Meet Our Teachers: Tradition & Compassion in Action

Sri Nandakumar is a certified senior Iyengar Yoga teacher with extensive training under B.K.S. Iyengar, Geetaji, and Prashantji. He began his yoga journey in the 1990s at Sky Yoga Centre and Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Tamil Nadu. Under Br. Rudradevaji in Rishikesh and Sri Ramananand Patel in Pune, he honed his Iyengar Yoga skills. Additionally, he studied Vedanta with H.H. Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Nandakumar integrates Vedanta wisdom into his Iyengar Yoga classes, offering a holistic yoga experience that blends physical practice with spiritual understanding.

Suh Chien, an Iyengar Yoga teacher at BKS Iyengar Yogashala, has over 20 years of experience. She views yoga as a lifelong journey and is passionate about sharing its benefits.

My journey with yoga began in my teens when I received Autobiography of a Yogi and The Tree of Yoga as gifts. Years later, after being initiated into Kriya Yoga, Guruji’s teachings truly resonated with me. While working in London, I took my first Iyengar Yoga class and was drawn to its precision. Returning home, I joined Nandakumar’s classes, and my exploration deepened. Yoga has been a path of self-discovery, teaching me patience, observation, and the power of clear instruction. My love for teaching continues to grow as I guide students toward awareness and transformation. I have studied with esteemed teachers like Penny Chaplin, Nandakumar, Subra, Birjoo Mehta, Raya Uma Datta, Devki Desai, Abhijata Iyengar, Jawahar Bangera, Bobby Clennell, and Uday Bhosale. Their wisdom shapes my practice and approach to teaching. My classes focus on structured sequencing, body awareness, and mindful progression, ensuring students build strength, stability, and breath control. Props and modifications make the practice accessible, and every session ends with calming pranayama. Beyond yoga, I’m a passionate hiker, cyclist, and gardener. I also offer free yoga classes to Tamil school children and mentor young hockey players. Yoga is a lifelong journey—come with an open mind, and let’s explore it together.

I was drawn to Iyengar Yoga for its precision, alignment, and the intelligent use of props to deepen practice. Through self-practice, I explore the inner movements of the body, while teaching allows me to learn from my students—observing their responses helps refine my approach. Currently focusing on self-practice, I am deeply inspired by Usha Devi from Rishikesh. My teaching style is slow, steady, and no-nonsense, emphasizing alignment and body awareness. Iyengar Yoga’s structured approach cultivates mindfulness, both on and off the mat—something I believe we often lack in today’s fast-paced world. In my classes, beginners build a foundation step by step, with modifications as needed, while experienced practitioners deepen their mind-body connection. Regular and consistent practice is key to growth. Beyond yoga, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and traveling. Let’s explore the journey of yoga together—one breath, one pose at a time.

Iyengar Yoga came into my life during a challenging time when I was dealing with a collapsed neck issue (C3–C6). Weekly hospital visits for traction weren’t a sustainable solution, so I searched for a practice that could truly heal and support me in the long run. What initially drew me in was the precision and alignment of Iyengar Yoga, but what kept me committed was its profound impact—not just on my body, but on my mind and spirit. Over time, this practice became more than just movement; it became a way of life, guiding me toward inner balance, clarity, and self-discovery. Years of dedicated practice led me to train under esteemed teachers, including Nandaji, Jawaharji, Birjooji, Rajviji, Abhijata, Uday, Rajlaxmi, and Olop. Each of them instilled in me the values of patience, awareness, and compassion—principles that continue to shape my teaching. But beyond my teachers, my students have been my greatest inspiration. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and transformation reminds me why I love sharing this practice. In my classes, I focus on mindful, detail-oriented teaching, ensuring students of all levels feel supported in their journey. Whether you’re new to yoga or refining your practice, I aim to create a space where you can explore your body, deepen your awareness, and build confidence through movement. Props are integral to my approach, making each pose accessible while helping students understand the subtleties of alignment and breath. Iyengar Yoga is not about perfection; it’s about exploration and self-discovery. Are you ready to experience how it can transform your body, mind, and spirit? I look forward to guiding you on this journey.

With over 15 years of experience, Premanandi offers classes that integrate yoga into daily life, tailored to individual health needs. Her teachings focus on balancing the body, mind, emotions, and energy. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your practice and enhance your well-being!

Tilak Raj, a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and sports scientist, innovatively inspires students to deepen their practice. Recipient of the Yoga Teacher of the Year award, he promotes a healthy, stress-free lifestyle. Experience his transformative classes at BKS Iyengar Yogashala.

As a child, I was constantly told that physical exercise wasn’t for me. Frequent illnesses kept me in and out of clinics, and I believed my body wasn’t built for movement—until my aunt introduced me to yoga in 2002. Over time, my immune system grew stronger, and I realized I was capable of so much more. What started as a simple practice turned into a gateway to endurance sports—running, swimming, cycling, and even completing a 1,000 km race in 75 hours. Iyengar Yoga became my foundation, refining my alignment, strength, and resilience. Under the guidance of Sri Nandakumar and other senior teachers, I deepened my understanding and began teaching in 2017. My classes emphasize structure, precision, and mindful progression, ensuring students build a strong, sustainable practice. I believe yoga is for everyone, no matter their starting point. Through detailed instructions, thoughtful sequencing, and personalized adaptations, I help students develop awareness and confidence in their movement. Whether you are overcoming physical limitations or seeking to refine your practice, Iyengar Yoga has something to offer. Beyond yoga, I enjoy endurance challenges, from cycling and running to fencing and swimming. Completing a 1,000 km cycling race within 75 hours remains one of my greatest achievements—one that yoga made possible. Join me in discovering your own strength.

For years, I practiced and taught different styles of yoga, loving the movement and flow. But over time, a persistent ache in my lower back and knees became a quiet warning that something wasn’t right. It wasn’t sharp pain—just a dull reminder that I was missing something crucial. Then I found Iyengar Yoga. The focus on alignment, precision, and props completely transformed my practice. Each pose became an exploration rather than a repetition, and for the first time in years, I felt safe in my own body. The pain faded, but more than that, I felt empowered—stronger, more aware, and deeply connected to my practice. That experience made me passionate about guiding others through the same journey of healing and self-discovery. Under the guidance of teachers like Sri Nandakumar, Birjoo Mehta, and Olop Arpipi, I refined my approach to both practice and teaching. My classes are built on patience, adaptability, and a deep respect for each student’s unique body. I encourage open discussion, mindful exploration, and the confidence to grow—both on and off the mat. Iyengar Yoga is more than movement; it’s about resilience, balance, and finding strength in stillness. Let’s practice together!

Iyengar Yoga found me when I was searching for more than movement—I was searching for understanding. Guruji’s perseverance in exploring asanas and their connection to healing fascinated me. Living with lumbar scoliosis and right hip impingement, I learned to adapt, using props to explore movement safely. This curiosity now shapes how I teach, helping students work with their unique bodies. My journey has been shaped by incredible teachers like Valerie Chai, Carol, Zerina, Ricardo, Min Tze, Kazumi, Nandaji, and Kathy Cook, each of whom deepened my practice and refined my approach to teaching. Their wisdom, combined with my background as a pharmacist, allows me to guide students with both scientific understanding and the precision of Iyengar Yoga. In my classes, I emphasize mindful strength, alignment, and accessibility, blending logic with relatable examples to make learning engaging. Whether you're working through an injury or seeking a deeper connection to your practice, I create a space for exploration, growth, and healing. Iyengar Yoga is transformative—it builds resilience, balance, and clarity. Come with an open mind, and let’s explore together.

For 12 years, I practiced yoga without fully understanding alignment or form. In 2015, a friend introduced me to the Iyengar Yoga Foundation course, and everything changed. I discovered a practice rooted in precision, depth, and mindfulness—one that resonated deeply and has guided me ever since. I first stepped onto the mat in 2002, drawn by college demonstrations, and became a Hatha Yoga teacher in 2006. But it wasn’t until Iyengar Yoga found me that I truly connected with the practice. Under the guidance of Sri Nandakumar, I learned from esteemed teachers like Birjoo Mehta, Zubin Zerthoshtimanesh, Olop Arpipi, Kathy Cook, and Abhijata Iyengar, each shaping my teaching and practice in profound ways. In my classes, I focus on inner alignment, using asanas not just as movements but as doorways to deeper self-awareness. With the support of props and mindful sequencing, I help students of all levels build confidence, strength, and clarity. Expect a dynamic yet grounding practice—one that challenges, restores, and leaves you with insights to carry beyond the mat. For beginners, I emphasize strong foundations, ensuring proper alignment from the start. For experienced practitioners, I encourage exploration and refinement. Iyengar Yoga isn’t just a method; it’s an experience of transformation. If you’re ready to deepen your practice and discover what’s possible, let’s begin this journey together. Beyond Yoga, I’m passionate about overall wellness—clean eating, training, cardio, and mindfulness. I also love reading spiritual literature, from Ouspensky to Tolstoy. Get to know me The Yogi In Process The Yogi In Process

Sin Yue, petite yet powerful, channels the spirit of Nandaji with boundless energy. She advances her practice annually, passionately promoting the essence and benefits of Iyengar Yoga. Her unwavering dedication to education and spreading Iyengar principles is truly inspiring.