Yoga at The Radiant Hand
What is yoga?
Yoga is a philosophy, a science and an art. Originally developed in the Indus Valley region nearly 6000 years ago, it was seen as a method of integrating the entire person.
The practice of yoga improves physical fitness, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, and can be brought into all aspects of our daily lives, to extend, deepen and enhance our approach towards life.
Yoga also means to join, connect and unite. The essence of this, is that yoga enables us to unite our inner Self with a higher, more universal Spirit or energy. Yoga helps us to realise the Truth, that we are all a part of this divine energy.
By practising yoga regularly, it can help us to integrate all our parts, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual and from this we respond naturally and holistically to all of Life’s situations. By changing how we respond to events, yoga can have a direct and positive influence on our lives. It is a practical vision, which leads to practical results.
Why practice yoga?
Yoga was seen by the ancient Indian rishis as a practical method for the complete physical, mental and spiritual transformation of the individual.
Regular and correct practice of the postures (asanas) can make us stronger, fitter, more flexible and healthier, in mind as well as body.
The benefits of regular practice of yoga include improved muscle tone and strength, stamina, better posture, re-alignment of the body, better absorption of nutrients and removal of toxins, improved functioning of the organs and nervous system, regeneration of the body at a cellular level, relief of stress and fatigue, better sleep, more energy, better focus, mental clarity and concentration, and helps to develop relaxation for the mind and body.
Anyone can practise yoga there are no pre requisites, and you certainly don’t have to be flexible to practice it.
It is the perfect panacea to the stresses of modern day living.
Yoga @ The Radiant Hand
The yoga at The Radiant Hand was inspired by Stephan Coburg, who studied in the traditional discipline of Hatha Yoga with his Guruji, as a disciple for 11 ½ years. In April 2002, Stephan's Guruji left his physical body in mahasamadhi, and Stephan was given the great honour to carry on his teacher's lineage.
The yoga taught at The Radiant Hand acknowledges this lineage and has been developed with an understanding about the reintegration of the physical with the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Yoga.
Too often, these days, the emphasis on yoga in the West has been focused upon the physical. The classes taught at The Radiant Hand, uphold the traditional values of yoga in a way, which Western culture can digest . It is why all the teachers here at The Radiant Hand, emphasize that asana (postures) is only the physical technique, but other practices such as karma yoga, the yoga of selflessness, ahimsa, (non-violence) pranayama, (breathing techniques) meditation, chanting and the study of the Self and of the ancient texts (swadyaya) are also important as part of the practise of our yoga.
We see yoga as a great tool to use in Life, as it inspires us daily. We live a life that is reflective of this, here at The Radiant Hand, and our dedication to you as yoga teachers is to demonstrate the versatility and diversity of this tool to inspire you and for you to inspire others.
We humbly accept the honour of carrying on the linage as set out and embodied by the teachings of Guruji Tenzin Kendra Rinpoche, these fundamentally being, compassion and kindness, love and creativity, healing and health, peace and happiness.
You will find our instructors teaching at various locations across London including Fulham, Chelsea, Olympia, Bloomsbury, Barbican, Wimbledon, Vauxhall, Streatham, Clapham, Tooting, Tooting Bec, Balham, and Wandsworth.
Our classes
Here at The Radiant Hand, our classes teach you to understand and become more aware of your body, to develop mental focus and clarity, and to learn about relaxation.
We offer a variety of classes from beginners to advanced levels. From vigorously physical, dynamic and intellectually stimulating yoga classes to deep and gentle classes.
Some classes include Vinyasa (flowing asana sequences), all classes involve hands-on adjustments by our teachers, physical alignment, strength and stamina development, Pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, Sanskrit chanting, Yogic philosophical teachings and self-awareness exercises to promote deeper relaxation and clarity.
To keep the practice inspiring, our asana sequences are ever changing, with music playing an integral role in some of our classes as it develops our ability to listen with our bodies as well as our ears, and as Shakespeare once said, “If music be the food of love, play on.”
We teach a wide range of classes and styles of yoga including Hatha, Dynamic, Dynamic Freestyle, Deep Stretch or Yin Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga, Pre and Post Natal, Early Bird classes, Master Classes and Beginner’s Yoga.
Classes at The Radiant Hand are 75-90 minutes and are open to all levels.
As well as private one-to-one tuition and personal training, we also teach small groups, either in house or at our studio, and we can also teach at your workplace or office, in London or the City. Please contact us for further details.
Class passes
Our class pass schemes can be used at any of the classes run by The Radiant Hand. Please speak to a member of the team in class or contact us for further information on class passes.
The Radiant Hand School of Yoga and Complimentary Therapies
Yoga Teacher Training Courses
The Radiant Hand Yoga Teacher Training Course provides a solid foundation in all aspects of yogasana and yoga philosophy. From understanding asanas and their benefits to pranayama techniques, meditation, chanting, to developing your own personal practice, and ultimately developing your own classes.
Our courses further your knowledge of yoga and have proven to be a great personal development tool for many of our students. Through the various levels of the Teacher Training course, you will learn to acquire the knowledge, skills, and excellent support needed to become a confident and fully qualified yoga teacher.
Yoga I and Yoga II make up the Foundation course and Yoga III, IV &V comprise of the main Teacher Training. In total, this comprises of approximately 350 hours of lecture, practical time and training in the techniques or contact time, with another 150 non-contact hours which includes assigned reading or homework, self-practice or non-supervised study groups. Plus an additional 100 hours of teaching experience. Total 500 hours.
Yoga III, Yoga IV and Yoga V constitute the Teacher Training modules, which include Asana Development, Teaching Methodology, Anatomy & Physiology, Philosophy, Ethics & Lifestyle, Apprenticeship & Practicum, Basic First Aid and Course Tutor Contact hours.
When successful you will be certified by The Radiant Hand School of Yoga & Complimentary Therapies, which will entitle you to use the title The Radiant Hand Certified Yoga Teacher (TRH CYT500).
We are a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with the Yoga Alliance UK (YAUK), and we are currently awaiting accreditation from the Yoga Alliance USA for training standards at RYS 500 level.
Yoga Levels III-V can only be taken on completion of Yoga’s I and II, or with another relevant and appropriately levelled Foundation Course.
Introduction to Yoga Level1
Introduction to Yoga Level II
Yoga Level III
Yoga Level IV
Yoga Level V
For those who wish to attend the Foundation Course on an interest only basis please call the office and ask for Geraldine for more information.
Other courses and workshops that we offer
- Healing
- Reiki
- Baby Massage
- Satsang
- Meditation
Satsang; in Sanskrit ‘sat’ means ‘true’ and 'sanga' means 'company' so it can be interpreted as ‘company of the ‘highest truth’ or ‘in the company of a guru’ or ‘company with an assembly of persons who listen to talk about, and assimilate the truth. This sometimes involves chanting and singing, listening to or reading scriptures, reflecting on, discussing and assimilating their meaning, meditating on the source of these words, and bringing their meaning into one’s daily life.