Yesterday was our yearly exchange of learning day hosted by the lovely Edgar Stringer, with the day focussed on inclusivity under the title “Yoga for all Bodies”.
With that now behind us, we’re looking forward to our first workshop of the year with Richard Ward next month, on the 7th of March, in Mudeford.
Richard Ward first became interested in Yoga at the age of 14 through reading a book on the subject but did not start attending Iyengar Yoga classes until the autumn of 1975, aged 19, while at the University of Oxford. He considers himself extremely fortunate to have discovered B.K.S. Iyengar and his teaching to which his life is devoted. His first class with Guruji came soon after in the summer of 1976 in London.
Richard’s first visit to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune came in July 1977 where he attended an intensive course taught by Guruji. He has attended intensive and other classes at RIMYI in Pune on 28 visits in person since then and since 2020, several online. Richard began to teach Yoga in the autumn of 1977 and was awarded the Introductory Certificate in 1984 by B.K.S. Iyengar himself, followed by the Junior Intermediate Certificate in 1988 and Level 3 Senior Intermediate Certificate in 2005.
Richard is an approved IY(UK) trainer and mentor and has taught at all levels up to Senior. He has taught extensively at home and abroad with many visits to China, the US, Mexico, Bermuda, Ireland, Italy and Sweden. Richard helped to found The Light on Yoga Association (UK) in 1988 and was chairperson from 1988 to 1999.The organisation merged with the BKS Iyengar Yoga Teachers’ Association to form the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK) in 2000. He helped found the Bristol (now Avon) Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1989. He has lived in Bath since 1999. He runs the Bath Iyengar Yogashala with his wife Lois.
Upcoming DHIY Events
Workshop with Judith Jones 2026
Sun 10th May 10:00am - 4:00pm
Judith has been teaching Iyengar Yoga in West Berkshire for since 1990 and teaches classes suitable for beginners and on-going students, as well as for more experienced Intermediate level students and ...
Workshop with Judi Sweeting 2026
Sun 21st Jun 10:00am - 4:00pm
Judi Sweeting has been practising yoga for over 50 years and teaching for over 45 years. She holds a Senior 3 Certificate and trains Iyengar teachers. Judi is a Moderator and Assessor for the IYA (UK) ...
Workshop with Sheila Haswell 2026
Sun 20th Sep 10:00am - 4:00pm
I have been teaching Iyengar Yoga for almost 50 years. During that time I have visited the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune on several occasions, the most recent being in 2025. When possible I attended
This Month’s Community Events
Through the rest of February, our community is hosting the following events:
Valentines Day Weekend Self-Care and Menopause and Post Menopause Intensive
Sat 14th Feb 3:30pm - Sun 15th 5:30pm
This intensive, held on Valentines Day, places the emphasis on loving and caring for ourselves first. This workshop offers a focused practice that can transform menopause and post menopause into a pos ...
Workshop with Cheree Low @ Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre
Sun 15th Feb 10:00am - 1:00pm
This three hour workshop will explore the relationship between the body, mind and breath in a sequence of poses that leads the student from the outside in. 1 year Iyengar yoga experience required. To
In Person Workshop with Bobby Clennell in Bristol, UK
Sat 21st Feb 10:00am - Sun 22nd 2:30pm
Avon Iyengar Yoga Developing Mobility with a Quiet Mind Toward Padmasana: Promote flexibility in the hips, knees and ankles, and move closer to Padmasana. Toward Hanumanasana: Elongate and release ten ...
In-person workshop with Bobby Clennell in Newcastle
Sat 21st Feb 10:00am - Sun 22nd 2:30pm
Saturday 21 Feb, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm Spinal Health: We will focus on poses that strengthen back muscles. Sunday 22 Feb, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm Repairing the nervous system: A mentally calming and physicall ...