Bikram Choudhury began learning Hatha Yoga poses in his native India at age three. He began studying with Bishnu Ghosh (Paramahansa Yogananda's brother) and quickly became a yoga champion. At 11, he was the youngest contestant ever to win the National India Yoga Competition. Swami Shivananda declared him "Yogi Raj," King of the Yogis. A weightlifting accident crippled Bikram. But with the guidance of his guru, Bikram created his 26 posture series which restored his health. In a United Nations-sponsored research project at Tokyo University, Bikram helped doctors prove that yoga regenerates tissues and cures chronic ailments. Combining Eastern discipline and Western medicine, Bikram perfected his comprehensive system, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Bikram came to the U.S. in 1973 at the invitation of President Nixon and the urging of Shirley MacLaine. Since then, he has healed thousands of students at his L.A. school and touched millions worldwide.