About
The Association of Yoga Studies was founded in 2003 and has since become a valuable network for people dedicated to the study and practice of authentic Yoga.
Our members are a thoughtful group of teachers and students who are knowledgeable about Yoga and committed both to their own practice and to sharing the benefit of this with others.
Yoga is an ancient philosophy and practice, now more popular worldwide than at any time in its history. This is excellent news, but navigating through all the options available can be a challenge.
Whether you are a student looking for a class, course, holiday or retreat; or a teacher wanting to join a group of like-minded professionals, read more to find out what the aYs can offer you.
Our approach to Yoga
Members of the Association of Yoga Studies share a common interest in the approach to Yoga inspired by the teachings of TKV Desikachar and his father, T Krishnamacharya who taught many of the leading Yoga teachers in the West in the 20th Century.
This carries through to our charitable aims:
“To advance the education of the public in the practice and philosophy of yoga by facilitating the study, practice and teaching of Yoga inspired by the teachings of TKV Desikachar and his father and teacher, T Krishnamacharya and promoting and supporting the professional activities of its teachers.”
This approach to Yoga focuses on the special application of the techniques of Yoga to different situations, different people. At the joint aYs/TSYP 2021 convention our approach was beautifully encapsulated by Martyn Neal into 8 cornerstones (link to PDF version).
Members of the Association of Yoga Studies share a common interest in the approach to Yoga inspired by the teachings of TKV Desikachar and his father, T Krishnamacharya who taught many of the leading Yoga teachers in the West in the 20th Century.
This approach to Yoga focuses on the special application of the techniques of Yoga to different situations, different people.
Anybody can breathe; therefore anybody can practise Yoga.
But no one can practise every kind of Yoga.
It has to be the right Yoga for the person.
The student and teacher meet and decide on a programme
that is acceptable and suitable to the person’
Yoga teachers
Group practices are specially designed by our teachers to be appropriate for those attending; and numbers are limited to ensure that students’ needs can be met. Formulaic sequences are avoided: instead, the aim is to adopt an approach to Yoga that helps students, rather than asking them to follow a pre-determined routine.
Skilled use of particular breathing techniques is an essential aspect of our practice. Students are gradually introduced to the importance of the breath in Yoga when they begin classes. Very soon, the power of this fundamental aspect of our being becomes apparent, something that otherwise we tend to take for granted in life.
Yoga therapy
Yoga therapy involves the use of a wide range of techniques with the aim of helping to address certain conditions. aYs members who have trained in Yoga therapy are skilled at working on an individual basis with their clients, designing a practice that is specific to individual needs.
Chanting
The use of sound is an important part of this tradition of Yoga. Chanting is the art of listening and learning to recite often ancient texts from the Indian tradition with careful attention and a complete involvement of the mind, heart and body. This is a meditative practice, known as adhyayanam, that:
- connects body, breath, mind and voice
- refines our ability to listen, enhancing memory, patience and self-confidence
- develops a state of attention, allowing space for reflection and self-inquiry
- supports wellbeing and mental balance
One to one teaching of Yoga is...
…one of the hallmarks of this approach as it enables teachers to work closely with an individual and to design a bespoke practice, aimed at meeting particular needs.
The health benefits of Yoga practice are still being studied by scientists worldwide. However, aYs teachers know from their own experience that consistent Yoga practice, with the guidance of a suitably qualified teacher, may help you to cope with recovery from an injury, disease or other affliction; and it may relieve suffering and improve healing.
If you are looking for a reliable yoga teacher for local classes, individual tuition, events, holidays or retreats, then look no further!
- Reduce excessive stress or anxiety
- Enhance energy and productivity
- Develop a personal meditation practice to find peace of mind
- Reduce dependency on alcohol and drugs
- Overcome eating disorders
- Support sporting or outdoor activities
- Prepare for childbirth and post-pregnancy
- Address menstrual problems and the symptoms of menopause
- Manage chronic disorders such as arthritis, asthma, circulatory or digestive problems, hypertension, insomnia, back pain etc.