A photograph captures an intricately detailed brass statue of the Hindu deity Shiva in the form of Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. The statue is positioned centrally on a light-coloured wooden shelf, showing Shiva in a dynamic cosmic dance pose with multiple arms (four clearly visible) within a large circular, flame-fringed halo. He balances on his right leg on a prostrate figure, and his left leg is raised. The background, which is slightly out of focus, features a framed chart pinned to a white wall, displaying rows and rows of small illustrative human figures in various yoga asanas (poses), arranged in a sequence with unreadable descriptive text below each pose. The statue has a worn, aged metal finish. The perspective is frontal.

About Jon

My practice & teacher

I began my yoga journey in 2018. For me, my initial interest in yoga was born out of a need to find a meditative and well-being practice to help me through some particularly difficult mental health issues I was dealing with at the time. Committing to a regular yoga and meditation practice helped me to recognise my habitual toxic patterns which I was using as an emotional crutch to avoid dealing head-on with the real issues in my life.

Fast forward to the present day and I have been practising yoga daily since 2018. My daily practice is focussed on Ashtanga Yoga. I practice 6 days a week, normally early in the morning before my family wake or the morning Mysore practices start at Ashtanga Yoga Hull.

A striking black and white low-angle photograph of a man with dark hair, meditating in a full lotus pose on a large, textured stone ledge. He is wearing a dark, form-fitting short-sleeved athletic t-shirt and shorts, and his hands rest on his knees in a mudra with palms facing up. His gaze is directed upwards and to his right with a focused, serene expression. He is centrally framed, positioned between a massive, weathered stone column on his left (which dominates the right of the frame) and a large, dark, leafy tree on his right (which dominates the left of the frame). Above him, the sky is filled with voluminous, dramatic cumulus clouds. The composition emphasizes the relationship between the grounded figure and the vast, powerful sky. The black and white photography highlights the varied textures of the stone, wood, cloth, and skin.

My teacher is Joey Miles, who has practiced with both Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois. I aim to practise in person with my teacher in Leeds at least once a week. Joey has received Authorisation Level 2 from Sharath Jois and before that Authorisation Level 1 from Pattabhi Jois. This direct lineage from Pattabhi and Sharath to my teacher and through to myself is something that I see as hugely important. This helps to ensure that what I am learning, and also passing on to my students, has a direct route back to the source of the practice.

Through my own experiences with yoga I firmly believe that, if it is embraced fully and embodied as a full life practice rather than just a fitness modality, yoga has the ability to completely turn one’s life around. The mental clarity that is gained from a committed practice, combined with the breathing techniques that Pranayama teaches us and the fixed focus that is learnt when holding your body in difficult postures. This begins to condition the mind, body and spirit in such a way to allow you to deal with anything that you may encounter in life with strength, grace and humility.

In 2021, I began a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training course; qualifying in October 2022. I took the course at the Yoga Studio & Training Academy in Hull (now Ami Yoga and Wellness), and would highly recommend anyone who is interested in deepening their knowledge of yoga to look into this course.

My approach to teaching

Although my personal practice is in Ashtanga, I strive to not be dogmatic within my teaching of the Ashtanga method and fully believe that Ashtanga is a practice that can be adapted to suit all people; regardless of their strength, flexibility or experience in yoga.

Through my teacher training and my continued practice with my teacher, I incorporate many other yoga modalities into my teaching practice; from yoga therapy techniques to Iyenger inspired use of props.

It is my hope that through my classes at Ashtanga Yoga Hull every student can find their own way, using the practice of the Ashtanga sequences and with their dedication and hard work, to achieve a life transforming yoga practice that meets them where they are.

Get in touch today to find out how I can help you on your journey!

Get in touch!