James Russell Yoga

Yesterday, I really enjoyed teaching the first years on the Devon School of Yoga’s Teacher Training course. We did some Sanskrit chanting, looked at teaching pranayama, and did some partner-work, giving hands-on assists during asana classes. Stellar course, stellar group!

I’m biased, obviously, but I think this is one of the best teacher training courses around. The school has a team of specialist teachers and has been training yoga teachers for nearly 40 years. They know what they’re doing.

It’s a 500-hour, two-year diploma, so it goes above and beyond what’s possible on a 200 or 300-hour training. The syllabus covers many different aspects of teaching and offers a holistic and inclusive approach to yoga.

The next course starts in September and is already nearly fully booked. I think there are just four places left. If you’re interested then I highly recommend taking a look at the Devon School of Yoga website.

Peace out! 🙏🕉

I’m excited to be presenting research at the forthcoming Yoga Darśana Yoga Sādhana Conference in Paris.

The broad themes of the conference are authenticity, authority and adaptation. These are themes I touch upon in my work a lot - both as a researcher and as a yoga teacher trainer. I’ll be presenting the findings of some of my latest research on Netī.

More info from the conference website:

27-29 May 2026
Paris, France

The 4th International Yoga Darśana Yoga Sādhana conference will take place in Paris beginning Wednesday May 27 at 1:00 p.m. with official proceedings ending at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening May 29, 2026. The events are being organized in collaboration with the Center for South Asian and Himalayan Studies (CESAH) at the School for Advanced Social Sciences (EHESS - École de hautes études en sciences sociales) in Paris.

For more info visit:
https://ydys2026.sciencesconf.org/

Stella Kirtan on Friday night yoga centre in Exeter, with and and devotees. Best night out I’ve had for ages , and lovely to see so many old friends. Hare Krishna ! 🤩🙂🙏

Alice is teaching on this one too..

We have a few places left for our Pre and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training Course which starts in June 2026.

Already a yoga teacher and ready to broaden your skillset? This 10-day course, spread over five monthly weekends at the Lotus Loft studio in central Exeter, will equip you to confidently support women through pregnancy and postnatally.

Designed specifically for qualified yoga teachers, the course is led by an expert team of yoga therapists with extensive vocational experience, including a practising NHS midwife and former NHS nurse. You’ll gain practical tools, insight and confidence to work in this deeply rewarding area.

Find out more and apply here:

https://devonyoga.com/pre-and-post-natal-yoga-teacher-training/

Or follow the direct link in our bio.

Hi all, haven’t been on here much lately, as am deep into my PhD research, but I just wanted to let you know about an event I’m teaching at in Birmingham on 25th July. It’s the second residential gathering for YTT (Yoga Teachers Together), the new UK register for yoga teachers. There’ll be loads of great classes led by senior yoga teachers, and the accommodation this year looks lux!

You don’t have to be a YTT member to attend, but if you are, and you book before 2nd April, you’ll save £90 - so it’s worth joining (£36 per year) just for that discount alone.

Anyway, here’s the link - hope to see some of you there!
https://www.yogateacherstogether.org/events/gathering/

Hi everyone — calling all Vinyāsa Krama fans!
Two special workshops are coming up that you won’t want to miss.

🌿 Steve Brandon, the most senior UK teacher in the lineage of Sri Ramaswami and Krishnamacharya, will be leading his final public workshop in Wells, Somerset from 28th February – 1st March. A wonderful last opportunity to learn from Steve.

🕉️ Liz Turner, one of Steve’s most experienced teachers, will be offering a Vinyasa Krama Practice Day on 25th April, also in Wells, Somerset — highly recommended!

For full details and booking, visit:
https://www.vinyasakramayogaacademy.com/vky-workshops-in-wells--somerset

Hi all - the next Devon School of Yoga Foundation Course starts on 28th Feb. This is a wonderful course if you're looking to dive deeper into yoga and go beyond whats possible in a weekly class setting, or if you're thinking about teacher training but you're not quite ready to take that step. We've had a couple of last minute cancellations due to illness, so its still possible to get a place on the course. For more info, see below..

One place left on our 2026 Yoga Foundation Course 🌿
If you’ve been feeling the pull to go deeper than weekly classes, this could be for you. Over five weekends (including a nourishing full-board residential retreat in beautiful Devon), you’ll explore āsana, prāṇāyāma, meditation, relaxation, subtle anatomy, philosophy, mantra, and more – with experienced teachers with a range of yoga specialisms supporting you along the way.
You’ll receive two comprehensive course manuals, 70 hours of in-depth teaching, practice in peaceful, purpose-built studios, and delicious plant-based food on the residential weekend – all designed to enrich your practice and your life off the mat. This course is also an ideal springboard into our 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training if you decide to take the next step into teaching.
Just one space remains for Spring 2026.
👉 For more info visit: https://devonyoga.com/yoga-foundation-course/
Or follow the link in our bio.

I really enjoyed teaching a workshop on haṭhayoga last weekend at The Angel Hall at Bowden House. Thanks, Joy, for hosting me. I’m not teaching any more stand-alone workshops for a while, but I’m teaching on the Devon School of Yoga's Foundation Course, which starts on 28th February (one place left), and also on their Teacher Training Course starting on 12th September. I’ll also be presenting some of my research at the Yoga Darśana Yoga Sādhana conference in Paris in May, and at the YTT (Yoga Teachers Together) annual gathering in Birmingham in July. Exciting times! Hopefully see you soon, James.