Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Yoga Studio in London
Established in 2000, Islington Yoga has become a trusted hub for yoga practitioners in London. Founded by Karen Watson, a dedicated instructor with over 25 years of experience teaching Shadow Yoga, our studio offers a structured approach to this ancient discipline. We specialise in Shadow Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, and intensive courses, guiding beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Our methodology draws from traditional Hatha Yoga texts while incorporating modern insights to ensure accessibility. We prioritise physical alignment, breath coordination, and mental focus, creating an environment where students develop at their own pace.With multiple locations across London, we combine personal attention with a community-focused practice. Our retreats and workshops extend this philosophy beyond the studio, fostering deeper connections between movement, breath, and inner awareness. As a business, we remain committed to maintaining the integrity of traditional practices while ensuring they remain relevant to contemporary lifestyles.
Services
Shadow Yoga
Pregnancy Yoga
Yoga Retreats
Intensive Courses
Online Yoga
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer Shadow Yoga instruction developed by founders Sundernath and Emma Balnaves over three decades.
- Our classes cater to complete beginners and experienced practitioners with progressive, structured approaches.
- Karen Watson brings 30+ years of teaching experience and authorship of 'Five Elements of Hatha Yoga'.
- We provide both in-person and online classes for flexible learning options.
- Our retreats and intensives combine traditional practices with tailored guidance for deeper development.
Services
Shadow Yoga
Shadow Yoga combines ancient Hatha Yoga principles with modern methodology. Through structured sequences like Balakrama and Nrtta Sadhana, practitioners develop physical strength, breath coordination, and mental focus. This practice cultivates foundations for advanced yoga techniques while remaining accessible to all experience levels.
Pregnancy Yoga
Specialised classes adapt Shadow Yoga principles for pregnancy. Stances, breathing exercises, and pelvic floor work support physical and emotional well-being throughout pregnancy and post-partum. Karen Watson's 30+ years of teaching experience ensures safe, beneficial practice for all stages.
Yoga Intensives
Week-long courses deepen practice through concentrated study. Autumn intensives focus on inward movement preparation, while individual asana weeks provide tailored guidance. These programs align with lunar cycles, integrating physical practice with meditative development for experienced practitioners.
Online Yoga
Live-streamed sessions maintain interactive instruction for remote participants. Both introductory and experienced-level classes follow London-based schedules, offering flexible access to Shadow Yoga teachings without geographical limitations.
Teacher Training
Workshops and retreats explore foundational Shadow Yoga texts alongside practical techniques. Karen Watson's apprenticeship experience informs structured programs that develop teaching skills while preserving traditional methodologies for contemporary application.
People
Karen Watson
Director
Karen Watson founded Islington Yoga in 2000 after studying with Sundernath since 1993. She combines over 30 years of teaching experience with authorship of 'Five Elements of Hatha Yoga', guiding Shadow Yoga retreats and courses globally.
Questions
What yoga styles do you teach?
We specialise in Shadow Yoga, incorporating its three preludes and Nrtta Sadhana practices for all levels.
Are there classes for complete beginners?
Yes, our four-week introductory course and progressive classes provide structured support for absolute beginners.
Do you offer pregnancy yoga?
Yes, Karen Watson teaches pregnancy yoga classes adapted to all stages of pregnancy and post-partum recovery.
What are your retreat details?
Our annual Spring Retreat in Shropshire includes accommodation, tuition, and five days of yoga practices.
