Teacher Profile Rama Cas Castro
Teacher Profile Rama Cas Castro
I may have met the most popular Zoom fitness instructor in the world.
His name is Castulo de Jesus Castro; known to his students as Rama Cas.
He’s had over 900 students in his live classes. The best part? All his students are over 60.
Earlier this year my Mom told me about a teacher named Cas who had ‘wonderful energy’; a very spiritual guy’, she said. I began to take his classes and was blown away by his depth of knowledge and background in martial arts, tai chi, reiki, yoga and meditation.
His daily 10AM ‘Morning Stretch’ class on Senior Planet blends elements of Kung Fu, Hatha Yoga, mantras, breathwork, chakra visualizations and inspiring motivational videos. He incorporates props like sticks (Thursdays) and chairs for balance.
There are even aspects that I, as a 50 year old yoga teacher, find challenging.
My favorite teachers have always been those who blend their many passions into a multi-faceted, inspiring and challenging class that is so much more than movement.
My favorite teachers have always been those who blend their many passions into a multi-faceted, inspiring and challenging class that is so much more than movement.Cas’ class is all these things. I’m so happy to share him with you.
Teacher Profile: Rama Cas Castro
What’s in a name? Yours is beautiful. Can you tell me more about it?
It was my Mom’s wish to name me ‘Castulo’, which I never liked. I was always teased in school and in Venezuela, it’s not a common name, even though I’ve met two Castulo’s in my life. She named me on behalf of a dear doctor friend of hers whom she admired for being a mystical and spiritual person. ‘De Jesus’ comes from her Catholic religious roots. In South American countries they use ‘De’ which literally means ‘From’. I have a childhood friend and his last name is ‘De La Cruz’, which means from the cross .
.‘Rama’ is my spiritual name bestowed to me by yoga master back in the summer of 2011 during an intense yoga retreat. The name has different meanings: The ideal man, delightful, charming. It’s also the sacred name from Hinduism worship as an avatar of Vishnu.
You were influenced by Bruce Lee from a young age. What do you think about him most spoke to your younger self?
You were influenced by Bruce Lee from a young age. What do you think about him most spoke to your younger self? Bruce Lee was and still is my hero. Watching him on the big screen motivated me into practicing Kung Fu at a very young age. As an adult his philosophy captivated my heart.
You’re originally from Colombia. How did you come to the states?
I was born in Colombia, but my Uncle encouraged us to move to Queens, New York back in 1967 for a better life when I was 4 years old. I also lived in Venezuela for 32 years. I always say, born in Colombia, made in New York and Venezuela, so that would make me a New York Venezuelan.
You are also a father. How has your martial arts and yoga practice influenced your role has a parent?
I am a proud father of three: Christian (39) Daniel (34) and Shakty (24). The martial arts has given me structure and discipline. Yoga has helped me cultivate my mind-body and spirit through meditation. All this knowledge I have passed to my kids as they grew up into adults.
Virtual Dance Party DJ
On any given day of the week, you teach over 500/600 students via Zoom. What do you think makes you such a popular teacher?
Mondays are one of my most popular days roughly 650 participants. My popularity I think is because I’m just me; I don’t imitate anyone. I’m very spontaneous and listen to my heart where my Guru resides. I remember between the ages of 7 and 11 years old my mom worked at a nursing home in the Rockaways where I grew up, and she would take me to her job every Sunday and I would spend the day there with her and I would entertain all the residents in the nursing home which were seniors. I would do Magic tricks and sing to them and play cards–that was my entertainment every Sunday.
I know you have a deep spiritual practice. How did you find your guru? How long have you studied with him/her?
I was raised Catholic but as I started growing up I wanted to know more about spirituality, there were too many questions about what I was being taught, so I explored various systems like the Mormons, Metaphysics, Gnostic church. I was very attracted to esotericism. In 1996 I heard of a holy man by the name of Sathya Sai Baba. There’s a saying “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Sai Baba entered the abode of my heart in 1999. It’s been truly magical ever since; things have happened in my life that you would not believe. I’ve never met him in person but I’ve had so many vivid dreams during these past 25 years and I feel that he takes me by the hand and guides me in my life’s journey.
Drawings by Cas Castro
What are your favorite aspects of teaching at Senior Planet?
I truly enjoy all the sessions that I teach on the Senior Planet platform, but I can say that I enjoy doing the meditation sessions the most. Meditation is the path to true transformation. I also enjoy practicing Reiki.
Drawings by Cas Castro
Do you have a favorite Kung Fu form to practice? To teach?
There are a couple of Kung Fu forms that are my favorite. Each form has a purpose, especially when we incorporate a weapon like a broadsword, a staff or a spear. My style of Kung Fu is originated in Macau, It’s called Lo Leong Kung Fu.
Do you have a favorite yoga pose to practice? To teach?
My favorite yoga pose is the headstand which is considered the king of all the poses because of all its benefits. Especially for the heart and brain.
Hobbies outside of martial arts and yoga?
I enjoy eating at a good restaurant and going to the movies. I love dancing and socializing.
Where do you see yourself in a year? 5 years?
Hopefully economically independent. And still helping others stay motivated in reaching their health and wellness goals. Service to Man, is Service to God = Karma Yoga.
Any lessons from your prior career as a maritime agent which apply to your path as a teacher now?
Any lessons from your prior career as a maritime agent which apply to your path as a teacher now?My work as a Maritime agent involved Service to others. Every oil tanker, cargo tanker etc… I attended during my 23 years of service gave me a great opportunity to meet people from around the world. I started as a boarding clerk and reached a management level during my career.
Most fulfilling part of being a teacher? Most challenging part?
The most fulfilling part is a smile and gratitude for what I imparted during a particular session. Most challenging is reaching someone’s heart.
CAS’ WEEKLY CLASSES ON SENIOR PLANET
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion (Cardio Strength Training)
Holistic Discussion
Afternoon Stretch
Mindful Breathing Meditation
Tai Chi
Sub for Chair Yoga & Strength and Stability
Website: RamaCasWellness.com
YouTube channel: Rama Cas Healthy Life Styles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rama_cas_castrosai/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramacastulo.castro?checkpoint_src=1501092823525282
OFFICIAL BIO: Teacher Profile Rama Cas Castro
Castulo Castro (AKA Rama Cas) is originally from Colombia. He grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, where his family moved from South America.
Like many youngsters of the time, the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee greatly influenced him. Rama Cas started practicing KUNG FU at 13 years old. He continued his training and pursued his black sash when he moved to Venezuela in the late 80s.
In 1996 he became a lifetime member of The World Black Belt Bureau USA.
In 1986, Rama Cas started practicing TAI CHI at the Chinese Cultural Center of Maracaibo. He extended his intensive learning in 2001. In 2005, he was certified by the Wushu association of the Zulia State where he trained their Sanda athletes.
In 2002, he was inspired by a lecture from his Guru Sathya Sai Baba and began studying HATHA YOGA and received his certification from one of the pioneers of Yoga in Venezuela LA GRAN FRATERNIDAD UNIVERSAL. In 2006, he did another teacher training with Jimmy Barkan founder of the BARKAN METHOD HOT YOGA at the studio in Ft Lauderdale. Florida.
In 2005 he started studying REIKE which is ” Hands-on Healing Therapy” and received his certification from the Usui Tibetan system of natural healing. That led him to pursue the “Thai Yoga Massage Therapy “ as well.
During his training and extensive learning of the above disciplines, he worked for over 2 decades in the oil industry of Venezuela as a Maritime agent where he started working as a boarding clerk, Supervisor, and Operations Manager.
Enjoy this? Continue reading other profiles of people in wellness I find inspiring here.
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Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.
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