Sackies Skalkos is the founder
of Yoga Republic, a busy and friendly yoga
studio in the heart of Cork city. He started practicing yoga
over 15 years ago on his first visit to India. A lifetime
health enthusiast he began his career at the age
of 12 as a semi-professional swimmer. Sackies
worked in the U.K for the British Council as a
health adviser and yoga teacher for many years. His
students in the U.K varied from dedicated yogis, rugby
players, cyclists, tennis and squash players, office
workers, the visually impaired ,students with mental
illnesses and teenagers.

His previous study of anatomy,physiology and
biomechanics contribute to his deep understanding of
posture and alignment and his years of experience
have given him immense knowledge onhow different
physiques react to asanas (postures). He teaches a
dynamic and fast flowing style of yoga; Power Vinyasa Flow.

Vinyasa yoga is an evolving form of traditional
yoga that focuses on integrating breath and movement,
awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility and
your practice with your daily life-style.

Originating within the yogic teachings of Sri T.
Krisnamarcharya and linked to a dynamic and fast flowing
dance, asanas (postures) are connected through breath `
for a physically and mentally transformative effect.

Sackies’ teaching style reflects his studies in all the
branches of Vinyasa (Ashtanga and Iyengar) – his
studies of Ashtanga Vinyasa, contribute the dynamic and
fast pace to his teaching, while his studies in Iyengar
yoga contribute an emphasis on posture and alignment. He
believes that yoga should evolve with modern life styles
and the approach should vary day by day, month by month,
season by season and student to student…everyone is
different, each moment will never be repeated again.
Sackies links the postures to compliment each other with
emphasis on physical balance and mental well-being
He believes in and teaches with the words of his native
Greek philosophers in mind:

     “Healthy mind, in a healthy body"
                                     -Hippocrates


The Basic Movements and benefits of Sackies' teaching:

standing postures -strengthen & tone the whole body and
over a period of time prepare you for more difficult
movements.The standing poses provide a full range of
movements and stretches and can give a full workout. The
pose strengthens the nerves to the legs, and teaches the
ability to keep attention over the entire body.

back bends-stimulate the nervous system, counteract the
effects of gravity, increases the flow of energy and brings
clarity to the mind. Back bends are anti-aging, countering
round shoulders, slouched posture and hunching effect of
gravity.

forward bends-relax and stretch the muscles and soothe
the nervous system. They improve posture and body
alignment.

twists- release pressure in the spinal nerves and align the
vertebrae and lengthening the spine.

inverted poses- are a tonic for the circulation. They tone
the whole body, counter the affects of gravity and balance
the endocrine system.

balancing postures-create poise and grace, tone the inner
ear and help to increase the power of concentration .

moving sequences- build grace and flow in the practice.
They help to synchronize breathing and promote
coordination. Movement creates heat allowing the muscles
to release faster,. great for toxin elimination.

mudras and bandhas- are internal locks which tone the
internal organs.