
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.
Following a highly successful joint event in 2021, entitled ‘Roots and Branches‘, aYs and The Society of Yoga Practitioners (TSYP) are now proposing to forge stronger links and look to the future. Our aim is to provide a safe, supportive environment where Yoga teaching and peer support can flourish based on mutual respect, trust, honesty and compassion. A community where everyone is welcomed with a spirit or openness and curiosity and, true to the legacy of TKV Desikachar, a creative approach to the teaching and practice of Yoga.
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 outlined below (link to PDF version):-
1 Respect
Mutual respect between the teacher and the student is fundamental. This approach to Yoga puts the human being (not the Yoga practice) at the centre. For the teacher, the individual student’s needs are central, and Yoga techniques are in the service of that. This respect will arise naturally in a good teacher who has been well trained.
2 Observation
Teachers need to observe and listen closely to their students. It is particularly important to notice what is behind what is being said. If we look and listen with open hearts, we will find the appropriate techniques for someone’s needs.
3 Viniyoga (Yoga Sūtra 3.6)
This is the art of creating tailor-made practices for our students, taking into account as many factors about their circumstances and temperaments as possible. It means being sensitive to nuance and difference and adjusting the tools of Yoga accordingly, whether in a group class or a one to one session.
4 Personal practice for teachers
Individual classes were a core part of Desikachar’s teaching, and continue to play a key role in this way of teaching and learning Yoga. In order to empathise fully and understand the difficulties which might arise on the Yoga path, the teacher needs to be on the same journey as the student. This means that a personal practice guided by their own teacher is as important for all teachers as it is for their students.
5 Prānāyāma/conscious breathing
Understanding the importance of the breath in all we do is a vital component of the Yoga practice, both breath in āsana and seated prānāyāma practice. Conscious use of the breath is very specific to Desikachar’s teaching. How we breathe affects how we are in the world. The breath brings the practice to life and can change the way we see everything.
6 Bhāvana
Bhāvana is a powerful tool which can be very supportive, and also transformational. Focusing on a word, image or bodily sensation opens up possibilities which can act as a balm to our souls, make all the difference to our day and, over time, transform us. It is a hugely rich area to be tapped and the only limit is our imaginations.
7 Chanting/use of sound
Chanting and the use of sound can focus the mind like no other practice, hence its huge value as a Yoga tool. With chanting it is immediately apparent if the mind goes elsewhere because we can hear our mistakes. Desikachar said that chanting nourishes the soul.
8 Yoga Sūtra study
The Yoga Sūtra of Patanjali is a core Yoga text which describes the human condition and the possibilities for our transformation. We start with getting to know the text, and then begin to see how relevant it is to our everyday lives. As we open up to its depths, we see that the Yoga Sūtra is to be both studied and lived.
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.