Our Students

The training was everything I was looking for and more. Richard's teaching style is direct, precise, and thorough, as well as attentive to the individual needs of each student. I do not have access to this level of Iyengar instruction in my area, so this was such a gift. The training has inspired me, as I hoped it would, to develop a daily practice and work on specific areas. I pushed myself further than I ever have and felt absolutely exhilarated every day. Although I get discouraged with the limitations of my lower back, I am more hopeful that I can overcome this restriction with continued practice. Richard was very inspirational and I am grateful. Additionally, I am very impressed with the studio, the registration and communication process, the website, and all aspects of the business, including this feedback form. ... Richard encouraged us to try new things and exposed us to a wide variety of asanas, including preparations, props, wall ropes, and more. He quickly assessed the abilities of the class participants and adjusted accordingly when necessary. Things were thoroughly explained, and there was ample time for questions and clarifications. The class format, time, and schedule were optimally utilized. Richard's devotion to the practice, study, and teaching of Iyengar yoga is evident. I especially appreciated his positive nature and his directness of purpose. His words, "We only have so little time here and together," stayed with me. He obviously wanted to impart as much information and training as possible in this intensive week. I appreciate the patience necessary in teaching beginning students."


Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Excellent training! It was challenging, exhilarating, and fun. I walked into the training with an open mind, not knowing what to expect with some doubts about my ability and stamina to complete the full five days (due to my advanced age and lack of yoga experience). However, due to Richard's expertise, professionalism and encouragement, I was able to complete the week and go further than I have ever gone before. I came away from the training with a greater respect for yoga and a strong commitment to deepen my own practice. ... I liked Richard as the instructor. His sincere love and commitment to yoga was contagious. He was tough, but he didn't make me feel bad when I couldn't meet up to his standards. He just kept telling the students that we can do it with practice and commitment. Consequently, I have registered for the October Teacher Training, and plan to attend a level-2 Practice Intensive sometime next year. In addition, I plan on attending other workshops as the opportunity and time presents itself.


Kennewick, Washington

I was very impressed by the amount of material and number of asanas we were able to cover in five days. Richard tailored the class to the level of the students, and I think that all of us grew considerably in our practice, in our knowledge of the asanas (including their Sanskrit names), and in our bodies in both strength and flexibility. The five days featured a balance of challenging practice and much needed relaxation. Personally, I loved seeing my practice grow over the five days, and loved the opportunity to study with a knowledgeable Iyengar teacher such as Richard. I hope I have the opportunity to do a level-2 Practice Week. ... I liked when we worked on sequences to work up to a difficult pose, such as lotus or backbend. I also enjoyed the various use of props and learning new ways to use props in my practice. I loved the experience of working with the ropes, which was a new experience for me. During the five days, I had to go out of my 'comfort zone' and in doing so, I made many breakthroughs in practice, such as my first lotus, backbend and Sirsasana on the ropes.


Kobe, Japan

It was exactly what I was looking for and needed. I needed to move on to the 'next level' in my yoga practice. The workshop pushed me to new levels of familiar asanas and introduced me to some I had not done before, and some that I avoid because of physical concerns/limitations and fear of injury. I was very challenged, but never defeated! ... I liked the methodical, stage-by-stage breakdown of many of the poses, building up to the final asana.


Eugene, Oregon

I liked the chance to do some deep practicing with a superior teacher [in the Level 2 Practice Intensive]. I have never taken a regular class from Richard, previously having always done Teacher Trainings. I really enjoyed the chance to learn more about how to sequence asanas, how to transition into them, and how to break them apart. Less time was spent on the details of the asanas [as is done in Teacher Training classes], and more time doing yoga. My home practice has changed ... and I think I am a more confident teacher. Overall, I felt I gained a deeper understanding of Iyengar yoga — so much to learn.

Iyengar yoga tradition. This program is worth going to if you value detailed actions and communication from your instructors to get a deeper understanding of asana. Iyengar is alignment based and focuses on the foundation of the asana. In the Iyengar tradition you will also be introduced to the use of props to modify or deepen your asana. You will be instructed in the proper use of props as well. B.K.S. Iyengar pioneered this approach to make yoga for everyone. You will be teaching many different body types the knowledge is 2nd to none. After many many hours of practice the mind body awareness grows more aligned. Great intro. 200hr course!


Jun 17, 2015

Richard is wise and talent teacher. I am so appreciated when a teacher spends a lot of time discussing alignment and the reason behind why we do certain sequence of poses. I enjoyed paying attention to his teaching style during the teacher training course.


Oct 01, 2015

This school and my teacher hold a sacred place in my heart. I'm extremely thankful for the entire experience and the amount of knowledge I attained while in the school. This is my foundation and my roots to the beautiful path laid before me. Thank you, thank you for being such a special part of my journey! Namaste


Jul 21, 2014

The Center for Yoga Seattle as an Iyengar studio has the best alignment principles and is very good at making sure you can recognize if a person is doing a pose correctly and how to adequately use props to assist in their yoga experience.


Sep 17, 2014

I had a great time during the summer intensive. Learned a lot of fine tuning skills and great methods to teach. I would highly recommend this program.


Aug 06, 2015

The Center for Yoga of Seattle's 1 Year Weekend teacher training program covers considerable breadth of material without sacrificing depth. Of particular note is that this program gives you tools with which to work with individuals of greatly varying physical ability. A very enjoyable experience.

The Center for Yoga of Seattle has a special passion for helping students reach their full potential, safely, and understanding the "why" of everything we did.


Aug 26, 2014

I appreciate the time spent on correct alignment and learning how to do the poses safely. Good intro to the depth and scope of yoga and instilled in me a desire to continue my studies.


Oct 17, 2014

The month long course was hard, but to feel the accomplishment at the end of the training was worth it, I really enjoyed this training. I learned so much and had met some really great teachers. Our instructor knew his material and presented it in the short month I was enrolled. He has a lot of experience and is willing to teach it to anyone who is willing to learn.


October 19. 2015

Iyengar's approach to yoga meets everyone at their level of practice. This training gave me the confidence to offer adjustments in any pose, by bringing the body into alignment which minimizes the potential for injuries.


April 2, 2014

The comradery of the students was excellent. No competition was felt, rather each student supported and helped others daily. The primary instructor was generally kind and sympathetic towards students yet maintained the structure and pace of the intensive training. Sufficient rest was given and encouraged to maintain personal health during the program. I would recommend a longer course rather than so much to absorb in a short intensive training. However, the use of time was excellent.


January 8, 2014

200hr Yoga teacher program was the best experience in this year. I met brave, strong and amazing peers and teachers through this program. I'll never forget this experience. I'll go on my yoga practice to the last breath.


June 24, 2014

[My impression of this trainig was] excellent! It deepened my own practice in addition to enlightening the fundamentals of teaching. while not ready for teaching from this course alone, I now have the skills and knowledge to prepare on my own. [What I liked most about the training was] the practice teaching. That was the most beneficial aspect.


Kennewick, Washington

I was challenged and informed. [The training] was well thought out and enjoyable—just what I was looking for. [I liked] having the opportunity to concentrate on yoga for five days with like-minded people and being exposed to other teachers and different levels of classes. I learned and ... grew from the experience. I will take valuable usable information and skills home with me.


Boise, Idaho

The training was excellent. The material was covered in-depth and presented with precision and clarity. The insights that Richard shared along the way were in valuable. His experience and expertise are shared in a very natural way through his teaching.

I really liked how Richard emphasized correctness while creating an environment that fostered confidence and exploration. Richard was very generous with his knowledge but careful not to overload trainees with too much at one time.


Lebanon, Oregon

You could see that Richard worked very hard to make his classes run smoothly with structure and enjoyed teaching. He flooded our minds with wonderful information that you can actually use out in the real yoga wold. Richard's techings were easy to follow and to the point. And it seems everyone felt very safe asking all kinds of questions. Overall, it was a workthwhile ezperience and I wish I had come sooner!


Seattle

The Training was first class. I liked taking each subject/pose scientifically... I gained a lot more knowledge and depth of the poses. It will be a great asset to my students and my self. This Intensive further broadened my knowledge of how to present a better class and make yoga invigorating and fun. I'll be looking forward to the next Intensive.


Dillingham, Alaska

The detail and thoroughness with which poses were explored was highly useful. The Training assisted in learning how to read bodies, perform adjustments/variations and to empower my students.


Saskatchewan, Canada

The information presented was well-rounded in that it engaged all the different learning styles; visual, kinesthetic and auditory. Not only was there a wealth of information presented that is useful, I also found the opportunity to observe Richard enlightening — the mastery of his instrument, his mindful presence and teaching style that come to be even more valuable in helping me understand how to teach.


Logan, Utah

I thought the program was a well-balanced mix of watching, talking and doing. It was helpful for me to observe you do the poses, talk us through them, and then to have us do them. But it was especially helpful to observe other people in various stages of mastering the poses. I liked the parts of the classes where we discussed using props and modifying poses so that every student can have a feeling of 'doing the pose.' Overall I thought the training dynamic, positive and supportive.


Norman, Oklahoma

The Training was very worthwhile, giving the aspiring teacher confidence, verbal skills, and helping to sharpen their eye to proper alignment in the asanas and ways the asanas can be taught and modified... I especially appreciated the openness and approachability of the instructor and his effort to get the students to think.


Cataldo, Idaho

The Teacher Training Intensive was just what I needed. Richard did a wonderful job of stretching both my body and mind. He forced me to look at self-imposed limitations and challenged me to perfect each posture in the systematic Iyengar style. I appreciated Richard's experience and ability in looking at the class both collectively and individually, then going with the flow as each asana was introduced and worked on.


Custer, South Dakota

I was very impressed with the Training. I liked the way the poses were broken down to basics, with emphasis on how to adjust the beginning student, how to actually do the physical adjustments, and how to utilize props. I liked the fact that the course covered a little of everything — anatomy, asanas, props, certification, invocation, liability insurance, partner work issues, qualities of a good yoga teacher, working with challenging students, 'yoga manners' and rules to give to students, how to prepare an intro course, etc. I liked the half-day of partner work, where we had an opportunity to verbally practice teaching a couple of asanas. Richard, you are very personable and professional. You have a real sense of mindfulness about you — very focused, nothing wasted in your presentation. I enjoyed your Training very much. The whole group was great and I love Seattle. I'm starting a six-week intro course next week.


Minneapolis, Minnesota

A fantastic course that was very rewarding emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I felt great after the course was over. The week with Richard deepened my appreciation for my own practice of yoga. The intense focus of all of the components of the poses examined was enlightening. I learned how important it is to focus on proper form and the flow of energy that is inherent in each pose.


Bellingham, Washington

Well conceived, clearly stated objectives, purposefully directed, thoughtfully presented and supported with lucid explanations. Richard's approach demonstrated an inspiring respect for his subject, his students and himself. As well, he was able to balance the seriousness of the occasion's intent with a relaxed and friendly openness. Very comfortable and beneficial. I liked the detail combined with depth and scope; had the overall feel of completeness as does well-scripted, -staged and -performed theatre.


Portland, Oregon

Excellent. From a teaching perspective I learned many ways to assist my clients express their greatest potential in the asanas. As a student I am deeply grateful for moving deeper in my own practice. One adjustment Richard gave me relieved tension I'd been feeling in my hip for a great while.


Wichita, Kansas

The Training was very comprehensive. I felt the vital information on helping raw beginners was very thorough. The methods of teaching a beginning posture surprised me. I had no idea working with props could be so beneficial. I thought the Training would be massively difficult, especially with the different levels attending. However, Richard addressed each and every one of our concerns without exclusions. I felt that working with the others was a very important interaction.


Olympia, Washington

Richard is very mentally organized; he would break each pose down, step by step. He was very forthcoming with information, hiding no aspect of his knowledge — hard-won, learned through experience.


Marietta, Georgia

I highly recommend the training. Richard's understanding and teaching of Iyengar Style Hatha Yoga was excellent. The course was presented in a detailed, clear and informative fashion. The atmosphere was very pleasant. I liked Richard's detailed analysis of each pose presented in the course. It proved helpful to understand the importance of detail, to grow not only in my personal practice, but also in becoming a competent yoga teacher.


RN
Polson, Montana

I found the Teacher Training course to be comprehensive, informative, and very valuable to my yoga career. I enjoyed the amount of time we spent on looking at how different people do the poses and the various problems there were with each student.


Naples, Florida

The Course II Teacher Training was very comprehensive and interesting. It fulfilled my expectations and was the perfect complement to the first Teacher Training I took last year. All of the major asanas were explained and demonstrated in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and you made sure that everyone understood what was being taught. I have to admit that what impressed me the most, as it did last year, is the extensive use of so many props. I think that I am a better teacher now because I have refined my teaching by holding the asanas longer and paying more attention to the details. I have more confidence in my teaching skills because my students tell me I get better and better.


Homosassa, Florida

The training was excellent. I greatly appreciated the high standard of yoga practice and the super energy of each instructor. Richard's sense of humor, critical feedback, and impressive ability to stay on track throughout the month while being flexible and adaptive was terrific. We were given an enormous gift of real education thanks to all of our instructors, who acted their best in presenting yoga with drive, depth, sincerity and love. In my experience, this is a rare thing. I'll certainly return for more training, as I've already had positive responses from friends I've shared this learning with.


Leavenworth, Washington

[Richard's training was] clearly taught with a desire to share all of [his] previous learnings and experiences with students. The studio reflects a professionalism, and I felt confident that I was learning in a very effective way. My only disappointment was that I couldn't take the entire course [4-Week Summer Immersion]. However, in my short week of practice, I was exposed to enough information to keep me learning and practicing until next summer. I liked the recommended reading suggested before the course began. I use the books regularly to help me. I [also] liked the number of sessions each day and seeing the studio operations, other classes, other students.


Indonesia

I loved [the training]. Very inspiring! Overall, the training ... exceeded my expectations. It was rigorous and required discipline. I liked that. I [also] liked that Richard individualized his instruction and could pick out the areas I needed to work on immediately. So, although I was in a class with other individuals I still got personalized isstruction. I've been teaching an adult beginning class for one year and trying to find my way. Letting my students dictate the formate too much. This Intensive helped get me back on track and gave me a direction - how and what to teach. Richard is extremely knowledgeable and pointed out areas I could improve in my own practice.


Boise, Idaho

[Richard's] demonstrations were great. He explained everything to detail — that was my favorite part. And he also noticed our own areas where we needed improvement. I believe everyone was quite surprised about that. [In response to "What did you like about the training?"] First of all, I learned a lot more than I thought I would. I liked the way Richard explained little details about the poses — that was very helpful. I'm glad that the yoga center is in Seattle. Now I have someplace close by to go with a great and quite knowlegeable teacher like Richard. The part that I loved/feared the most, but got a lot our of, was when Richard asked a student to teach an asana to a group (4-6) of pretend beginners. Whether you were just observing, or one of the pretend beginners, or teaching the asana, you benefited. From all these different angles, you learn what they did right and wrong. I loved how this class made you think in clear and precise words, training you to look at a beginner as a whole picture, then seeing the details. It's one thing listening to Richard teaching a class, but quite another for you to put the asana into words yourself. Conveying what you want them to do can be a very stressful and thrilling all a the same time. Richard was very patient and very helpful in pointing out our weak and strong points in teaching an asana.


Palo Cedro, California

[What I liked about the Immersion is] the ability to do yoga continuously over a period of 4 weeks and being at a studio solely devoted to Iyengar yoga so that I could take advantage of other classes.

On the Level-1 Practice Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
A wonderful way to refresh teaching & understanding of the basic poses and think about them in new ways.

On the Level-1 Teacher Training Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
Very helpful week focusing on teaching the basic poses - again learning most from watching how Richard (and Edith) teach. Actual teaching opportunity was very useful.

On the Level-2 Practice Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
Exciting introduction to some poses I had never tried. The sequencing was very thoughtful enabling me to get much closer to some of these poses than I would think possible. Richard is demanding of his students, yet is sensitive to their abilities.

On the Level-2 Teacher Training Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
Helpful adjustments taught.


Freeport, Maine

It was a great experience & I would recommend it to anybody who is serious about yoga, but not ready for a two-year commitment. I liked the many hours of yoga practice, and I liked working with the group. It was a very supportive atmosphere, and the quality of the instruction we received was sublime.

On the Level-1 Practice Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
This was ... a valuable learning experience. Just seeing the skill with which Richard handles a large group was really impressive.

On the Level-2 Practice Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
This week was great because the group was getting comfortable with one another, and a ton of information was given.

On the Level-2 Teacher Training Week of the 2006 Summer Immersion...
I really enjoyed this week because it was just our group and there was so much individual attention.


Kirkland, Washington

[Richard's training was] clearly taught with a desire to share all of [his] previous learnings and experiences with students. The studio reflects a professionalism, and I felt confident that I was learning in a very effective way. My only disappointment was that I couldn't take the entire course [4-Week Summer Immersion]. However, in my short week of practice, I was exposed to enough information to keep me learning and practicing until next summer. I liked the recommended reading suggested before the course began. I use the books regularly to help me. I [also] liked the number of sessions each day and seeing the studio operations, other classes, other students.


Indonesia

I loved [the training]. Very inspiring! Overall, the training ... exceeded my expectations. It was rigorous and required discipline. I liked that. I [also] liked that Richard individualized his instruction and could pick out the areas I needed to work on immediately. So, although I was in a class with other individuals I still got personalized isstruction. I've been teaching an adult beginning class for one year and trying to find my way. Letting my students dictate the formate too much. This Intensive helped get me back on track and gave me a direction - how and what to teach. Richard is extremely knowledgeable and pointed out areas I could improve in my own practice.


Boise, Idaho

Richard is an excellent instructor who really helped me deepen my yoga practice. Perhaps more than the actual instruction "about teaching," I learned more about teaching from having him teach yoga to students. Observing him and watching him in action was enormously helpful. His passion for Iyengar yoga is infectious. Thank you for a transformative four weeks!


Freeport, Maine

[Richard's] demonstrations were great. He explained everything to detail — that was my favorite part. And he also noticed our own areas where we needed improvement. I believe everyone was quite surprised about that. [In response to "What did you like about the training?"] First of all, I learned a lot more than I thought I would. I liked the way Richard explained little details about the poses — that was very helpful. I'm glad that the yoga center is in Seattle. Now I have someplace close by to go with a great and quite knowlegeable teacher like Richard. The part that I loved/feared the most, but got a lot our of, was when Richard asked a student to teach an asana to a group (4-6) of pretend beginners. Whether you were just observing, or one of the pretend beginners, or teaching the asana, you benefited. From all these different angles, you learn what they did right and wrong. I loved how this class made you think in clear and precise words, training you to look at a beginner as a whole picture, then seeing the details. It's one thing listening to Richard teaching a class, but quite another for you to put the asana into words yourself. Conveying what you want them to do can be a very stressful and thrilling all a the same time. Richard was very patient and very helpful in pointing out our weak and strong points in teaching an asana.


Palo Cedro, California

Richard is an excellent teacher. I've taken lots of yoga classes from lots of teachers -- he is worth the effort required.

Richard Schachtel was a wonderful guide to yoga. He teaches with the care that is needed for each student to get the most out of the technique and has the remarkable ability to keep the stiff and the limber comfortable in the same class. The Iyengar emphasis on alignment and precision led directly to the kind of body awareness I'd only sometimes achieved in the same postures before. I was able to move my body another step each day, building on the learning of the previous day's class. Highly recommended.

Richard was a great instructor. His focus on technique made it easy to progress into more advanced poses later on in the course. I appreciate that he pushed the class to its full potential every day, knowing our limits.

Richard's commitment to the practice of yoga is an inspiration, and I especially appreciated the eagerness and patience with which he prodded us neophytes into body wakefulness each morning despite the fact that 7:00 a.m. is NOT my brightest hour! But by the end of class, I always felt fully charged. His gentle and demanding (unrelenting!?) teaching style pushed and pulled me through several passages in my body. What a gift!

Taking classes at The Center for Yoga was a very rich experience. The teacher's attentiveness to our movements, as well as the focused attitude of the other students made me very present and motivated to do my best. What I liked the most was to be guided into a pose step by step, while receiving clear instructions about what I needed to do in order to attain optimal alignment in a particular asana.

It has been great to have yoga almost every morning. It makes my day happier and healthier. It's my new joy of life.

I enjoyed the whole Iyengar approach to yoga, which was new to me. In my previous experience ... I tried to go too far in poses in a rapid "flowing" manner. [In Iyengar yoga] I gained more knowledge and didn't injure myself.

It was great to have a dedicated teacher for one month and to be "taught" yoga rather than just participating in a yoga class. I found the intensive physically challenging and intellectually stimulating.

[My experience in the afternoon intensive] was wonderful. We did all sorts of new and interesting things.

[My experience] was very good -- noticeable improvement on an almost daily basis. I got handstand!

[The Afternnon Intensive] exceeded my expectations for myself (what I could do and get out of 4 weeks). And I got a tast of "it" - the feeling of being in the moment with strength and flexibility. Thank you for believing in me and what I could do and pushing me.

[The Afternnon Intensive] was wonderful! I feel encouraged and educated.

[The 5:30am Intensive] was wonderful! I'm just back to yoga after an extended physical illness. This was a fabulous re-introduction to all that I know and could be reminded of. Working pace for poses, etc. was perfect - challenging, strengthening, and restorative.

The [March Weekend Immersion for Beginners] was excellent. Challenging and insightful for all practioners. I would like more 2-day workshops.

I really like the morning intensives. It is a great way to start the day. Sometimes, struggling in a pose, I realize it is the toughest part of my day, which gears me up for whatever may be going on at works.

I'm in LOVE with [the intensive experience]. Very connecting, inward and outward.

A complete transformation. I was feeling tension all over my body before starting yoga - it has done so much to strengthen and stretch my body and my mind at the same time. I no longer feel contracted after days of sitting in a desk chair at work. The class was challenging, but easy to follow at the same time.

Challenging, rewarding, relaxing, fun — all at the same time!

Just wanted to let you know that your intensives were the best yoga classes I have ever taken. A number of variables were responsible for this: a nice facility with plenty of props, good instruction with personal attention (believe me, good instruction is hard to find!), the daily schedule, and reasonable prices, which make it all possible. After 30 days of your Level-1 Intensive, I had a frame of reference and body memory that only very special students can achieve outside of an intensive. I hope your community appreciates what is available there for them.

For the past 10 years, I have relied on jogging as my primary form of exercise. However, in the past year I have developed increasingly intense pain in my hip, lower back, knees and ankles. After the Intensive, there has been a tremendous improvement and I am thrilled to now be almost pain free!

The experience of the Intensive was tremendous! It was more physical than I had expected and pushed me to limits I didn't think my 50-year-old body was capable of. I liked the individual attention and care the instructor had for each student — the fact he remembered our names and how we had done a posture before.

I felt better, got stronger, lost weight and had more energy. I have never felt more in tune with my body. The intensive course was such a great experience for me — I recommend it to friends! I could really see and feel the progress I was making.

[My experience in the early morning intensive] was excellent! Great way to start the morning. Very specific teaching re poses was most helpful. Has been & continue to be helpful in my home practice.