Islington Yoga
IY
Yoga Studios
Islington Yoga
24-27 White Lion St, London N1 9PD
# Islington Yoga
Islington Yoga is a Shadow Yoga school based in London N1, specialising in a distinctive approach to Hatha Yoga developed over three decades by founders Sundernath and Emma Balnaves. The studio serves yoga practitioners at all levels, from complete beginners to experienced students seeking deeper practice.
The business distinguishes itself through its structured, step-by-step methodology rooted in ancient Hatha Yoga texts. Rather than offering generic yoga classes, Islington Yoga teaches specific foundational practices: the three preludes (Balakrama, Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam, and Kartikkeya Mandalam) that build physical strength, mental responsiveness, flexibility and resilience, followed by Nrtta Sadhana practices that refine coordination and awareness.
For beginners, the studio provides accessible entry points with clear instruction on coordinating movement and breath. Those with existing yoga experience can progress through Shadow Yoga-specific pathways, whilst advanced practitioners access drop-in classes, courses, intensives and retreats. The teaching emphasises awakening the body's natural intelligence and exploring connections between body, mind and breath through intuitive, aware movement.
Islington Yoga extends its reach beyond studio classes through published educational materials—Karen Watson's _Five Elements of Hatha Yoga: A Beginners Handbook_—combining accessible diagrams, breathing guidance and anecdotes from teaching experience. Currently, they offer a Summer Introductory Yoga Course (May-August, 13 weeks, £136) available both in-person and online.
Islington Yoga is a Shadow Yoga school based in London N1, specialising in a distinctive approach to Hatha Yoga developed over three decades by founders Sundernath and Emma Balnaves. The studio serves yoga practitioners at all levels, from complete beginners to experienced students seeking deeper practice.
The business distinguishes itself through its structured, step-by-step methodology rooted in ancient Hatha Yoga texts. Rather than offering generic yoga classes, Islington Yoga teaches specific foundational practices: the three preludes (Balakrama, Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam, and Kartikkeya Mandalam) that build physical strength, mental responsiveness, flexibility and resilience, followed by Nrtta Sadhana practices that refine coordination and awareness.
For beginners, the studio provides accessible entry points with clear instruction on coordinating movement and breath. Those with existing yoga experience can progress through Shadow Yoga-specific pathways, whilst advanced practitioners access drop-in classes, courses, intensives and retreats. The teaching emphasises awakening the body's natural intelligence and exploring connections between body, mind and breath through intuitive, aware movement.
Islington Yoga extends its reach beyond studio classes through published educational materials—Karen Watson's _Five Elements of Hatha Yoga: A Beginners Handbook_—combining accessible diagrams, breathing guidance and anecdotes from teaching experience. Currently, they offer a Summer Introductory Yoga Course (May-August, 13 weeks, £136) available both in-person and online.
Services offered
Beginners yoga coursesShadow Yoga introduction classesAdvanced Shadow Yoga drop-in classesIntensive coursesYoga retreatsOnline yoga classesPrivate instructionEducational yoga handbook