If you have discovered the beauty of yoga, you already know the profound ways it transforms body and mind. The fluidity of movement, the centering of thought, the union of breath and awareness — yoga offers us a sanctuary of health, clarity, and peace.
If you have discovered the beauty of yoga, you already know the profound ways it transforms body and
mind. The fluidity of movement, the centering of thought, the union of breath and awareness — yoga
offers us a sanctuary of health, clarity, and peace.
But what if there were a practice that could take you deeper still? A discipline that not only
complements yoga but expands it — refining your breath, sharpening your focus, and grounding your
spirit in a way that feels both ancient and refreshingly new?
That practice is Sundo, a Korean breathwork tradition with roots as old and rich as yoga itself. For yoga
practitioners, Sundo offers a way to step beyond the mat and unlock new dimensions of mindfulness,
vitality, and inner stillness.
Yoga, born in India thousands of years ago, is a practice of union — uniting mind, body, and spirit.
Modern practitioners recognize its gifts:
- Physical strength and flexibility through asanas.
- Calm and clarity through pranayama (breathwork).
- Spiritual connection through meditation and stillness.
For many, yoga is the gateway into mindful living. It teaches discipline, compassion, and the art of
presence. But as any yogi knows, the journey never ends. We are always invited deeper — into subtler
awareness, more refined energy, and higher levels of consciousness.
Sundo, sometimes called “Korean Taoist yoga,” originated more than 1,000 years ago in the mountains
of Korea. Hermits and monks practiced Sundo in silence and solitude, refining their energy through the
art of breath.
At its core, Sundo is about mastering the breath to:
- Purify the body,
- Strengthen the mind, and
- Awaken the spirit.
Where yoga uses movement and postures to create flow, Sundo emphasizes deep abdominal
breathing combined with meditative stillness. It is both simple and profound: sit, breathe, focus, and
allow the energy (Ki, or life force) to circulate.
For yoga practitioners, Sundo feels like discovering the missing piece — a pure breath-centered
discipline that deepens everything yoga has already opened.
Yoga and Sundo are siblings across cultures:
- Both are ancient Eastern practices rooted in spiritual traditions.
- Both focus on mind-body integration through breath and awareness.
- Both cultivate energy flow (Prana in yoga, Ki in Sundo).
- Both teach discipline, mindfulness, and self-healing.
When practiced together, they create a seamless whole — yoga awakens the body, while Sundo
refines the breath and nourishes the energy within.
Key Differences Between Yoga and Sundo
While they complement each other, yoga and Sundo have distinct flavors:
Yoga (India) | Sundo (Korea)
------------|-------------
Focus: Union of mind, body, spirit | Focus: Mastery of breath and inner energy
Practices: Asanas, pranayama, meditation | Practices: Seated breathing, meditation, subtle movements
Energy Concept: Prana | Energy Concept: Ki (life force)
Path: Physical → Breath → Mind | Path: Breath → Energy → Spirit
For yogis, this difference is liberating. You don’t abandon yoga; instead, you weave Sundo into your
practice to create balance: movement and stillness, posture and breath, outward flow and inward focus.
1. Refined Breath Awareness — Yoga teaches pranayama; Sundo takes it further by training you to
breathe deep into the abdomen, activating the body’s energy centers.
2. Greater Energy & Vitality — Yogis often feel energized after asana. Sundo cultivates a reservoir of Ki
energy, leaving you charged long after practice ends.
3. Calm in Motion — Yoga’s flow sequences strengthen the body. Adding Sundo provides a
counterbalance — the art of deep stillness, calming the nervous system.
4. Deeper Meditation — Many yogis struggle with meditation. Sundo’s breath focus naturally guides
you inward, making meditation feel effortless.
5. Holistic Healing — Both yoga and Sundo support healing, but Sundo places special emphasis on
balancing internal organs and energy meridians, complementing yoga’s musculoskeletal benefits.
Many students come to Sundo through yoga. One inspiring example is Donna Vorst, who began her
journey as a yoga practitioner and discovered Sundo as a way to deepen her path.
Through breathwork and discipline, she advanced all the way to her red belt in Sundo, experiencing
profound personal growth, healing, and clarity along the way.
Her story is a testament: yoga opens the door, but Sundo invites you further inside.
Read Donna’s full journey here.
If yoga is the dance, Sundo is the stillness between the steps.
If yoga is the sunrise, Sundo is the quiet of dawn.
Together, they create a complete practice:
- Movement + Stillness
- Flow + Depth
- Body + Breath
The best part? Sundo is accessible to everyone — whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned teacher.
- You can practice online from anywhere via Zoom.
- You can join local classes in Campbell & San Jose, California.
- You can start with just a few minutes a day of guided breathwork.
The invitation is simple: take your yoga practice to the next level by discovering the power of Sundo
breathwork.
Learn more
Q: Can I practice Sundo and yoga on the same day?
A: Yes. Many practitioners begin with yoga to awaken the body, then sit for Sundo breathwork to
deepen focus.
Q: Do I need prior experience in breathwork to try Sundo?
A: Not at all. Just as yoga begins with simple postures, Sundo begins with simple, guided breathing.
Q: How quickly will I notice results?
A: Most students report feeling calmer, clearer, and more centered after just one session. Over time,
Sundo builds profound vitality.
Yoga is a path of transformation — one that begins on the mat but has no end. Sundo is an invitation to
continue the journey, to explore the infinite depth of breath, energy, and spirit.
If you love yoga, you will love Sundo. It’s not a replacement, but a complement. Together, they bring
balance, strength, and peace into every corner of your life.
Ready to take your practice deeper?
- Learn the details of Sundo Breathwork.
- Read how Donna Vorst discovered Sundo and changed her life.
- Go directly to our schedule page to prepare for your first class.