the shala teachers

The teachers at the Shala (formerly the Sangam Yoga Centre) all share a deep love and respect for yoga and have a passion for sharing their knowledge with the students at the centre. They have spent years working on their own practices, traveled widely and come form all walks of life. Most have worked with Gingi Lee in his self practice classes for years and have became strong and respected teachers in their own right. They have also grown with the centre making it the special hub and community it has become.

 

gingi lee

gingiGingi is the Director of the Shala, which he established originally as the Sangam Yoga Centre in Battersea in 1998. He has been teaching yoga for over 15 years. He began studying and teaching martial arts in the 1980s with his father, Sensei Richard Taibong Lee who is currently living and teaching in France. During an early trip to India, Gingi came into contact with yoga and spent many years returning to India to study and devote himself to the discipline. For two years he apprenticed with the late Derek Ireland, completing a final training course in Goa. He then went to Mysore to continue his studies with Sri Pattabhi Jois in and then completed a two-year teacher training course with Graeme Northfield of Australia. Gingi has hosted many yoga holidays and workshops in this country and abroad, including combined retreats with John and Lucy Scott, and Kristina Ireland. He is a well-respected teacher, whose teaching is characterised by sensitivity and warmth.


easter bonnifield

easterThe exploration of breath and movement has led Easter through ashtanga vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, yoga for pregnancy, doula during birth and postnatal terms, meditational practices and shadow yoga. She has had the opportunity to train in Astanga Vinyasa: apprenticeship with Gingi Lee, 2-year teacher training with John Scott; Yoga for Pregnancy: Birthlight Foundation with Françoise Barbira Freedman, Ingrid Lewis and Uma Dinsmore Tuli; Doula: Paramanadoula with Dr. Michel Odent and Lilian Lammers with on-going support from Ingrid Lewis; Yin Yoga & Vipassana: Teacher training with Sarah Powers.

Easter teaches led and private classes. Visit Easter's website for more information, or send an email.


kath roberts

kathWith over 20 years experience of yoga, Kath has incredible knowledge of the yoga practice; this combined with her lovely manner make her teaching particularly special. Her strong sense of alignment comes from years of studying Iyengar yoga. Her formal training includes Iyengar Teachers Training Course, Yoga Therapy Diploma and a three year Teacher Training course with Graeme Northfield. She has also worked with Dona Holleman, who has greatly influenced her yoga and style of teaching. Kath is now working on the third series in the ashtanga system.

 

 

 

graham stones

grahamAfter practicing, teaching and competing in Kung-fu for many years Graham begun studying ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Derek Ireland in 1995. Since then Graham has continued his study with Gingi Lee at the Sangam and with John Scott.

Graham has dedicated many years of practice in martial arts, yoga and massage to bring together a natural, sensitive, thoughtful style to his teaching. His deep knowledge and understanding of therapeutic work allows him to offer helpful ways of exploring new openings to a more enriched and healthy life.


ingrid lewis

While living in Congo (Central Africa) Ingrid Lewis was initiated by Aka hunter-gatherer women into their secret knowledge and ancestral rites. It is vital to reconsider ancient knowledge about the unique female power of reproduction & birth if we are to change the current trend towards intervention during pregnancy, labour and birth. Ingrid's aim is to enable women to be in charge of their own bodies, birth in dignity and rejoice in their femininity.

Ingrid has worked in Germany, the UK and Central Africa in both, allopathic and complementary medicine for over 15 years. She is a Physiotherapist, Public Health Professional, Reflexologist, Reiki-Teacher, Bach Flower Remedies Practitioner & Teacher, Doula, Birthlight Perinatal Yoga and Baby Yoga & Massage Teacher. Ingrid works in public health in developing countries and in complementary medicine specialising in perinatal and women's health.
Ingrid teaches Baby yoga classes on Tuesdays. Visit Ingrid's website for more information. You can email her or call 0207 274 3968 to book a space.


francesca kleanthous

Francesca is a special needs teacher who is passionate about children. Her attraction to yoga began 15 years ago, when, in her role as a special needs teacher she became fascinated in how yoga could be used to help and improve children physique, concentration and mental peace. She later trained in Yogabugs for children from the age of 2 -6 and then completed her training as a Yoga’ud up teacher for children from the age of 7–14.

Francesca teaches kids yoga classes on Tuesdays at the Shala and the Kids Special Yoga on a one to one basis. Please contact her on 07787195805 if you would like to find out more about her classes.