Yoga Page

I trained as a yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga and qualified in 1990. I encountered what was then called Viniyoga while on a British Wheel yoga weekend and knew immediately that this approach to yoga suited me. Having done the foundation course I moved on to Practitioner training and qualified 1998.

At the end of my practitioner training I was fortunate enough to go to Madras (Chennai) to the Krishnamacharya yoga Mandarim – (a yoga therapy centre) where I received a further two weeks training and had the privilege of receiving some teaching from Desikachar.

This type of yoga is based on the teachings of Professor Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar. Krishnamacharya was the greatest authority on yoga of his time. He was taught by his father and other special teachers in a lineage that goes back at least 1,200 years. He taught many of today’s best known yoga teachers including Mr. Iyengar.

TKV Desikachar was an engineer. As a young man he turned his back on his fathers teaching. He received Western style education training as a structural engineer and then worked for a Danish firm. However later he began to realise the importance of his father’s work. He left his job and studied with his father for 27 years until a few months before his father’s death at the age of 100. Krishnamacharya passed his knowledge to his son who respected it and passed on his fathers teaching. Desikachar in his turn is now teaching his son and other teachers, many of whom are from the West.

Since my own personal circumstances do not allow me to travel to India I currently have lessons with Karen Adamson. She is a Khyf mentor and trainer. I attended KHYF teacher training events and some BWY events. I also attend in Service training days with the British Wheel as well as occasional yoga weekends. I attended Kausthub’s (one of TKV Desikachar’s sons) workshops in January 2010.

The yoga taught by Krishnamacharya and Desikachar is in a tradition that emphasises the individual needs of each student. Consequently my classes are restricted to six students in a group and in addition to weekly group classes; each student is encouraged to do a short daily practice at home. They see me every six weeks to upgrade the practice to their current needs. Senior groups are also offered structured work with the philosophy of yoga.

In addition to group classes I also teach students on an individual basis. This involves seeing the student for an initial free session to discuss their expectations. If they decide to proceed we arrange two lessons a week apart. At the first session a practice is given and gone through. At the second it is checked. After this lessons are arranged at approximately six week intervals.

I also work with Individual students with Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Is yoga suitable for everyone?

If you can breathe you can do yoga. My training involved the use of yoga as a therapy, as many health problems respond well to yoga postures (Asanas). However postures are only one part of yoga – breathing exercises, mental exercises, meditation, philosophy and relaxation are all aspects of this wonderful system.

Because it is adapted to individual needs it is suitable for anyone of any age. Children, adults, Pregnant and post partum women, senior citizens, and bedridden people can all benefit.

The first thing people tell me after they have been to a class is that they feel better. Sleep often improves. It’s a good way to improve flexibility and energy levels. It’s safe because yoga offers a gentle approach to movement and it helps you to become body aware, relaxed and focused. Above all it is enjoyable.

When are classes held?

The small group classes are held as follows:

Monday 5.00 to 6.00pm for Beginners and Improvers
Monday 7.00 - 8.15pm for Complete Beginners
Monday 8.15- 9.30 for seniors.

Wednesdays 2.00pm Heart Rehabilitation class
Wednesdays 6.15pm Intermediate Group

Individual lessons by appointment

You can contact me through this web site or by ‘phone to find out about availability. 
If the class you want if full at present I am willing to keep your contact details on a waiting list.

Is yoga suitable for everyone?

If you can breathe you can do yoga. My training involved the use of yoga as a therapy, as many health problems respond well to yoga postures (Asanas). However postures are only one part of yoga – breathing exercises, mental exercises, meditation, philosophy and relaxation are all aspects of this wonderful system.

Because it is adapted to individual needs it is suitable for anyone of any age. Children, adults, Pregnant and post partum women, senior citizens, and bedridden people can all benefit.

The first thing people tell me after they have been to a class is that they feel better. Sleep often improves. It’s a good way to improve flexibility and energy levels. It’s safe because yoga offers a gentle approach to movement and it helps you to become body aware, relaxed and focused. Above all it is enjoyable.

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