Coming an extensive background in fitness as personal trainer in various disciplines, I discovered Yoga in 2002. Since then it has taken an integral part of my life throughout my happy times and challenging ones. It taught me how to build an honest and kind relationship between body, mind and breath. Yoga shows the way to build strength and spaciousness, resistance and release to find equilibrium and freedom of movement. 

I qualified as Yoga Teacher after completing my training with Kevala Centre in Torquay in 2010, and in 2017 I completed my Post Graduate Yoga Therapy course with the Devon School of Yoga in Exeter. 

In 2012 -2013 I completed Reiki Practitioner Level 1 and 2 with Totnes Natural Health Centre to work the subtle body which is a non intrusive method to promote integration of Body, Mental and Emotional bodies in a deep state of relaxation. 

Practices are done in a peace loving environment, opening a door for wholeness, clarity and healing using traditional yogic concept such as physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation.

I have been teaching a range of health and fitness classes for about 30 years, and for the last 17 years I have been training fitness instructors and Pilates teachers at South Devon Fitness Instructor Academy.  

My mother first inspired me to take up Yoga, as she was a real advocate and had her own regular practice. As I got older, I developed my love for yoga which led me to complete the British Wheel of Yoga course about 25 years ago. This really deepened my knowledge and appreciation of Yoga practice. I have also completed a Freestyle Fitness Yoga course which supported the physical Asana technique, and I have studied on a number of workshops including at the Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali. Other qualifications include a Diploma in Teacher Training, BA Hons Degree in Leadership & Management, Diploma in Relaxation and Stress Management and a portfolio of fitness qualifications. I am deeply honoured to have won several local and national awards in recognition of my contribution to health and wellbeing in the community. 

I am very interested in combining Hatha and Yin Yoga with Pilates exercises, to enhance the physical benefits through the combinations or controlled movement, alignment, mindfulness and breathe work. I love to support people to achieve their own health and wellbeing goals and to help individuals to grow and develop on their own wellbeing path.   In the last couple of years, I have been working with peri-menopausal and menopausal women, to use their practice to support their troubling symptoms. Fundamentally, I see my role in yoga teaching as a bridge, to help people get started on their journey with individualized and progressive practice. 

"I only teach/practise the Iyengar method as something just clicked after my very first class it was just what I needed. I don't feel the need to change it & do my own thing, it is wonderful just as it is. In 2016/17/18, I spent several weeks in Pune at RIMIYI being taught by the Iyengar family. I shall be returning as regularly as finances allow, it was a magical experience.

I was blessed to receive Geeta Iyengar's last teachings before her death in December 2018 in Pune. I didn't know until her death but Geeta was 'my teacher' & I am grateful for all I learned from her teachings.

I can't put into words what a magical thing Iyengar yoga is, regular practise has made me healthy, happy and more confident. I can't imagine my life with out yoga and when life starts to get tough an hour on my mat makes things seem much easier. It is a wonderful thing and I feel blessed to be able to share it with others. It truly is the best job in the world!

I have 2 BA honours degrees: one in textile & surface design & one in fine art. I LOVE cycling & have done several charity rides in the UK and abroad.

After yoga & cycling I love food I am a strict vegan & passionate vegan chef I have worked as a professional chef in a vegan cafe & a vegetarian caterer doing huge events & festivals in the UK.

I have 4 children & 4 Granddaughters."

James has been practising yoga for over twenty-two years and teaching yoga since 2007. He originally trained in India and then the UK. In India, he studied at Yoga Vidya Gurukul (YVG) and in the UK with The Devon School of Yoga (DSY). James has completed two teaching diplomas. He also holds a certificate in Advanced Yoga Studies from YVG and a postgraduate diploma in Yoga Therapy from the DSY. James has trained with senior and respected yogacharyas, including Sri Vishwas Mandlik and Srivatsa Ramaswami. His principal teacher is Duncan Hulin with whom he has studied regularly for the past twenty years.

James has a specialised interest in the history and culture of yoga and writes a regular blog on a range of related subjects. His writing has been published on the award-winning Elephant Journal platform and was featured in the top 50 yoga & wellness blogs for 2017. James is currently a student at SOAS, University of London where he is studying part-time for an MA in Traditions of Yoga & Meditation.

In 2005 I attended a ten day Vipassana meditation retreat in India and it had a profound affect on my life.

I continued my meditation practice and came to yoga in 2006 to balance the body as well as the mind. I have been teaching groups and individuals internationally since 2008 in the traditional Indian Hatha style, incorporating an extensive knowledge of posture, breathing, meditation and cleansing techniques. My focus is the application of Yoga as therapeutic tool, peace of mind and ease of body.
 
In March 2008 I completed my yoga teacher training at Yoga Vidya Gurukul  in Maharastra, India under the expert guidance of Ghandar Mandlik and his tutors. Since then, my practice and passion for yoga has flourished. I have continued to study with a number of inspiring teachers, but found that personal practice, both on and off the mat, has been the key to a deeper understanding of yoga.

In January 2009 I returned to Yoga Vidya Gurukul to complete an Advanced diploma in Yogic studies. I went on from there to practice and study with a number of teachers in India, including Bharath Shetty a student of both BKS Iyengar and Sri Pattabhi Jois, and Akilesh Bramachari who teaches Iyengar yoga. On returning to the UK, I quit my job, took up teaching yoga full-time and haven't looked back since. I taught yoga for a number of busy leisure centres and corporations in London, including Greenwich Leisure and UNICEF UK. I also studied pregnancy yoga with Jane Mackarness.

In 2011, I moved to Devon and set up classes in Exeter and Totnes. Having completing training in Yoga Therapy with the Devon School of Yoga, I was invited to join the school’s teaching faculty and began teaching on their Foundation diploma course. I now also teach on the Devon School of Yoga teacher training course and Postgraduate Yoga Therapy course.

In the past few years I have concentrated on my growing family and looking after my two young children. Consequently, I have been more focused on pregnancy and post-natal yoga, and have studied pre and post natal yoga with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli. My interest continues to widen out to encompass all aspects of women’s health.