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teachers CAROLE BAKER (Power, Vitality, Post Natal, Ante-Natal, Intro, Teens) Carole’s Yoga journey began in 1995 after the birth of her second daughter via caesarean section when she was forced into yoga by her mother as a way of losing weight and stress relief! "I was very sceptical at first as I thought yoga was just for grannies who wanted to relax! (Not that there is anything wrong with that!) I soon found that it gave me great strength & flexibility but also toned my shape and energised me too, I even attended right up to the birth of my third child”. I then started going to a twice weekly more dynamic power yoga class, with an inspiring teacher called Maria Tabler and I really loved it, she persuaded me to train and I eventually decided on the British Wheel of Yoga Teacher’s Diploma course, recognised as the governing body for Yoga in the UK and affiliated to Sport England. It is the most widely sought after teaching diploma there is. “I started teaching in Health Clubs and Village Halls and finally realised that I didn’t have to put up with cold, smelly, dirty rooms. My career background is in catering, marketing and pharmaceutical sales and I hit 40 and suddenly decided I should set up my own business to combine my love of yoga, healthy food and complimentary therapies and hence the self centre was born! She now teaches a stimulating Power Class, a rejuvenating Vitality Class and is responsible for the very young – Ante-Natal and Post- Natal Mums. “My teaching style is light hearted and fun, never taking anything too seriously. Yoga is a journey, and I am still heading along my pathway of discovery, everyone is different and everyone finds their place, that is the beauty of it!” You never stop learning! Her most recent "learning experience" was facing the consequences of sending a cheeky text message to Chris Evans on Radio 2 offering to "sort out his wonky bits!", before she knew it she was live on air in the studio chatting to Chris about the benefits of Yoga ( he is a convert ) and trying to teach Johnny Saunders the Sports Presenter the basics! Carole is a Co-founder of and Director of the self centre. SIOBHAN KEMP (Intermediate) Siobhan began her yoga as a grudging add-on to her weekly, tortuous gym workout. Being the impatient kind she never “warmed up or warmed down” so thought popping into the namby pamby yoga class after her gym workout would kill two birds with one stone! After her third yoga session, she ditched the gym and has never looked back. Without really ever meaning to, she finds herself now a qualified teacher and her only notable plan for the future is to live to 95 and to still be able to touch her toes. Her teacher training was a combination of British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course and Sivananda, gaining her Sivananda Diploma in April 2004. In December 2005 she trained with David Swenson to teach the Ashtanga Primary Series. She loves the dynamic variety of practising all elements of yoga, from a simple single calming full lung breath to an energetic, sweat-inducing hour & a half’s physical Ashtanga workout. Siobhan was a co-founder of the self centre. KIREN (KARUNA) FORTSON (Vinyasa Flow) From early childhood Kiren enjoyed physical exercise ranging from ballet and gymnastics to athletics, sports, and gym training. After practicing yoga on and off for many years, however, she literally woke one day knowing that she needed to study yoga more in depth. Overheard conversations after a yoga class at the local gym lead Kiren to search for a teacher training progamme. As a consequence of extensive Internet-based research she discovered the North Carolina School of Yoga in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. “For some reason, I was just drawn to Chandra Om, the school’s director, and signed up immediately. I never dreamed how my practice with Chandra would change my life, sparking a deeper and more personal spiritual awareness, leading me onto the yogic path.” (Chandra Om appeared in the March 2008 Yoga Journal article “21 Under 40,” featuring the next generation of American yoga teachers shaping yoga’s future). Due to Chandra’s inspiration, through personal practice and study, Kiren endeavors to offer a heart-centred practice, hoping to impart not only awareness of the body but to connect and develop an inner awareness. One should aim to be centred and calm whether maintaining a handstand or a simple child’s pose. “Yet the beauty of yoga is that you can take it as far as you like—you can stay at a purely physical level or go as deep as you like.” Currently Kiren teaches a Hatha Vinyasa Flow class (which is more of a power level quality) and a Hatha Vinyasa class (intermediate). Both classes include a comprehensive series of stretching, balancing, twisting, back bends, and inverted postures, aiming to warm up the body, bringing flexibility to the joints and muscles, and wake up the nervous system. Practice endeavours to move in a conscious and graceful manner, regulating the breath to begin drawing the attention deep within, bringing a sense of inner calm and awareness. Kiren also teaches a monthly Advanced Asana class to include more advanced postures such as Hanumanasana (splits), headstand variations, pigeon, bridge, forearm balance, etc Classes usually include meditation, mantra, basic mudras (hand gestures), pranayama, and deep relaxation to bring a sense of well-being to the body and peace to the mind. Kiren graduated Advanced Teacher Training in January 2007 (Yoga Alliance).
TIM KNIGHTS (Yield & Flow. Flow & Yield, Integral, Intermediate, Intro and Meditation!) In 1999 Tim was introduced to alternative healing and therapies through a friend ( Rachel , who is now his partner ) . He also met an astrologer who apart from teaching him western and vedic astrology he also introduced him to meditation and yoga. From 2000 to 2006 Tim was very much involved with cycle racing ( most weekends ) in which he used astrology to work out the best racing days also using meditation for focus and awareness of the body and mind with a key to keeping flexible, balanced and strong on the bike through using yoga. After a while yoga and meditation took over from racing and in 2007 he obtained his yoga diploma in Brighton under his teacher Sevanti who runs Unity Yoga. Tim now runs classes at the The Self Centre as well as at Stowmarket Sports Centre where he also teaches swimming and snorkeling . His classes vary from non-swimmers, special needs children as well as competitive swimmers. Early this year he was asked to teach yoga to the two top groups from Stowmarket Swimming Club in which they have just finished second in the league. Tim also attends the Ipswich Buddhist Centre where helps out with classes on buddhism and meditation, he is also a practicing buddhist and is in the process of ordination within the Fwbo. Tims classes have a central theme of meditation using kindness and awareness to help you grow and form your own practice. The style of yoga is a mix of hatha and sivananda with meditation , asanas, pranayama and deep relaxation. Tims most bazaar class was when he was training to become a yoga teacher and was in South Africa teaching swimming to township kids. Twice a week he would teach the gap students yoga outside next to a small holding when one day during relaxation a pig decide to join in and was wandering through the bodies who where in corpse pose. The funny thing was , most of the students were not aware of the pig , most still in deep relaxation. I remember my first yoga class as if it were yesterday. Hiding at the back of the hall watching in awe as the teacher moved with such amazing grace and ease. The beautiful sense of calmness that emanated from her powerful body, it was like I had been transported into a different world. I knew then without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to be a yoga teacher. My life since then has been spent chasing that dream. For me I love the freedom of yoga, I love the way that no two practises are ever the same, the more you learn the more you realise there is to learn. Yoga is never ending, even if you just stay with the physical, you can never get bored with it. It can be light hearted, it can be deep and powerful, the only thing that limits it is you. I have practised yoga for 4 years and have a daily practice. I have studied various styles from pre-natal to ashtanga and have learnt from and been inspired by them all. I teach yoga to children from 3 years upwards and am currently studying with Camyoga to teach adults too. BRIDGET QUERCIA-SMALE (Intermediate) Having always thought Yoga was for the young slim and slightly mystical, I use to do aerobics, step, or whatever the latest fashion was three or four times a week as well as running my own very hectic business. However, it was becoming very apparent that life was one crazy rush from dawn to dusk. Previously my work had lead me to spend six years living abroad and travelling all over the world but it was the three years that I had spent in the Far East that fascinated and intrigued me and drawn my interest to all things spiritual and alternative. So back in the eighties I thought I would try yoga, and soon realised that among its many benefits yoga gives you a little space in your life and a time to relax, and wanting to extend my interest further, I embarked on the British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Training Diploma. Actually there was no intention of teaching at this time. Then in 1996 I began teaching and passing on this form of pleasure to others as I previously had a qualification in teaching adults. When I was expecting my first baby my knowledge of Yoga really came into its own. I began to prepare my body for the extra weight it would be carrying and for the birth. Infact, I was teaching a regular yoga classes until the week the baby was due. During the labour I used Pranayama (or yoga breathing techniques) which meant I completely avoided the need for drugs or any other medical intervention. This was quite an achievement for a (then) 39 year old, and the inspiration for teaching Ante-natal Yoga. Now having been on numerous training days and retreats mainly in Yoga is for everyone not just the young slim and slightly mystical!
JULIA THORNTON (Fusion and Restorative) I have been a practitioner of Yoga since my very first lesson with renowned UK Yogi, Simon Low 15 years ago. My love of Yoga has spurred me on to join The Yoga Academy, currently run by Simon, from which I will graduate early in 2010. A classical harpist and percussionist by training, I am determined to inspire and spread the important principles of integrity, kindness, balance and inner calm found in all paths of Yoga, through the integration of body, breath and mind. I hope to empower my students and pass on tools which will aid them in their own self practice. I place emphasis on adapting postures to suit the individual, guiding you to a safer and more compassionate practice. After all, non-judgement and acceptance of the world around us begins with non-judgement and acceptance of ourselves, whatever our limitations and whatever the outcome! I teach a fusion of the most constructive abnd transforming asana from various Hatha Yoga traditions including elements of the precision and attention to alignment of Iyengar, the grace and energy of Vinyasa Flow, the principles of Patanjali's Ashtanga path and the strength of Power as well as the restorative deep healing of Yin Yoga. My own wit, warmth and enthusiasm will of course be thrown into the bargain for good measure! HELEN O'CONNELL (Hatha course) I started going to yoga classes at the age of forty two because I needed some time for myself. After going to regular classes for about a year, the yoga teacher encouraged me to consider teacher training. I completed the British Wheel Foundation Course, followed by the BWY Three Year Teaching Diploma. Since qualifying, to develop my personal practice and teaching I have completed two Pranayama Courses based on the system of Swarmi Gitananda as taught by Philip Xerri. I am also a Recorded Teaching Practice Observing Teacher (TPOT); which means I am able to observe a trainee teachers lesson plan, lesson and write a recorded report for them. My teaching is influenced by the Iyengar School of yoga which has a very structured approach to posture work and uses aids such as blocks, belts, bolsters and chairs to assist students achieve their goals. Other influences include the Vanda Scaravelli approach based on the principles and effects of gravity and breath in posture work; as well as Donna Farhi which encourages the following principles of breath; yield to gravity; radiate (move from the inside out); centre; establish solid foundations of support & alignment; engage body, mind and spirit. I have a keen interest in Riding for the Disabled, I am Chairperson and support Group Instructor for the local St. Edmunds Riding for the Disabled Group. PAOLA Pizzuto (Hatha and Flow Cover) BSc(Hons) Osteopathy, Dip.Y.Ed.m There, I studied the various aspect of the discipline from practical one, to old yoga texts, modern anatomy and yoga therapy. In my class I encourage people to develop awareness of movement and practice with an open mind, without expectations or preconceptions on what the practice can bring. Every aspects of the “yoga system”, from asanas to meditation, are emphasised and used as an expedient to “drop” tensions and inhibitions, allowing the body to express freely and joyfully! Emphasis is given on freedom of movement rather than austerity. I teach a dynamic flow that varies according to students needs. Occasionally, some of the yoga practices are explored individually and more in detail to help practitioners to better understand the concepts of alignment/misalignment of the body, and the effects that they have on the physical as well as mental levels. JAN ALMOND ( WI Classes and cover) In the 1970’s Richard Hittleman’s daily slot on morning TV inspired me to take up yoga, and at the time I had a lower back problem which would not seem to go away. I began practising yoga at home by watching him on TV and from one of his books, and I found that after a number of months my back problems seemed to disappear. This prompted me to go to yoga classes, and then the adventure began. I tried a number of different teachers over the years and gained some good experiences. 1996 I did a Stress Consultant Course with The British School of Yoga, Association of Stress Consultants. 1998 I trained in Swedish Body Massage, IHBC, IIHHT with West Suffolk College of F.E in BSE. I haste to add that I have not used these skills for a number of years. 2004 I decided I wanted to teach yoga, and gained a Hatha Yoga Teacher diploma with The British School of Yoga. To further my knowledge of yoga, I began a 3 year training course with The British Wheel of Yoga in Norwich. The course began in September 2006, and finishes in November 2009.
Sue trained with the British Wheel of Yoga & has been teaching in the West Suffolk area for over 20 years. During this time she has continued to develop her practice & extend her knowledge by working with many different Yoga teachers & learning from many “schools” of Yoga. In recent years she has been influenced by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli & her inspirational book “Awakening the Spine” in which great emphasis is placed on working with gravity & the breath during asana practice.
Having worked in the mental health field for many years, Sue is particularly aware of the wonderful benefits of Yoga to both mind & body & committed to enabling people who might not be able to manage an ”ordinary” class to experience its fantastic effects. She runs a “Chair Yoga” class which is adapted for people who are less able due to age or disability.
Sue has completed further training in Yoga Nidra, a technique which induces deep Relaxation & can have profound, life changing results. She hopes to share this by introducing the technique to students in the near future.
KIRSTEN WALKER (Ante natal Education) I started my life in Antenatal education in 1999 after the birth of my first child when I joined the NCT…I was a bored mum who hated the office job and decided that I should help make other womens birth experiences better than mine had been. After first training in accounting after leaving art college, which for some reason seemed like the sensible thing to do for 5 years, after the birth of my first son I trained as an antenatal teacher for 3 years with the NCT and qualified in 2003 with a Diploma in Higher Education (Antenatal Education) from the university of Bedfordshire. Having now taught over 2000 parents and having over 1000 babies across the country I realise the desperate need to support parents though out pregnancy and their early parenting experience so they can understand what is being offered to them and how to make sensible choices for their families from the wealth of information out there. I then took on further training in Aromatherapy and Reflexology with SNHS in 2005 and started working as a Doula in 2006. I studied again with the NCT for Yoga style exercise and breathing for pregnancy in 2006/7. Working so closely with parents and seeing a need for couples to understand the changes happening to their relationship I trained in Psychotherapeutic counselling in 2008/9 with Stonebridge Associate Colleges and am a full member of the CCC counselling organisation. I now have 2 beautiful children and share another 3 with my partner, but despite having a full life, I love my work with new parents providing them with the options and information they need to make informed choices about their care and empowering them to be strong and responsible for themselves, their relationship and their babies in a way which will enhance their lives and their experiences though the transition to parenthood. ANDREW REES (Qi Gong and Personal Protection) Andy started his training in Tai Chi and Qi Gong in 1998, and his training has been primarily on a private tuition basis with a master who passed on the many keys to the arts that have been closely guarded secrets for many years. It is these keys and the origional format of Tai Ji Quan and Qi gong that helps people to learn faster than the modern 'traditional' methods and this forms the basis of all sessions. His training in Tai Ji Quan and Qi Gong have enabled him to see things from a different perspective. From this perspective it becomes apparent what martial arts, tai chi, meditation and spiritual disciplines are really aiming for. This is something that he aims to share with people who participate in sessions. Andy has completed over 8000 hours of hands on live training in hand to hand, hand to weapon, weapon to weapon military combat fighting, a system specifically formulated to teach and deliver classified information to elite special forces. Through extensive research and application I have qualified as a master combat instructor, becoming one of only ten people globally to graduate through this instructor program and the only UK based instructor. Training included: -Close quarter hand to hand combat training -Hand to hand, hand to weapon, weapon to weapon combat training -Blade edge weapon disarmament and retention -Gun Disarmament and retention course -Counter car jacking -Family Awareness & Safety Program MARTIN FAYERS (Tai Chi) Martin began studying Tai Chi within the Yellow Dragon School of Kung Fu under the instruction of Sifu David Skates in 1990. In 1992, Martin joined the Eastern Tai Chi and International Arts Association and began taking instruction with J. Reynolds Nelson. Since then he has progressed within the Association, becoming Senior Instructor in 1998, having studied with many Tai Chi Masters – Master Choi Wei Lun, Master Huang Wei Lun, Professor Wang Yan, Sifu Michael Phillips, Master Xu Guo Ming, Master Zhang Xu Xin, Master Dong Zhen Chen, and Grand Masters Wang Hao Da and Yang Zhen Duo. Martin now teaches Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi in Suffolk and currently studies with Sifu Therese Teo Mei Mei, Master Christopher Pei and Master Yang Jun. Martin is a member of the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association (IYSTCCA) and of the British Council for Martial Arts (BCCMA) and is now Chairperson of the Eastern Tai Chi and Internal Arts Research Association (ETCIARA). My first experience of yoga was in my early twenties as a means of ‘relaxing’ after a busy day’s teaching; it was in a drafty school hall, there was an overpowering smell of incense burning and lots of very bendy people much older than me! Needless to say, I didn’t feel at all relaxed and I didn’t last long, pretty quickly returning to aerobics and ‘jazzercise’ classes. Ten years or so later, when I was pregnant with my first child, I rediscovered yoga through Birthlight. A great friend of mine was teaching Birthlight classes in Newmarket and offered me a free course of ante-natal and birth preparation yoga. I loved it! I felt supported and nurtured, relaxed and strengthened all at the same time. I continued with the classes throughout my pregnancy resulting in an amazing, drug free, home birth which I owe in the main to Birthlight’s fantastic classes. It was a truly life changing experience for me. My new baby (Isabelle Rosalind) and I started Baby Yoga classes with Birthlight when she was six weeks old, attending weekly until she was nine months old and I had to return to work. My return to teaching English and Drama in a Suffolk middle school was a turning point for me, although I loved teaching I felt worn down by the paperwork and generally ‘tired’ of the job, in need of a new direction. It was at this point that I decided to train with Birthlight myself and gained my Baby Yoga Diploma in the Autumn of 2006. I went on to train to teach SMART classes in 2007, following the arrival of baby number two (William Edward) and many more Birthlight ante natal yoga classes. Tiddlywinks Yoga was set up in the Summer of 2007 when I finally felt brave enough to leave the education system and try to make a living working for myself. Four years later I am teaching Birthlight Baby Yoga and SMART classes to more than seventy mums a week both at The Self Centre, for the local children’s centres and in the Stowmarket area too. I try to teach not just physical ‘yoga’ for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers but also with an awareness of what yoga is about; supporting, nurturing, respecting and understanding, never forgetting that it should be fun! My yoga classes have improved too! I attend a weekly hatha yoga class, it is in a school hall but there is no incense and nowadays I feel so much more relaxed and even a little bendy sometimes...
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