Ashtanga Yoga Shala

I began practising at Ashtanga Yoga Shala in 2003 and I spent the next wonderful nine years practising with Richard and Maxine. Richard is truly knowledgeable about the practise and philosophy of yoga. I feel very grateful that Richard was one of my first teachers on the path of yoga. He taught me so much about what it really is to have and to practise yoga in your life. I no longer live in Brisbane, but I will forever be grateful for those nine years. A truly enriching nine years in my life. For authentic yoga this is this place.

If you're looking for an authentic yoga practice that goes beyond postures and explores yoga philosophy, pranayama, chanting and meditation then Ashtanga Yoga Shala is for you. Richard offers a disciplined practice, with gentle and knowledgable guidance. I've always been interested in yoga... but this is the first place I've connected with the practice. In the classes I've attended there are people of all ages, shapes and abilities - Ashtanga Yoga Shala is for everyone!

Much has already been written by way of testimonials by scores of devoted Ashthanga yoga practitioners with Richard. Here is mine. Traditional yoga and its core philosophy is designed to work at the deepest level of one’s psyche; only such a process can bring about an authentic change in oneself. Richard Clarke’s Ashthanga Yoga Shala in Brisbane is perhaps the few handful of places in all of Australia that follows these traditional yoga teachings. Given that it is one of the first yoga schools in Brisbane, it is refreshing to see the teaching style has not been watered down for personal worldly gains – finance, reputation, etc. If you are genuinely interested in uplifting yourself and becoming a better person, for yourself, and more importantly, for others around you, come to Richard’s Ashthanga Yoga Shala. The yoga journey with Richard will be challenging, it will test your resolve and commitment. But, Richard will be with you and guide you on this journey and it will be worth it in the end (whenever that is).

Richard Clark’s Ashtanga Yoga Shala gave me a most solid foundation in the practice and precepts of Yoga. His care and concern for each individual student is a hallmark of his instruction especially as one progresses through the process. I now live away from Brisbane and avidly continue classes. Whenever I’m resting in restorative poses, I especially recall the way Richard set me up to support my unwinding. I’m still learning that Yoga is just as much about letting go as building strength and it all comes back to breath.Thank you RichardNamaste

I have been practising yoga with Richard since Jan/2020 and I can say that it has positively transformed my life. Like Richard always says, if you let (and have patience), yoga will work on you, and it really does. I will be forever grateful to life for putting Richard and Ashtanga Yoga Shala on my path to become my best self. I will always think of and remember them with respect and gratitude.

I've been practicing at this school for 12 years and can honestly say it's the best one I've ever attended. My yoga journey began 20 years ago in the UK so I've tried various styles and approaches from different teachers, some were good, some were terrible, leading me to injury and pushing myself to strike a pose with no further meaning or depth. With Richard Clark at Ashtanga Yoga Shala you can be assured that you will be looked after and the right intention is set so that you can discover what yoga is truly about. This isn't the place for adding to your exercise regime in terms of 'sweating it out' or performing 'stretches' or current fads, Richard is a dedicated yogi who truly lives and breathes what he teaches. Anyone who joins the school will be enriched by his knowledge.

My husband and I have been going here for a few months now and we have finally found the practice we have been yearning for for many years. Richard Clark is a profound person- so knowledgeable, humble, professional and Classical. We have been yearning to go to Mysore to study this form of Yoga- not only as a practice but as a lifestyle. With Richard and the classes at AYS, we have a chance to experience this lifestyle and methodologies directly. We now practice what we learn in classes, everyday. We don't wish to miss a day of abhyasa for that is the level of inspiration we derive in Richard's presence:)

Richard is an amazing teacher and person. He has a wealth of knowledge and teaches authentic yoga. At the Ashtanga Yoga Shala it doesn't matter what your body type is or degree of flexibility, because Richard has the knowledge and skill to help everyone tailor their practice to suit their needs and situation. Indeed, one of my biggest learnings has been to gradually let go of these typical Western notions of yoga, and to view asana practice as one of the many limbs of yoga. Highly recommend :)

I have been attending Ashtanga Yoga Shala for over a decade and I am still learning so much. Richard is a great teacher and very dedicated to his students. In his classes you learn all facets of yoga - asana, pranayama, mantra, as well the philosophy of yoga. I am also impressed by his knowledge of anatomy and his focus on ensuring everyone performs asanas correctly and avoids injury (unlike some gym class yoga).Ashtanga yoga is not for the fainthearted, but it is by far the best thing I do for my health every week!

I've been roaming from place to place, practising yoga (or what I thought it was) for 7 years, till I found the Ashtanga Yoga Shala and met Richard. This was a turning point in my practice and life! For the last 2 years I've been learning the through meaning of Yoga and getting more involved and committed with my practice. Thank you Richard and Maxine for your guidance, support and inspiration!For those looking for a genuine yoga school, I strongly recommend you to try this place. They don't offer free experimental or one-off classes. You have to commit for a minimum of 8-classes, but once you have been through these step 1" introductory classes