THE TEAM
Stu
“Yoga has given me strength and brought much enjoyment to my life… I truly believe it can greatly benefit anyone and everyone!”
I have been practicing yoga since 2002 and instructing classes since late 2003. I enjoy a dynamic style of practice like ashtanga and vinyasa-flow yoga and in 2003 I was certified in London through a kung fu inspired practice known as chaya (shadow) yoga. All of these yoga styles can be identified by the linking of breath with movement and they all encourage a sense of freedom through movement. I thoroughly enjoy working with practitioners of all levels and find myself learning a great deal from each class I instruct.
Zo
“The body is a teacher and as I always come full circle back to the body as my instrument of expression and guidance, I continue to learn more and so continue to share more.”
I have been exploring the depths and wonders of the body since I started dancing as a 6-year old girl, but my journey into bodywork therapy first began when I started studying Shiatsu in London 2001. A yoga practice was always something I fell back on, to support me through injury and pregnancy, and one day finally the penny dropped as I began to see the benefits of a regular practice. When I started teaching my first love, Bikram, in 2014, the hot room became my happy place; somewhere I could guide students toward developing an awareness of the body and mind, cultivating a sense of discernment and inner knowing of what was best for them. Fine-tuning this inner-relationship is the best gift yoga has given me and I am grateful to be able to share this with students every day. When I completed my Ashtanga Vinyasa training with Yo Yoga in 2016, I began to enjoy the freedom and creativity of sequencing - not far from the choreography I was doing in dance decades earlier!
Karen
“Yoga has given me the skills to find more freedom in my body, my mind and my life.”
I found yoga in 2007 and it immediately had a profound effect on my life. I knew then that I had started on a lifelong journey of transformation. I developed a new-found respect for my body, my mind and my health. Having worked in the corporate world for a few years, yoga couldn’t have come at a better time! Naturally the call to teach began knocking on my door and I finally took the plunge. I completed my teachers training with Jacqueline Ivory in 2011. In 2013 I travelled to study under Kino Macgregor and Tim Feldmann and most recently in 2015 completed a 200-hour Ashtanga intensive with them. Recently I entered into the role of lead teacher on Yo Yoga’s Ashtanga Mysore program and look forward to developing the program through teaching this special practice that I am extremely passionate about. Being able to share what I have learnt brings me great joy.
Lee-Ann
"Enlightenment is when a wave realizes it is the whole ocean." - Thich Nhat Hanh
I came to yoga in 2011 as a way of healing body, mind and spirit.
Falling deeply in love with the practice of yoga, the physical postures (asana), the dance with breath (pranyama), fierce concentration, connection to self and the practice of non-harm that I learn on my mat and am able to practice in my day to day life off of my mat. After completing a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2015, I started teaching almost immediately, wanting to share with others the many gifts I have received from yoga. It is the greatest honor and privilege to guide others through the practice of yoga.
Penny
“Yoga helps me to calm down and centre myself into a state of peace, tranquillity and serenity, as well as providing a wonderful practice that helps me develop my body’s flexibility and strength.”
I started yoga 15 years ago when I discovered Bikram yoga in Australia and when I moved back to South Africa 7 years ago I did my 200-hour teacher training in 2012 and 500-hour in 2017.
Yoga isn’t about pretzel shapes and handstands, it’s about recognising and nourishing the light within. Yoga seeps into your bones, your heart and your soul and over time, with consistent practice, yoga can give you a new outlook on yourself and the world around you.
My teaching style largely focuses on helping students find proper alignment and moving deeper into postures.
Lucy
"Yoga gives me a safe space to focus on my body and my breath."
My yoga journey began in Cape Town back in 2010. After two weeks of regular practice I could already begin to feel the physical and mental benefits. I was sleeping better, I was becoming stronger and more flexible and I felt more comfortable in my own skin. My yoga practice quickly became an integral part of my life and in 2012 I took the leap and signed up for my first yoga teacher training with Africa Yoga. I am particularly passionate about the dynamic flow of vinyasa yoga as I love the harmonious and meditative union between movement and breath. I also love the discipline and structure of the bikram sequence. Although I still find it challenging, it is great to feel how the postures develop and progress over time.
I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to share the magic of yoga with others as I continue to grow on my yoga journey.
Suzette
“The hardness of a diamond is part of its usefulness, but its true value is in the light that shines through it. You must purge yourself before finding faults in others.” - B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga has taught me so much about myself emotionally and spiritually. It has also certainly helped me discover muscles I never knew I had! I have a “day job” in Healthcare Finance and can’t wait to go to my mat at the end of the day to go and play!
My teacher training journey started in 2017 where I did my 200hr TTC at Yama Yoga, in connection with the Wellness Connection. Upon completing my first course I was hooked, and subsequently enrolled for Yin Yoga, Kids Yoga and Aerial yoga training. Teaching is a lovely opportunity for me to put together all the pieces I learn along the way and share it with others. Of course, every student also teaches you so it is a beautiful symbiotic process.
Britta
"The Yoga practice allows me to get to know myself a little better. It offers something new every day and enables me to be present and OK with whatever comes up, on and off the mat “
My yoga journey started as a physical one, like it does for most of us. After a few months of dedicated practice, the subtle benefits started settling in and my overall well being improved. I love exploring new ways to move my body, always encouraging and experiencing growth, in every aspect of the practice. Yoga is for everyone, it develops strength and flexibility, but more importantly, it inspires us to live each moment more mindfully. I feel privileged to be able to share this practice with others.
