Indaba Yoga

Workshops

The opportunity to focus on specific postures and have plenty of time to ask questions, make workshops the perfect environment to take your practice to the next level. For more information on any event, please phone the studio. To secure your place click on the book button. We are delighted to host the following events…

Saturday May 18th, 1.30-4.30pm

LIVING BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY: IYENGAR WORKSHOP

with Honor Pennington Legh

Humankind stands with it’s feet planted squarely on the earth, as in Tadasana (mountain pose), and it’s head in the sky. In yoga the body is held to be of earthly substance, whereas the changing of ourselves and the unveiling of the immeasurable sky within is called cit-akasha, or the vision of space itself.

In our practice we explore the marriage between Prakrti (nature) and Purusa (spirit) and our relationship to the divine through the physical. Come and explore finding your roots and stability in asana so that the self can journey within.

Honor has practiced iyengar yoga since  1999 and holds a junior intermediate 2 certification. She has been fortunate to study in India with Guruji and his family.

This workshop is suitable for all levels apart from complete beginners.

£25/£20 earlybird (before May 4th)

 

 

Saturday 25th May, 13.30- 16.30pm

EXPLORING KECHARI MUDRA

with Stewart Gilchrist

This 3 hour class will include an energetic vinyasa practice to get your juices flowing before seeking the ultimate nectar.

Khechari Mudra is said to release the very elixir of life, amrita! By creating this mudra at the top of the sushumna, ida and pingala an ecstatic current is channeled through the nervous system.

The word “khechari” is derived from two Sanskrit roots that are translated as meaning “one who moves the sky.” Practicing this lingual mudra can manifest a state of universal awareness. The pressure created by placing the tongue on (eventually above) the soft palate and into the nasal cavity stimulates a variety of sensitive glands, releasing tiny drops of ambrosial nectar.

By warming up the glottis through Brahmari breath, Stewart will then guide you through a sequence of asanas and bhandas to open your shoulders, chest and throat before you practice this advanced technique.
Exhilarating bliss!

£30 for 3 hours

Weekend June 1st-2nd, 4 sessions

WEEKEND OF WORKSHOPS

with Gregor Maehle

Covering asana, kriya, pranayama, meditation and much more…

Yama and Niyama: The yamas and niyamas are the foundations of yoga. Why are they important? What is the difference between applying them from the outside and experiencing them from the inside out? Why some traditions do not mention them? What happens if we over- or under-emphasize them?

Asana: Why classical vinyasa yoga is the ideal foundation for Patanjali yoga and why vinyasa-less yoga is not based on scripture. What are Ashtanga Vinyasaʼs connections to the Yoga Sutra in its sequential and simultaneous applications?

Sanskrit Chanting and Mantra: Sanskrit is the sacred, ancient language of Yoga. The yogis say that knowledge is encrypted in sound. Correct pronunciation will lead to yogic knowledge because Sanskrit is encrypted yogic knowledge.

Kriya: The kriyas (shatkarmas) have two functions: firstly they are powerful methods of purification of the body and secondly their advanced versions are important ancillaries for the process of raising Kundalini. As purification exercises they support the work of the postures and are especially important for people who live in large cities.

Pranayama: Pranayama is the prime yogic method to achieve radiant health and spiritual fulfilment. It is the link to connect posture practice with meditation and it is the axial limb of yoga. We look at the fundamentals required to establish a successful pranayama practice (asana, mitahara, Bandha and Kriya) and trace pranayamaʼs sources in yogic scripture.

Pratyahara: How is pratyahara related to the yamas, niyamas? Various techniques of pratyahara based on asana, pranayama and meditation are introduced.

Mudras: Mudras are a large group of yogic techniques that are designed to divert subtle energy (prana) into a particular direction for a particular yogic purpose. They are powerful tools to achieve success in asana, pranayama, kundalini raising and meditation.

Dharana and Dhyana: We will enquire why Kundalini is not mentioned in the Yoga Sutra? Kundalini is the coiled life force and engine of spiritual evolution. If left resting at the base of the spine we are enslaved by our urges and desires.

Samadhi: What are the exact differences between dharana, dhyana and Samadhi? What are the various ways of attaining Samadhi (Bhramar, Yoni, Nadanusandhana etc) and what are the main avenues (Jnana, Karma, Bhakti)?

Gregor teaches an anatomically sophisticated interpretation of traditional vinyasa yoga, integrated into the practice of the higher limbs in the spirit of Patanjali and T. Krishnamacharya.

£180 for 12 hours (£160 earlybird before February 28th)

Saturday June 1st, 11.00am-2.00pm and 3.30-6.30pm

Sunday June 2nd, 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.30-5.30pm

Wednesday May 29th-Tuesday June 4th, 6.30-9.00am

5 DAYS OF EARLY MORNING ASANA

with Greogr Maehle

Asana (Yoga postures) forms the bedrock from which all other yogic techniques arise. It forms the base from which success in higher yogic techniques can be integrated. Our body is the combined crystallized history of our past thoughts, words and actions and as such one of the storehouses of our conditioning. The releasing of our conditioning and emotions lodged in bodily tissue supports and enables mental and spiritual freedom. This is possible if asana is practiced in a compassionate and intelligent way, with a maximum of precise anatomical alignment and without imposing the ambitions of our minds how far we have to go into the postures. If anatomical precision is supported by correct breath-work, bandhas and drishtis, the pranic flow in the body can be experienced as a liberating tool.

Gregor is using three formats of asana classes according to the needs of the particular group:

1. Technical Talk-Through to analyse the anatomical details of the postures and to break down the various phases of entering and exiting the posturesinto their constituents. Through inducing precision this format also achieves that students practice the postures safely without encountering demerit.

2. The Mysore-style format is used to attend to the individual needs of students, to eliminate individual problems and to propel them to the next level.

3. The Vinyasa-count format serves to establish students in an even rhythm, making the practice a meditative experience beyond mind. It also helps to dissolve energetic blockages and enhances pranic flow.

Gregor teaches an anatomically sophisticated interpretation of traditional vinyasa yoga, integrated into the practice of the higher limbs in the spirit of Patanjali and T. Krishnamacharya. His zany sense of humour, his manifold personal experiences, his vast and in depth knowledge of scripture, Indian philosophies and yogic techniques combine to make Gregor’s teachings applicable, relevant and easily accessible to all his students.

Gregor started his Yogic practices 30 years ago. In the mid-80’s he commenced yearly travels to India where he studied with various yogic and tantric masters and traditional Indian sadhus. Amongst others he studied for 14 months with K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India, and in 1997 was authorized by him to teach.

£200 for 12.5 hours (£180 earlybird before February 28th)

Wednesday May 29th 6.30-9.00am

Thursday May 30th 6.30-9.00am

Friday May 1st 6.30-9.00am

Monday June  3d 6.30-9.00am

Tuesday June  4th 6.30-9.00am

Friday May 31st, 7.00-9.30pm

YOGA PHILOSOPHY WORKSHOP

with Gregor Maehle

Yoga philosophy is a tool to gain inner freedom. Inner freedom means to be able to dictate our mind what to do, what it needs to think or when it should be quite. This is the exact opposite what happens in many people lives who are completely dominated by their own mind. Yogic philosophy is a training that teaches you to use your mind in the same efficient and creative way that asana is a training to use your body. For example when you perform an exercise you command a muscle to contract and once the exercise is completed the brain signals the muscle to relax so that the energy needed to contract it can be diverted to other areas. The mind is a thinking muscle only with the difference that it has lost the ability to let go and relax after it has solved a task.

Being in a constant thinking-spasm it uses up much of our life force, which could be diverted to more useful tasks. Mastery over mind (rather than mind being our master) is gained through yogic philosophy. To gain this mastery we need to be able to understand and free us from our conditioning (vasana). You will understand how conditioning is created by your past thoughts, words and actions and how to change future conditioning by changing your present thoughts, words and actions.

In India Gregor also received eight months of mostly one-on-one instruction in scripture and the higher limbs of Yoga from BNS Iyengar, a student of T. Krishnamacharya. Additionally he studied Sanskrit under Professor Narayanachar and Dr. Chandrasekhar. Gregor lived several years as a recluse, spending his days studying Sanskrit, yogic scripture and practising yogic techniques.

£35 for 2.5 hours (£30 earlybird before February 28th)

Friday, June 7th, 2.00-5.00pm

REMEMBERING YOUR FOUNDATION: SURYA NAMASKAR AND STANDING POSE EXPLORATION WORKSHOP

with Jaye Martin

Go back to the basics starting with your foundation. Perfecting the root of our yoga asana enables us to blossom into more complicated postures with ease and stability. We stand on our legs throughout our day, therefore the foundation of our movement should come from the actions of the legs and radiate into the core. From a firm and steady footing we can begin to add building blocks onto our yoga practice. With awareness of the breath, understanding of alignment and a connection with our core we start to free the mind from the restraints of the body. Remember The Highest, Pure Consciousness, The Divine, Source Energy, The Universal, God is the foundation of your very being. Return to this essential and basic truth to add clarity and meaning to your asana practice. Basic does not mean easy!

Jaye Martin, RYT 500, is an exuberant yoga teacher who is highly acclaimed and widely sought after for his expertise, enthusiasm, and spirituality. Loved for his heart and intelligence alike, Jaye gifts students of all levels with his bright spirit and his skill in communicating both the subtle and technical aspects of the practice.

£30 for 3 hours/earlybird £25 (before May 23th)

 

Saturday, June 8th, 4.00-6.30pm

SHIVASHOP: BACKBEND PARTY

with Jaye Martin and Rad Kaim

Shivashop is a monthly workshop designed to deepen your Asana Practice and open the doorway to meditation. This month the focus is on BECKBENDING. It is a fantastic chance to de-construct a specific pose and to learn a little more about Shiva (the Lord of the Dance) while you’re doing it. Shiva acts and dances through each of us. When we understand 5 acts of shiva and how we participate in it, we become empowered to live our fullest potential. Join Jaye and Rad  for this magical celebration of love and gratitude! Stay Magnificent and open yourself to a greater reality awakening power of grace – “Anugraha”!

Dancing Shiva’s uprise foot  invites us to make space within our hearts for the power of grace to move in. Stepping into currents of Grace allows us to recognise ourselves as perfect expression of the deep pattern of one Conciousness dancing and moving in all things. Universe is saying: “Allow me to flow through you unrestricted”. When we stop projecting our mind stuff onto everything  we fall into dance of life energy realising that we have been the only ones who has ever limited our potential.

Jaye Martin is a heartfelt teacher with a life-affirming, exuberant teaching style who generously shares his enthusiasm and spirituality with his students. He began practicing yoga in 1998 after dancing classical ballet professionally for over 10 years, he taught Ashtanga Yoga for 4 years and became certified in Anusara Yoga in 2006.

This workshop is suitable for all levels. No previous experience of being in the posture is necessary and your current level and experience will be respected.

£25 for 2.5 hours

Sunday June 9th, 1.30-4.30pm

TRANSFORMATIONAL BREATHING WORKSHOP

with Alan Dolan

Transformational Breathing is a gentle, simple technique that helps people to open up the full potential of their breathing system for better physical and emotional well being. It teaches a pattern of conscious breathing that is natural, safe and healthy which has been demonstrated to have many benefits almost universally, including increased energy, better immune response and increased ability to deal with stress in a healthy way. It was developed by Dr Judith Kravitz and incorporates her knowledge of conscious breathing techniques as well as various other healing and spiritual principles which are combined to make Transformational Breathing a highly efficient and effective method.

LEARN A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE TO:
• Feel completely energised
• Let go of emotional baggage
• Release anxiety and alleviate depression
• Move beyond whatever is standing between you and you’re your happiness
• Become aware of emotions halting your personal growth
• Develop a new dimension to your yoga practice
• Experience deeply nourishing relaxation
• Understand the nature of spirit
• Open your breath and expand your life

Alan has helped many students realise their full potential through his work. We are delighted to have him back at Indaba!

£45 for 3 hours

 

Saturday June 15th, 1.30-4.30pm

GET HIP WITH YOUR FLEXORS: A HIP OPENING WORKSHOP

with Emma Henry

The activities and stresses of our daily lives can often lead to tightness and discomfort in our hips. Our vital body functions, including digestion and elimination, can be greatly compromised by sitting in chairs all day. Lack of mobility in the hips can also cause problems with the lower back and knee joints and move up the torso to the shoulders and neck. Eek!

This workshop will focus on ways to ease some of that tension by practicing yoga poses that encourage flexibility while strengthening the muscles that enable you to take it even deeper. The uber-hip Miss Emma Henry will lead this enlightening workshop taking you on a journey of self-exploration and eventually letting go.

Emma was introduced to yoga in the mid 90s and has been teaching since 1998. Her background in dance and martial arts is evident in her dynamic, innovative and playful choreography and understanding of anatomy and the subtle body. Her yogic path has led her to Mysore, practicing astanga with Sri K Pattabhi Jois, advanced certification in the Jivamukti method with Sharon Gannon and David Life and to her own daily practice of alignment based Iyengar yoga.  Her goal is to create a space for practitioners to feel inspired, nurtured and uplifted. She has hosted yoga workshops and retreats around the world with many happy returning for more, year after year.

£30/£35 earlybird (before June 1st)

Sunday June 16th, 1.30-4.30pm

EVERY DAY DETOX WORKSHOP (AND ASANA PRACTICE)

with Rhian Stephenson and Lizzie Reumont

We all carry a toxic burden…Every year over 1.5 billion kilograms of toxic chemicals are released into the environment and added into the food we eat. These toxins accumulate in our bodies; negatively

impacting our overall health. What is the toxic burden on your body and what are the sources of toxicity that you are exposed to from food, environment, lifestyle and leisure habits? What can you do to

reduce it in order to improve overall health? Join Rhian Stephenson to learn strategies that will help you decrease the impact and produce healthy, sustainable effects. Lizzie Reumont will lead an hour yoga asana practice focusing on detoxifying postures and breath work. This workshop will explore all of the detoxification options available to you; ranging from full seasonal detoxes to everyday tips that can be easily implemented into your lifestyle.

Workshop includes:

- an introduction to detoxification

- a 1 hour asana practice focusing on creating internal heat through vinyasa, pranayama and twisting sequences

- an individual toxic burden assessment

- a detox handbook including assessments, recipes, home remedies and seasonal cleanses

- freshly pressed detox juices & snacks.

£40 for 3 hours/£35 earlybird (before June 2nd)

Sunday June 23rd, 1.30-4.30pm

THE LOWER EXTREMITY: ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS FOR YOGA ASANA

with Bertie Russell

In the second of three anatomy workshops, the lower extremity covers the core musculoskeletal anatomy of the hip, knee and the ankle, which is essential to understanding the physical practice of yoga.

Osteology (bones), arthrology (joints), myology (muscles) and basic neurology (nerves) will be discussed in depth in order to explore the biomechanical requirements of the lower extremity and how this relates to asana.

Further relevance will be made by evaluating vulnerable positions of key anatomical structures, describing the dysfunctional kinematics responsible for common conditions and providing advice for the prevention and treatment of these injuries.

Suitable for both teachers and students wanting to deepen their anatomical knowledge and those interested in extending their yoga practice by learning more about their bodies, this is a mentally challenging workshop packed full of resourceful information.

Bertie is Indaba’s resident Osteopath and is available for treatments on Mondays and Thursdays. He has over ten years yoga experience and has toured internationally with Tripsichore yoga theatre.

£35 for 3 hours

£35 for 3 hours

 

Saturday June 29th, 1.30-4.30pm

UNWIND THE SPINE WITH THERAPEUTIC BACKBENDS

with Kristi Johnson

Through a dynamic and intelligent sequence of Pranayama, core work, standing poses and warm up and warm down backbends, we will effectively work to massage the internal organs, create space and freedom in the spine, and release compression, while building strength and stability.

This workshop is designed to create profound changes in the way that you work with your backbends by offering effective tools for finding an injury free practice. This workshop is suitable for all levels and modifications will be offered.

Kristi completed her first yoga teacher training in 2007 and began teaching full-time at PURE Yoga in Hong Kong.  She gathered a rich amount of experience teaching group classes, privates and workshops and had the opportunity of working with teachers from all over the world.  Kristi began incorporating Forrest Yoga into her teaching after having experienced the Advanced Forrest Yoga Teacher Training in Hong Kong, in November 2010. It wasn’t until she completed the  Forrest Yoga Foundation training in Houston Texas, in October 2011, that she fully discovered the power, beauty and healing that had unfolded in her own life through Forrest Yoga. The pillars of Forrest Yoga are Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit. Forrest Yoga helps you connect to your core – getting strong and centered. It uses heat, deep breathing and vigorous sequences to sweat out toxins while the long holds in the pose progressions help you flush, oxygenate and rejuvenate every cell.

£35 for 3 hours/ £30 earlybird (before June 15th)

Sunday June 30th, 1.30-4.30pm

PARIVRTTA STHITI: TWISTS AND LATERAL EXTENSIONS

with Claudia Dossena

Twists in standing, seated and inverted asanas cultivate energy, clarity and vitality. The actions required are cleansing , invigorating and very important for spinal health. The lateral extensions are very effective in relieving stiffness in the neck and shoulders and realigning the spine.

In this workshop you will work through a sequence with particular focus on asanas that  require a twisting action in the torso. As the trunk turns, the kidney and abdominal organs are activated and exercised. These movements improve the digestive system and remove sluggishness, leaving the body feeling refreshed and renjuvenated.

Claudia’s utilisation of props allows her students to progress in the postures safely with intelligence and with a spark of dynamism. When we twist from a firm foundation we cultivate the ability to broaden our perspective, giving us the strength to digest things in our lives.

Claudia has been  studying yoga since 1998. She is an Iyengar Yoga JR Intermediate teacher and practices regularly with senior teacher, Alaric Newcombe. She greatly understands the needs of different body types and carefully customises the practice for each student. She believes in a system of teaching that is methodical and progressive, emphasising detailed alignment and firm thigh muscles. She teaches with joy, passion and an open heart. Her classes are always filled with melodious laughter!

This workshop is suitable for all, except complete beginners.

£30 for 3 hours (£25 before June 16th)

 

Saturday July 6th, 1.30-5.30pm

BUILDING A HOME PRACTICE: IYENGAR YOGA WORKSHOP

with Helen Stylianou

Sometimes we don’t have the time to come to class but feel the need to do some postures at home but are unsure of where to start. Helen’s Iyengar workshop has been designed to give you the knowledge you need to unroll your mat anywhere, with confidence.

This four hour workshop will focus on some of the key pilars of Iyengar Yoga that Helen learned while practicing with the Iyengar family in Pune! Various props: bricks, blocks, belts, blankets, ropes etc will be used to better understand the correct action of the asana.

The objective of this workshop is to have the luxury of time to explore and experience groups of postures in more depth which is not often possible in a regular class scenario. Helen will give you the tools to be able to sequence a well balanced practice, with this knowledge you can begin to piece together a home practice that suits you and your body.

Helen is a qualified Iyengar yoga JR Intermediate teacher and combines precise and careful body alignment with a dynamic and flowing teaching style.

Some experience of Iyengar yoga is necessary, ideally one year of practice.

£40 for 4 hours (£35 before June 24th)

Saturday July 20th and Sunday July 21st 1.30–4.30pm

FROM THE OUTSIDE IN: ASANA AND BREATH HEALING WORKSHOP

with Ursula Scherrer

In this two day workshop we will take a journey from the extremities all the way into the depth of our being. Both days we will do a 2 hour Asana practice which will culminate in a simple, ancient Pranayama. We will align the body from the hands and feet playing with details like how a small adjustment in the fingers can effect the whole body, its alignment, flow of energy and expansion of breath. After exploring our bodies from the physical plane we will move to our inner being with a lying down Pranayama practice. There will be enough time for questions and sharing of thoughts. This workshop is at once invigorating, relaxing and deeply healing. Come nurture the gift of your body and breath – open blocks to allow energy to flow freely within your body, mind and spirit to reconnect with the universe without and within. Open level – everybody is welcome. To get the full benefit of this workshop come for both days, you are also welcome to just come for one.

Ursula Scherrer started practicing Yoga shortly after she moved to New York from her native Switzerland in 1988. After Ursula explored different styles of Yoga for her own spiritual and physical well being, she did her first teacher training in 2002 and is teaching ever since. In her classes she brings together the experiences and knowledge of the different parts of her life to inspire her students to find their own unique way of being. Yoga, Breath Healing and Qi Gong accompanied her and gave her strength through all the many changes and challenges in her life.

£35 for one workshop/£30 earlybird (before July 6th)

£60 for both workshops

 

Saturday August 31st, 1.30-4.30pm

TRANSFORMATIONAL BREATHING WORKSHOP

with Alan Dolan

Transformational Breathing is a gentle, simple technique that helps people to open up the full potential of their breathing system for better physical and emotional well being. It teaches a pattern of conscious breathing that is natural, safe and healthy which has been demonstrated to have many benefits almost universally, including increased energy, better immune response and increased ability to deal with stress in a healthy way. It was developed by Dr Judith Kravitz and incorporates her knowledge of conscious breathing techniques as well as various other healing and spiritual principles which are combined to make Transformational Breathing a highly efficient and effective method.

LEARN A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE TO:
• Feel completely energised
• Let go of emotional baggage
• Release anxiety and alleviate depression
• Move beyond whatever is standing between you and you’re your happiness
• Become aware of emotions halting your personal growth
• Develop a new dimension to your yoga practice
• Experience deeply nourishing relaxation
• Understand the nature of spirit
• Open your breath and expand your life

Alan has helped many students realise their full potential through his work. We are delighted to have him back at Indaba!

£45 for 3 hours

Friday, September 13th, 2.00-5.30pm

SLOW DOWN AND EXPLORE

with Julie Martin

“The practice is not in the asana, it is in the awareness.” Julie Martin

In this flowing asana class we address each posture as a research project. What feels right? What possibilities do my body have? What works for me? As complete and amazing individuals we need to find the right practice and alignment for ourselves and Julie will guide through a beautifully sequenced class allowing you to be an explorer, a scientist and a discoverer of your practice, your body and your awareness. The last hour of this session will include pranayama techniques and guided meditation. All levels welcome.

Julie Martin, Director of Brahmani Yoga in Goa, India, is an internationally recognized teacher of both Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga Yoga. Born in Los Angeles but based in Brighton, UK for 14 years, she moved to Goa in 2003, and set up Brahmani Yoga – now one of the leading yoga centres in Asia. Julie has been teaching worldwide for over 16 years and has run highly respected training programmes at Brahmani for the last 9 years.
A former professional dancer Julie imbues her classes with the grace and rhythm of dance, encouraging play and discovery in her students. Each class becomes a choreographed journey through the body and mind, fusing the qualities of traditional yoga with personal discovery and self expression.
With emphasis always on awareness, Julie is continually inspired by the workings of the body and uses alignment, breath and foundation alongside playfulness to unlock freedom in our movement, find our true practice, our true selves.

£35 for 3.5 hours

£90 for 3 workshops

Saturday September 14th, 1.30-5.30pm

FOUNDATION AND CORE

with Julie Martin

“The practice is not in the asana, it is in the awareness.” Julie Martin

Finding our Strength and Stability. Our true core strength comes from working with our connection to the earth and drawing it back towards our centre. This allows us to engage the universal core muscles (not just the abdominals) giving us stability and yet allowing complete freedom of movement.
This afternoon will include a 1h45m asana practice working with the principles of using our Foundation and Core within a flowing sequence. We will also breakdown these principles and work with tools to help us find our true strength and stability in any practice at any time. When we are rooted in the earth we can float in the breeze with ease and grace.

Julie Martin, Director of Brahmani Yoga in Goa, India, is an internationally recognized teacher of both Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga Yoga. Born in Los Angeles but based in Brighton, UK for 14 years, she moved to Goa in 2003, and set up Brahmani Yoga – now one of the leading yoga centres in Asia. Julie has been teaching worldwide for over 16 years and has run highly respected training programmes at Brahmani for the last 9 years.
A former professional dancer Julie imbues her classes with the grace and rhythm of dance, encouraging play and discovery in her students. Each class becomes a choreographed journey through the body and mind, fusing the qualities of traditional yoga with personal discovery and self expression.
With emphasis always on awareness, Julie is continually inspired by the workings of the body and uses alignment, breath and foundation alongside playfulness to unlock freedom in our movement, find our true practice, our true selves.

All levels welcome.

£40 for 4 hours

£90 for 3 workshops

Sunday September 15th, 1.30-4.30pm

DRISTI – FOCUSED AWARENESS

with Julie Martin

“The practice is not in the asana, it is in the awareness.” Julie Martin

Do you ever wonder where you are in your practice? Suddenly realised your mind was wandering off in a hundred different places? Our use of Dristi is an important part of Pratyahara, the withdrawing of the senses. We allow our energy and focus to be dissipated when we let our eyes wander. Every little thing we notice with our eyes needs identification and processing in our brains. However when we focus our Dristi in our asana practice our mind has less to process and therefore can settle into our experience of being in this body. This simple tool can be so powerful in bringing a heightened awareness of how we move, how we breathe and our process of being still. Julie will guide you through a flowing sequence continually directing your dristi and awareness to quiet the mind and dive deeper in your experience.

The last hour of this session will include pranayama techniques and guided meditation. All levels welcome.

Julie Martin, Director of Brahmani Yoga in Goa, India, is an internationally recognized teacher of both Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga Yoga. Born in Los Angeles but based in Brighton, UK for 14 years, she moved to Goa in 2003, and set up Brahmani Yoga – now one of the leading yoga centres in Asia. Julie has been teaching worldwide for over 16 years and has run highly respected training programmes at Brahmani for the last 9 years.
A former professional dancer Julie imbues her classes with the grace and rhythm of dance, encouraging play and discovery in her students. Each class becomes a choreographed journey through the body and mind, fusing the qualities of traditional yoga with personal discovery and self expression.
With emphasis always on awareness, Julie is continually inspired by the workings of the body and uses alignment, breath and foundation alongside playfulness to unlock freedom in our movement, find our true practice, our true selves.

£35 for 3 hours

£90 for 3 workshops

 

Saturday October 26th, 1.30-4.30pm

YOGIC ARTS: SYNTHESIZING FLOATING -TRANSITIONS + ARM BALANCES

with Duncan Wong

Floating Transitions are the keystone to grasping and mastering basic arm balancing power poses, and the intrinsic warrior structures that sustain them. Come prepared to rework the poses and from the earth upwards, take your comprehension of arm balancing poses to a higher ground, and allow your imagination to engage with a direct experience of moving gracefully into power from the core of your being. Duncan is THE master of arm balances and an absolute joy in the classroom! Come and learn the tricks of the trade from this gifted teacher.

Duncan Wong, creator of the internationally known Yogic Arts system and pioneer of the original Western Warrior Flow, began his yoga practice as a solace from his kick boxing youth, in a small studio in the Marina of San Francisco. He trained to the advanced series of Astanga Vinyasa yoga in the old skool at Laxmipuram, Mysore, South India by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois and Sri Sharath Rangaswami throughout the Nineties. His other influential training includes long term training in the art of Kuk Sool Won (Traditional Korean Healing Martial Arts) from the founder and leading master, Kuk Sa Nym, In Hyuk Suh and Sun Im Kwahn Jang Nym, Sung Jin Suh, and early Jivamukti training under co-creator’s Tripura Sundari and Deva Das; Since 2008 Duncan sensei has resided in an old wooden temple house in Kyoto, Japan.
Duncan leads Teacher Trainings and Retreats in Europe, Asia and the United States, and found his home in the North mountains of Kyoto, along a holy river next to a shrine, where he raises his twin love warriors. The Yogic Arts Healing Vinyasa system, is best described as Cross Core Counter Spiral Source Power Flow Therapy.
Inspiring an Enlightened Life; one Love Warrior at a time. For more information on Duncan visit his website: www.yogicarts.com

£40 for 3 hours/£35 (early bird before September 1st)

Corporate workshops

We also provide Corporate Workshops in yoga or pilates that can be tailored to your requirements. For more information please phone us at 020 7724 9994, or send us an email