same living and operating level in life and in the boxing gym. They really were, and are still some of my deepest connections. I just feel that boxing creates this community that you can’t find anywhere else.”
She said boxing has been a catalyst for positive change in her life, and wants to spread that throughout the community. She also explained how boxing and yoga fit together.
“You have to be 100% present [during boxing] or you can break your nose,” Ramirez said. “That’s what yogis spend their entire practice trying to find, this complete presence and complete meditation.”
Ramirez said when a person is in the ring, nothing exists in the past or future – forcing a person to live in the moment.
“Having that space to be in for many years really shaped and shifted my life in the most incredible ways,” she said. “For me, its the biggest mirror of yourself … it’s a great school if you’re into studying yourself.”
Since the opening of the boxing house, Ramirez and her husband Dayan have been trying to has change lives all over southwest Michigan through yoga, astrology, boxing, salsa and community.
“Above all, we’ve made it our mission to teach the world how to build strength, character and spirit through focused fitness, meditation, conscious travel and mindful living,” said Ramirez, during the ribbon cutting. “Whether you’re new to this or a master of the craft, Shala 606 can help you dissolve stresses and shape a stronger, better you.”
Dayan, who is a professional musician and lifelong dancer from Havana, Cuba, will be teaching salsa dancing classes at Shala 606.
“When I trained with the Olympic boxing team down in Havana, part of my training was salsa classes,” Ramirez said. “Cuban boxers are some of the best in the world, and they’re masters at moving their feet. Salsa is a huge part of that.”
To sign up for classes or find out more about Shala 606, visit shala606.com.
(Photo via Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber)
