It was in 1998, after many years of studying yoga and martial arts, that I set up my first yoga studio. Known then as the Sangam, tucked away behind an orange gate just off the Northcote Road in Battersea, it was one of only two yoga centres in London and it was exciting times. Word was spreading like wildfire about this amazing life-assertive form of dynamic yoga and classes filled up almost overnight through word of mouth recommendation. The palpable highly-charged energy of those early ashtanga practices was unforgettable. 

The yoga scene has changed dramatically since those times. It is a huge blessing that yoga is now reaching the lives of so many, though it is with some misgiving that I look upon the mainstream modern yoga world and observe the dissipation of some of the “essence” of yoga. It is this “essence”, this “spiritual” and philosophical dimension to the practice that I strive to keep alive in the practices at the Shala today (the Shala translates as “a place of spiritual practice”). 

I have been privileged to work with many incredible teachers at our centre, all of whom share a deep love and respect for yoga and a genuine passion for sharing their knowledge. These teachers teach from the heart, generously and without judgement or ego. They bring their own individual style of teaching and their own strengths. I hope that everyone who passes through our centre will find their own teacher who can help them on their journey to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The greatest blessings over the years of teaching, have been my loyal students – inspiring extraordinary people, of all ages and from all walks of life, each with their own life struggles and victories. Many of them have been with me from the outset for more than two decades, many have gone on to become teachers in their own right, some sadly have passed away. From each I take away something and learn something new. Teaching for me has been a humbling and enlightening journey.

Gingi Lee – Director