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Yoga replacement teacher Ivan Knipping

I am an architect, the father of two children. As a child and teenager I practised judo, and later climbing, windsurf, swimming, hiking. My bike takes me everywhere.

A few years ago, my quest for yoga lessons led me to start Ashtanga, for no particular reasons, with no specific expectations. As lessons went by, I remained faithful to it. Regular practice led me to try progress in the postures, focussing on breath and deeper mental involvement in each posture. Gradually I became aware that it goes further than sheer physical activity: to learn how to resist one’s basic impulse, to no longer overdo it to perform a particular posture, but to simply strive to reach the balance that allows one to keep it, to seek relaxation while remaining active. So many challenges I like to take up and lessons I draw from the practice. On top of increasing my flexibility and endurance, Ashtanga Yoga brings me inner peace that helps me confront the hustle and bustle of daily life.

A few readings too: “Yoga Sutra” by Patanjali, “Yoga Mala” by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, “La voie de la paix intérieure” by BKS Iyengar, Krishnamurti’s books…these are companions along my road.

In addition to my own practising I find pleasure in helping and guiding other pupils, to share with them the discovery of that feeling of well being that can be derived from Ashtanga Yoga.