# Superhero-Inspired Yoga Black Panther Has Inspired a Virginia Yogi to Create Wakanda Yoga By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-31 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wakanda-yoga References: [cnet](https://www.cnet.com/news/black-panther-inspires-wakanda-yoga-artis-smith/) & [huffingtonpost.co.za](http://www.huffingtonpost.co.za/2018/03/19/black-panther-inspires-wakanda-yoga_a_23389186/) Inspired by the incredibly popular film 'Black Panther' a yoga teacher in Norfolk, Virginia has created Wakanda Yoga, named for the fictional kingdom featured in the [Marvel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wakanda-forever-1) film. Created by Artis Smith, the [superhero-inspired session](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-fantastic-four-first-steps) does not include any film specific poses, instead Smith focuses on pacing movements with [African drumming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-movementbased-practice) and incorporates poses influenced by ancient Egyptian Kemetic yoga. Smith was inspired to create Wakanda Yoga after viewing the film and delving deep into the African music featured in the movie. Smith claims that the music caused an incredibly visceral response and pushed the yogi to develop this new form of yoga. Wakanda Yoga is currently taught at Smith's Virginia studio, but Smith already plans to take the sessions on the road as part of what he's calling The Woke Tour. Image Credit: [Artis Smith](https://www.instagram.com/artissmith1/?utm_source=ig_embed&action=profilevisit) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Superhero-inspired Yoga:** Opportunity to create yoga sessions inspired by popular superhero films, utilizing unique music and poses to enhance the experience. - **African Drumming in Yoga:** Incorporating African drumming into yoga sessions as a way to create a more immersive and rhythm-based practice. - **Cultural-influenced Yoga Practices:** Developing yoga sessions that draw inspiration from specific cultural traditions, such as ancient Egyptian Kemetic yoga. ### Where This Applies - **Fitness and Wellness:** Opportunity for yoga studios and fitness centers to offer unique and themed yoga sessions that attract a wider audience. - **Entertainment:** Collaborating with superhero film studios and production companies to create yoga experiences that tie into popular movie franchises. - **Music and Events:** Providing African drumming workshops and performances to enhance yoga and wellness events, creating a dynamic fusion of music and movement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Movie-Inspired Blackberry Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibranium-shake.md) - [Superhero-Themed Dynamic Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wakanda-forever-1.md) - [Superhero-Guided Workout Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superheroguided-workout-app.md) - [Superhero-Inspired Protein Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gnc-pro-performance-100-whey-protein.md) - [Superhero-Themed LEGO Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-black-panther.md) - [Healthy Superhero-Themed Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/too-yumm.md) - [Scientifically Informed Yoga Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/les-mills-yoga.md) - [Unique Movement-Based Practices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-movementbased-practice.md) - [Empowering Superhero-Inspired Shapewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inner-armour.md)