Events
2024
Exchange of Learning (EOL) day 'The Art of Adjustment', led by Judith Richards for IY(UK) teachers and teacher trainees. Sunday 28 January 2024, 10.30am - 4.30pm, Wimbledon Park Hall, London SW19 8AQ.
All day general workshop with Wendy McGuire, Saturday 16 March 2024, 10:30am - 16:00pm, Main Hall, Wyvil School, Vauxhall SW8 2TJ
Bookings open in the new year:
£40 for SWLSIY members. Priority booking opens 3rd January.
£48 for non-members. Booking opens in 29th January.
Please check availability before paying by sending an email to swlsiyengaryoga@gmail.com. Once your place has been confirmed payment can be made by bank transfer or using the PayPal link below.
Choose your booking price first from the dropdown.
To find out about other events please visit SWLSIY's neighbouring Member Groups and IY UK Affiliated Centres below:
- South West:(SWIY) http://www.swiyengaryoga.org.uk/
- Dorset and Hampshire (DHIY) http://www.dhiyi.co.uk/
- Kent (KIY) http://kentyoga.org.uk/
- North East London (NELIY) http://www.neliyi.org.uk/
- Oxford and Region (ORIY) http://www.oriyi.org.uk/
- Sussex (IYS) http://www.iiys.org.uk/
- IY Yoga Studio Tooting www.iyyoga.com
- Iyengar Yoga Maida Vale www.iyi.org.uk
Disclaimer for online workshops:
Workshops are not to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you have any medical problems, injuries etc please consult your GP/consultant before taking part.
It is your responsibility as an individual to assess your capability for the workshop you are attending.
You should not take part if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are over 14 weeks pregnant, it is essential you inform the teacher beforehand and follow the recommended practice only.
By taking part in an online workshop, you agree to be 100% responsible for any damages, injuries or risks, known or unknown, which you might incur as a result and also to indemnify the teacher against any claims arising from injury of damage of any kind.
SWLSIY will not be held responsible for any disruption to your internet connection. If you dropout because your internet is unstable you will not be automatically entitled to a refund.
SWLSIY cancellation policy:
No refunds will be given on the day of the event.
For cancellations within two weeks of the event a refund is possible, if the place can be filled, less a £5 administration fee. No refund can be given if the space cannot be filled within two weeks of the event.
For cancellations more than two weeks before the event, a refund will be given, less a £5 administration fee.
Past Events
2023
All day intermediate workshop with Margaret Rawlinson, Sunday 5 November, 10:30am - 16:00pm at Wimbledon Park Hall SW19.
Students experienced a wonderful full day workshop with senior teacher Margaret Rawlinson. She guided students into strong backbends in the morning, and then enjoyed a relaxing afternoon session, ending with Pranayama.
Riverside Walk
Thank you for joining us for a short one-hour walk along the Thames bank near Marble Hill on Sunday afternoon! We met outside Richmond Station at 1pm and finished our walk with a nice coffee or tea in Twickenham. It was great to meet up socially with other SWLSIY members for a chat and catch up.
Sunday, 10 September 2023, 13:00 - 16:00 at Richmond Station, TW9 2NA.
Annual General Meeting, Sunday 23 April, 13:00 - 17:00 at Wimbledon Park Hall SW19.
SWLSIY's AGM for all members was a positive event and followed with a class taught by local teacher and SWLISY member, Yves Bouvy, concluding with refreshments and an opportunity to share news and future ideas. Thanking everyone who joined and their support.
Professional Development Day for teachers with Edgar Stringer, Sunday 29 January 2023, 10.30 am - 4.30 pm, Wimbledon Park Hall SW19.
Edgar led the study day for teachers taking on the new approach for these days which are now to be called 'Exchange of Learning', reflecting a more inclusive learning process. The focus was on teaching inversions, Adho Mukha Vrksasana and Pincha Mayurasana and Padmasana. It was very well received by all teachers involved.
2022
All day intermediate workshop with Marios Argiros, Sunday 13 November 2022, 10.30am – 4pm Wimbledon Park Hall.
We were lucky to have Marios as our teacher for the SWLSIY autumn intermediate workshop. Out of the 24 participants, many had travelled from afar to learn from him, and following feedback, everyone felt it was worth the journey. Marios’ teaching was fun yet profound, as we utilised the breath to improve upon many poses. We gained a lot of extension in our standing poses and handstands using manipura kriya, as well as in some twisting and backbend poses.
Some of us managed to go up to Dwipada Viparita Dandasana for the first time, while others could try the Eka Pada version as well. Time flew by in the morning and after a short break we spent the afternoon applying what we had learned about the breath and the kriyas to inversions, followed by pranayama concentrating on the chakras. We thank Marios for his insightful teaching, and also all the participants from SWLSIY and beyond for joining us.
Some SWLSIY members at the recent IY(UK) Convention in Harrogate with Margaret Austin, May 2022. Left to right: Marton Vass, Charlie Thomas, Margaret Austin, Anne Lawless, Catherine Goodman, Jane Howard, Elaine Morrison.
Annual General Meeting, Sunday 15 May, 13:00 - 17:00 at Wimbledon Park Hall
We had a very positive first in person meeting since before the pandemic with lively discussions and following up on the work, activities and events organised by the committee this last year. The meeting followed with a 90 minute class taught by Suzanne Gribble and the afternoon concluded with a chat over afternoon tea and home made delicacies.
General workshop with Uday Bhosale, Saturday 12 March 2022, 10.30 - 4 pm, at The Bhavan, London W14 9HE
It was very positive to be able to welcome Uday back in person after four years. Thirty participants, ranging in experience and including teachers, benefited from Uday's skilful teaching, exploring asanas and pranayama in the bright, spacious gallery at The Bhavan. Feedback from participants: "I really appreciate the way in which we had time to focus on a specific aspect of our practice and understand how it applied across a range of asanas", "As always I love Uday's teaching, his generosity in sharing his wealth of knowledge is amazing to get. Thank you so much 🙏
SWLSIY have donated half of the profits from the workshop to the crisis in Ukraine. Funds have been divided between the Iyengar Yoga Community Support to Ukraine coordinated by the Polish Iyengar Yoga association, providing urgent support to families within Ukraine and crossing to Poland, and the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Professional Development Day for teachers with Judith Richards, Sunday 6 February 2022, 14:00 - 17:00 (in person only) at Wyvil Primary School, Vauxhall SW8 2TJ.
The topic of the PD day was 'Embracing the Menopause' taught by Judith Richards with 22 teachers attending.
2021
Intermediate workshop with Jayne Orton, Saturday 9 October 2021, 14:00 - 17:00
Students were in for a treat having Jayne return to South West London to teach one of her first face-to-face workshops since before the pandemic. Jayne divided the three hour workshop into three sections, starting with pranayama, then familiar asanas, both standing and supine, finishing with inversions including some more unusual ones such as Baddha Hasta Sirsasana. Jayne's teaching is always accessible, down to earth and full of humour too. SWLSIY and our members look forward to welcoming Jayne back.
Annual General Meeting via Zoom, 12.15, Sunday 16 May 2021.
All members of SWLSIY were invited. The committee are still looking to fill the post of Secretary as well as general committee members.
Do contact us and get involved :)
Online workshops with Bobby Clennell - General and intermediate level
Saturday 13 March 2021 (General Level - 1 year experience) & Sunday 14 March 2021 (Intermediate level) 14:00 - 17:00 GMT
Bobby taught two three hour online live interactive workshops, both of which were very well attended and received; there were almost eighty participants signed up on Saturday and sixty-five on the Sunday.
The Saturday workshop focused on supported backbends, using the chair, helpful in dispelling negativity and opening the heart without placing too many demands on the system. On the Sunday Bobby focused on forward bends for intermediate level students; by practicing energetically forward bends help relieve anxiety and open up space in the lumbar spine.
Bobby’s warm, friendly and encouraging nature made the sessions very accessible, even if on Zoom, and her skilful and creative teaching enabled students to attempt some more demanding poses. As one participant summed up, “Bobby is a lovely person and wonderful teacher. She shares such interesting details of the practice that really make a difference. Her sequences are very creative, and somehow she makes it all seem smooth flowing, even effortless.”
Both days were recorded which enabled students to access the sessions later, especially beneficial for those who couldn't attend in person and one of the benefits of Zoom.
Bobby Clennell demonstrating
Workshop participants on Zoom
Workshop participants on Zoom
Sunday 14 March 2021 (Intermediate level) 14:00 - 17:00 GMT
Active Forward Bends cool the body and calm the mind. Here we practiced them energetically to bring relief from anxiety and to open up space in the lumbar spine.
Annual General Meeting via Zoom, Sunday 10 May 1 pm
SWLSIY’s 10th AGM took place on 10 May, and was successfully held on Zoom! Thank you to all who attended. After eight years in the role, Peter Kosasih stood down as Chair, as well as Treasurer for the last few years. The SWLSIY Committee representing all SWLSIY members, is immensely grateful to his dedication, support and leadership. SWLSIY are delighted that Peter will remain involved in the Committee. New Committee members were elected: Anita Phillips as Chair and Marton Vass as Treasurer; Elaine Morrison was re-elected as IY (UK) Representative for another term.
A workshop for members will be scheduled for later in the year.
2019
Intermediate Workshop with Jayne Orton, Saturday 5 October, 2019
“Jayne put us through our paces and included all groups of asanas; beginning with Tadasana through to back bends, moving to Urdhva Dhanurasana, also including Astavakrasana.
The workshop concluded with restorative asanas and pranayama, guiding us through pratyahara. Although not everyone was able to get to the destination it's all about the journey and Jayne has a gift of simplifying concepts making them accessible to all”. Pauline Ronksley, participant.
Professional Development (PD) Day for teachers with Mary Heath, Sunday 7 July 2019
Over twenty teachers were lucky to receive the teaching and guidance from Mary for this year's Professional Development Day on Pregnancy. Her warmth and clarity made it all the more enjoyable by all participants all who benefited from the day which addressed cautions and the beneficial and necessary poses for an expecting student in all stages of her pregnancy.
General Workshop with Uday Bhosale, Sunday 16 June, 2019, The Bhavan, West Kensington
Huge thanks and gratitude to Uday Bhosale for another incredible workshop. Skilfully leading us from standing poses to back bends, seated poses and inversions and finishing with blissful pranayama, taught with his usual good humour, enormous knowledge and dedication to the Iyengar Yoga practice. We are already looking forward to the next one!
Annual General Meeting and free workshop - Sunday 12 May 2019
“Another wonderful afternoon of friends and yoga at the SWLSIY AGM event in Wimbledon! Thanks to the hard work of our 'superstar' committee members we were treated to a perfect venue, amazing yoga teaching and well deserved tea and cake. Cath Barnes-Holt brought SWLSIY together, her skilful teaching accommodating us all as she shared her experiences of the Iyengar family. Exciting times for SWLSIY, can't wait for the next event and thanks to everyone for a perfect day.” Sharon Kipps, SWLSIY member
Emergency First Aid Day, Sunday 27 January 2019, 9.45am - 5pm, Affinity Point, Unit 6-8, Arundel Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 2RR
MGM Training highly recommended as very knowledgeable about yoga practice which made it very relevant to teachers.
2018
Intermediate Workshop with Lydia Holmes and Edgar Stringer, Sunday 18 November 10.30am to 4pm, Main Hall Surbiton Girl’s Prep School KT1 2HW
The workshop taught by Edgar Stringer and Lydia Holmes received excellent feedback from participants: the teachers were 'fantastic' and their teaching superb, detailed and challenging with the benefit of having one teacher help while the other taught. Other comments were that it was a great venue and lovely atmosphere, there was lots to absorb and perfect for a November Sunday!
Annual General Meeting and free workshop - Sunday 22 April 2018, 1 - 5 pm, Wimbledon Park Hall, 170 Arthur Rd, London SW19 8AQ
A special cake was presented to mark the centenary of Guruji's birth
Following the workshop a general workshop was taught by Peter Kosasih
General workshop with Uday Bhosale - Sunday 4 March 2018, The Bhavan, West Kensington
Participants with a wide range of experience and ability benefited greatly from Uday's in depth teaching. His thorough approach and his instructions to 'do it again' were always said encouragingly and with humour. Participating in a day long workshop can be challenging, so after the break most were grateful for the restorative poses and focus on the breath. We look forward to welcoming Uday back again (and again!).
First Aid Day, Saturday 24th February 2018 1 – 7pm, Iyengar Yoga Studio, Tooting, London SW17 9SH
Participants enjoyed another well-paced training day with Garry Harvey of E-magination Training; his quirky sense of humour is like the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down.
2017
Professional Development (PD) Day for teachers, Sunday 28 January 2018, 11 am - 5 pm, Iyengar yoga Studio (Tooting), Trident Business Centre, London SW17 9SH
Intermediate all day workshop with Lynda Purvis, Sunday 15 October 2017
Thank you to everyone who participated in Lynda Purvis's full day intermediate level workshop with us in Esher. It was an all-women affair, mainly teachers and trainees, and feedback was very positive praising Lynda's teaching, overall atmosphere, venue and location.
One satisfied attendee's email sums up the day very well. "Thank you for organising the workshop. I loved it. Just right for an intermediate workshop....so as strenuous as it should be. I would have brought more props like another mat and bolsters if I’d thought about it. Well done, we love Lynda’s teaching".
SWLSIY are now planning our next full day intermediate level workshop for Autumn 2018, so watch this space!
General all day workshop with Jayne Orton, Saturday 5 August 2017
Jayne's wisdom and years of experience shone in her lively and energised teaching. She skillfully brought a new perspective to those poses well known to participants and linked them to the more challenging ones, making it accessible to all abilities.
Annual General Meeting - Sunday 7 May 2017, 1 - 5 pm, 1st East Putney Scout Group, 42 Oxford Road, Putney SW15
The AGM was well attended, including by some new SWLSIY members. Afterwards attendees were treated with the delights of a free workshop with visiting teacher Lin Craddock, Senior Intermediate level 3 teacher from Maidstone. Lin's sincere warmth, wisdom, knowledge and dedication to her subject shone through in her in depth teaching, accessible to all abilities.
First Aid Training Day, with Garry Harvey of E-magination (formerly Silver Cloud Academy), Saturday 25 March 2017, 10 am - 4 pm, St Christopher's Church, Hinchley Wood, Surrey. Bookings open to non-SWLSIY members on 25th January.
General workshop with Annie Rossi - Saturday 4 February 2017, 10.30 am - 4 pm, The Bhavan, West Kensington.
Annie taught an inspiring workshop to an enthusiastic group of 21 participants. By demonstrating the links between the asanas, Annie enabled students to gain a better understanding of familiar poses and laid the foundation for our attempts at more challenging poses.
Annie also shared some yoga philosophy; by drawing on the Yoga Sutras, she explained how the values and tenets recorded at the time of Patanjali are relevant to our practice today. Participants were further treated to a musical interlude, courtesy of Sanjai Sankar on tabla and Giorgio Curcetti who played the oud. Set in an Indian cultural centre - with the sounds and sights of music and dance - together with Annie's wonderful teaching, made it a very special day.
National Iyengar Yoga Day Saturday 14 January 2017.
On Saturday 14 January the second annual National Iyengar Yoga Day (NIYD) took place in the UK and Ireland to celebrate the teachings of Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar, and to promote the Iyengar yoga nationally. Events included free taster classes and celebrations of Guruji's life in centres throughout the country.
Whatever the activities to mark the day in South West London and Surrey, SWLSIY would be interested in any photos of the day, including simple class photos, so that we can share these with IY UK and among our members and social media.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with NIYD co-ordinator Tehira Taylor at swlsiyi@gmail.com
2016
Intermediate Workshop with Penny Chaplin, Saturday 24 September 2016, 12 - 3 pm, Balham Library Hall, Ramsden Road, SW12 8QY
Students worked for three hours with an intensity and precision few achieve when left to their own devices; their efforts leavened by Penny’s wit and humour. Huge gratitude to Penny for her generosity with her time and knowledge.
Professional Development Day for teachers with Sallie Sullivan, Sunday 3 July 2016, 11 - 5 pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
SWLSIY were very grateful to Sallie Sullivan who kindly stepped in at short notice to run the day. Sallie, a senior teacher based in Sussex, also an assessment moderator and teacher trainer, delivered a very productive training day focusing on adjustments for inversions and variations and adjustments for back bends, followed by Pranayama.
First Aid Training Day, with Garry Harvey of Silver Cloud Academy, Saturday 11 June 2016, 11 am - 5 pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
SWLSIY AGM and workshop for members with Sophie Carrington, Sunday 10 April 2016, 1 - 5 pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
A positive coming together of dedicated yoga enthusiasts, the annual meeting was well attended with over 25 members, including the committee. The afternoon also comprised of a challenging workshop taught by senior teacher, Sophie Carrington, followed by an informal social gathering with refreshments.
The committee urgently needs new members to input in the ongoing work of SWLSIY, big or small. It's a friendly group of individuals, also with busy lives. The more members involved the less work overall. We'd love to hear from you. Contact: swlsiyi@gmail.com
Workshop with Uday Bhosale - Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 January 2016, The Bhavan, West Kensington
Uday Bhosale taught an inspiring and energising two-day workshop at the Bhavan, attended by over forty participants. Uday's attention to detail, humour and strong teaching skills helped students gain greater depth and understanding in the asanas, whatever their level and experience.
Participants' comments:
"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed attending the workshop on Saturday. Uday is a fantastic teacher and I can already see how his pointers are going to help my practice. Thank you very much for organising it. I really look forward to attending another workshop very soon." A Mishra
"Thanks for organising the weekend workshop. I really enjoyed it and learned so much - looking forward to the next one!" T Manning
2015
First Aid Training Day, Sunday 20 September 2015, 9.30 am to 4 pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
Garry Harvey from Silver Cloud delivered a hands on and informative first aid training day; for many teachers this was a refresher course. Garry's wealth and years of experience as a paramedic and teacher, together with his energy and wit made the training a very positive experience.
SWLSIY 5th Anniversary Yoga Day with Jayne Orton - 8 August 2015, 10.30 am - 4 pm, Samaj Hall, Tooting
A truly inclusive workshop which was accessible to all levels, delivered with humour, encouragement and a depth of knowledge that comes from such a long standing commitment and dedication to Iyengar yoga. Brilliant! Thanks too to the SWLSIY team who made the day possible. P Boylan.
Professional Development Day for teachers - 4 July 2015, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
Julie Brown came to Tooting from Manchester and District Iyengar Yoga to lead an invaluable PD Day focusing on Pranayama
General Workshop with Julie Brown - 5 July 2015, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
Following the PD Day Julie delivered a successful morning workshop, open to all students.
International Day of Yoga - 21 June 2015
In December 2014, 21 June was declared International Day of Yoga by the UN General Assembly.
BKS Iyengar had alluded to the concept in Bangalore two years earlier and in September 2014 it was formally requested by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, where he stated:
"Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day."
A total of 175 nations co-sponsored the resolution,
The first celebration of the International Day of Yoga this year was observed by millions worldwide. Over 35,000 people, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi.
The Iyengar Yoga Assocation (IYA) organised events in Exeter, during the annual convention over the weekend. Throughout the UK events were organised by centres and individuals of which Iyengar yoga had a significant presence.
In South West London The Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan hosted a free open day on Sunday 21st involving the resident yoga teachers (who include SWLSIY Iyengar teachers) and students. It proved very successful with well over a hundred visitors, embracing Patantali's yoga and all yoga practices, including Iyengar. A representative from the Indian High Commission was the guest speaker of the event which opened in the Mountbatten Hall with talks and asana demonstrations, followed by popular taster classes throughout the day, of which the High Commission representative himself was a student!
Furzedown Festival, Tooting - Saturday 13 June 2015
SWLSIY ran a successful stall with Iyengar yoga demonstrations. A big thank you to everyone who helped support the event.
SWLSIY AGM and workshop for members with Jacky Taylor - 12 April 2015, 1 - 5 pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting
SWLSIY were delighted to welcome Jacky from Manchester and District Iyengar Yoga back to South West London. She led a beautiful and inspiring workshop, with references to Dharana (concentration) and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
It was also an opportunity to join others and members of the SWLSIY committee for the AGM and an open forum on the future of Iyengar Yoga in South West London.
SWLSIY workshop with Suzanne Gribble & John Shirbon - 11 January 2015, 10.30am to 1.30pm,The Bhavan, London W14
22 participants attended the workshop in the Bhavan's spacious, bright gallery which Suzanne and John tailored to students new to workshops as well as those with experience.
For more information on this workshop click here ...
2014
First Aid Day for teachers and trainees - 7 December 2014, St Christopher's Church Hall, Hinchley Wood, Surrey
9.30 - 5 pm, facilitated by Silver Cloud Academy
Professional Development Day for teachers - 8 November 2014, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting.
Teachers benefited from a constructive and inspiring day, sharing knowledge under the guidance and wisdom of moderator and senior teacher Brenda Booth from Kent.
SWLSIY residential weekend - 3 - 5 October 2014, Oxon Hoath, Kent
A most successful weekend attended by 35 students with excellent teaching of Barabara Novell, Kiran Chothe and John Shirbon. Set in the characterful manor house of Oxon Hoath, with beautiful views of the gardens and surrounding Kent countryside, the weekend included restorative classes on Friday evening, Pranayama classes on both mornings and both general and intermediate classes to accommodate all levels. John also taught an introductory Pranayama class. Home cooked vegetarian food, much of the produce supplied from the walled garden within the grounds, as well as live piano performed by residents, made it all the more memorable and special!
SWLSIY AGM and workshop with Barbara Novell - Sunday 6 April 2014, 1pm-5pm, IY Yoga Studio, Tooting.
“Have your say” session and SWLSIY AGM, followed by a workshop (free for SWLSIY members) with Barbara, a very experienced and popular teacher who has been to Pune regularly over the years.
As well as enjoying top class yoga, participants had the opportunity to hear about SWLSIY's plans from its committee members as well as contribute ideas.
SWLSIY workshop with Jacky Taylor - 11-12 January 2014, 10.30am to 4.00pm,The Bhavan, London W14 9HE
Jacky Taylor gained her Intermediate Junior level 3 teaching certificate in March 2010. She is currently the Chair of Manchester and District Iyengar Yoga (MDIY) Executive Committee. Jacky teaches and continues to study at the MDIY.
For more information on this workshop click here.
2013
Yoga Workshop with Kiran Chothe on Sunday 7th July 2013 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
Kiran has studied at theRamamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India since 1991, that being the city of his birth. He has been living and teaching in Budapest for the last 5 years and we are pleased to welcome him to teach for our Institute following his relocation to London. He holds an Intermediate Junior - Level 3 certificate.
This was a unique opportunity to work in the ‘Pune’ style direct from India
For more information on this workshop click here.
SWLSIY Workshop with Julie Hodges - Sun 13th January 2013, 10.00am to 1.00pm.
At The Putney Iyengar Yoga Centre, Hotham Primary School Site, Charlwood Road SW15 1PN
Julie has over 25 years experience of teaching Iyengar Yoga. She is a highly respected Senior teacher and has her own Iyengar Yoga Centre in Putney South West London. Julie is also a Teacher Trainer and an Assessor for IY UK. The opportunity to practice, learn and challenge yourself deeply in the Asanas through Julie's style of teaching is one not to be missed... a must for serious practitioners! For full details click here.
2012
SWLSIY Workshop with Jayne Orton - Sat 10th & Sun 11th November 2012, 10.30am to 4.00pm.
At The Bhavan, London W14 9HE
Jayne is the director of Iyengar Yoga Birmingham. She started practising Iyengar Yoga in 1975 and has been visting India regularly to study with B.K.S Iyengar, his son Prashant and daughter Geeta since 1982. She was awarded a senior level certificate in 2000 and is the central region's most experienced teacher of the Iyengar method. In 2011 she became one of a very select group of Senior teachers to be a give a special Advanced certificate by the Master himself. Jayne taught a hugely popular day as part of the inaugural celebrations for SWLSIY in May 2012. We were delighted and honoured to welcome her back. For more information on this workshop click here.
SWLSIY Workshop with Uday Bhosale - Sat 21st & Sun 22nd July 2012, 10.30am to 4.00pm.
At The Bhavan, London W14 9HE
Uday has been a disciple of yoga at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune for the past 12 years and has been teaching there since 2001. At RIMYI he teaches the children’s classes as well as beginners and medical classes. He also has a wealth of experience teaching elsewhere - children, industrialists, doctors, sportspersons, corporate workshops and has taught an intensive at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Singapore. For more information on this workshop click here.
Judith Richards' Workshop - A Students Experience
I recently attended a course at Yog-Ganga with the Chanchani's where we were asked the question, “What is the purpose of every single asana that we do?”
A few muttered replies came from the floor, from those who were brave enough: “To strengthen the body ... to become more flexible ... to quieten the mind ... to cure (this that and the other).”
The reply came: “Wrong! Those are bonuses, but every asana that we do is to strengthen the spine so that we can sit for pranayama.”
What better way to drive this message home than SWLSIY's workshop with Judith Richards in April this year?
We gathered for a civilised 10am start in a sunny and airy hall in Long Ditton, sat on our mats and waited for what was in store - and it was a treat. We spent the morning deconstructing and reconstructing back-bends - which I think I should now call back extensions. The deconstruction involved an analogy of the structure of a back extension. Judith compared the spine to bricks cemented in place to build an archway. As we paid attention to each vertebra being held in place, the spine therefore being strengthened, rather than just dropping back, we were able to go deeper into the poses, appreciating the extension and the strength in equal measure.
What better way to drive this message home than SWLSIY's workshop with Judith Richards in April this year?
I remember well the first time I realised that backbends involved hard work for the front thighs - and this workshop held a similar surprise as we focused on the back of the thighs extending up to meet the paraspinal muscles. Judith also gave a beautiful analogy as we extended our spines, quoting Geetaji, of the “sternum as a leg for the head”. Starting with uttanasana, followed by parsvottanasana, we progressed through to ustrasana and a fair few invigorating urdhva danurasana's before a break for lunch.
When we resumed Judith took a good look around the room and clearly thought that we still had a lot more work to do before our spines were strong enough to sit for pranayama. She let us off the hook and we enjoyed two hours more of restorative poses and pranayama - supine! The whole day was a treat and we were very lucky to receive individual attention and expert tuition. A very big thank you to Judith from us all.
SWLSIY Workshop with Judith Richards and AGM - Sat 14th April 2012, at 10.00am
SWLSIY's most senior teacher, Judith Richards, first started practising yoga in the Iyengar method in 1970 and started teaching in 1976. Judith finds that learning yoga is a lifelong process and brings to her teaching a wealth of knowledge and experience balanced with humour and warmth.
Our AGM took place on the same day.
2011
Margaret Austin workshop - Sunday 20th November 2011, at 10.00am
We were delighted to have secured Margaret Austin, one of the most popular senior Iyengar teachers in the north of England, for a workshop in Thames Ditton, Surrey. Margaret has been teaching Iyengar yoga since the late 1970's and regularly travels to Pune to study with the Iyengar family. For more information on this workshop, click here.
Brenda Booth workshop and AGM - Saturday 9th April 2011, at 10.30am
We were pleased to welcome Brenda Booth, senior Iyengar teacher in Kent, for a workshop in Tooting, SW London. Brenda has amazing depth of knowledge of the postures, remedial work, sequencing and the philosophy of yoga, making her classes fun and challenging. For full details, click here.