YOGA

What is Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a method of yoga developed by and named after B.K.S Iyengar in the 1960s. Iyengar Yoga is a very meticulous style of yoga, placing the emphasis on precision and alignment.

The practice is all about the details of your posture (asana) and breath control (pranayama) and is excellent for building strength and flexibility. Iyengar yoga is great for learning the subtleties of correct alignment for all ages and abilities

Who is B.K.S Iyengar?

Born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, India, Yogacharya Sri B.K.S Iyengar studied and practised yoga continuously for over 85 years. B.K.S Iyengar began his study of yoga at a young age with his guru, T. Krishnamacharya (who’s often referred to as ‘The Father of Modern Yoga’).
 
B.K.S Iyengar brought yoga to the west in the 70s and his book Light on Yoga has been the source book for generations of yoga students all over the world.

He taught for over 75 years in all five continents, making yoga accessible and relevant to people everywhere.

He invented many of the yoga props that we use today and explored the benefits of yoga as treatment for a range of serious medical conditions.

read his full biography

What makes Iyengar yoga different?

Iyengar yoga is for anyone and everyone. It’s the world’s most widely practised method of yoga. Iyengar yoga teachers are well qualified and experienced in helping each student to find their own level in each pose. Props are useful here to make each pose accessible to all.
 
Because Iyengar yoga focuses on postural alignment, you may discover that it is particular good for postural and structural problems. And the fact that you have to give all of your attention to the precise details of each pose requires effort and concentration which can relieve stress and anxiety.

Iyengar yoga is all about quality of movement rather than quantity, to encourage safety throughout your practice.

Even though you might feel that an Iyengar class moves at a slower pace than other types of yoga class, you’ll find you have to work hard. It may be methodical but it is far from an easy option!
 

Kishe Redwood

I am a Scottish born Gloucestershire based Iyengar Yoga Teacher, mentor, student of Classical Homeopathy, mother, wife, friend. My background is in social anthropology, religious studies and health. I hold a BSc. Degree from Newcastle and formal qualifications in health and well-being. I have been practicing Iyengar Yoga for nearly 25 years and teaching public classes, private sessions & workshops regularly for over 10 years .
 
Fully Certified Level II teacher and CIMPSA associate with over 600 hours of teacher training. I have studied with national and international senior teachers since the turn of the millennium and return to our mother institute, RIYMI, in Pune, India to study with the Iyengar’s and senior institute teachers when travel allows, most recently 2015,2017 & 2019.
 
Here in the Forest of Dean and lower Wye Valley my classes are enjoyed by many many students who make their own self-discoveries and improve their health and well-being through the practice. In every class, live or on-line you can count on safe and precise instruction, considered sequencing grounded in absolute alignment, breath awareness and a slow burn strengthening and stabilising of body & mind, all essential Iyengar teaching qualities.
 
I am constantly amazed at the power of our Iyengar methodology that embody’s greater well-being for ourselves, our communities and ultimately our planet. For me, my own yoga practice on and off the mat is at the heart of all that I do and I am driven to guide, reach & teach each of you as is necessary to your needs.