Student Testimonials
Carina Martinez, 30, Brazil
Thank you so much Taryn, Sharada and Yann! I am looking forward to seeing you all again in Bali soon!
Cindy Gallant, 30, Canada
Anne Skjoeth, 36, Denmark (May 2019 YTT)
Taryn is one of the best yoga teachers I have ever met and I have worked with many as I am a yoga retreat chef. Her program is supportive from day one and I felt held all the way through the training including practicums and life outside the training. She opens her heart to everyone around her with presence and compassion.
Sharada is a woman from another world. Her philosophy teachings went straight to my heart and I admire and adore her. She is a precious addition to any training and her knowledge is without comparison. She taught me that just because i am happy does not mean the day was perfect but that I looked beyond its imperfections. Thank you.
Yann took us through extensive anatomy classes. He is a divine masculine and space holder and such an important part of a month of ups and downs where feelings and realisations get revealed.
All together the three of them make a dream team and I am beyond grateful to have come all the way from Costa Rica to Bali for their teachings. I have nothing but love and admiration for them all.
Jessica Steppe, 27, Germany (May 2019 YTT)
Yann is definitely an expert at his subject and made all the anatomy stuff interesting and fun. In the end it all fits together and makes total sense. Sharada is amazing. I could have listened to her for hours. Her words are sacred such as everything in this world. Thanks to her I got a lot more self awareness and had huge insights. Her lectures were really deep and classes got quite emotional from time to time. I worked through a lot of internal issues I’d been holding on to.
The venue was a little out of town so that you could easily relax and stay in the ‘yoga bubble’ (away from the hustle and bustle of the real world) but it was easy to still go out there if we wished to. I found it very helpful not to be in the middle of the busy town. The school took really good care of us so that I had everything I needed at the venue.
Taryn created such a safe space and I felt comfortable with the group from the very first moment. It is a time where you can just be yourself. No judgement at all. I am super grateful for this journey with these amazing teachers and can highly recommend the program to everyone who loves yoga. Even if you wish to dive deeper into yoga just for yourself as I did, you will probably walk out of it with the desire to teach and share the knowledge and the love.
Let’s all make this world a better place by spreading the yoga!
Sander Boef, 37, Netherlands (May 2019 YTT)
The anatomy classes by Yann are very interesting and good to follow. He makes easy connections with yoga and the presentation materials make the classes dynamical.
And last but not least, Sharada is a true goddess! The way she teaches the sometimes difficult yoga philosophy is very inspiring. Her knowledge is remarkable and she has a quality to make it universal and usable in day-to-day life.
The location was wonderful and the food was delicious!
Thank you Taryn, Sharada and Yann for the amazing month! I feel so much wiser and ready to teach my own classes. I definitely hope our paths will cross again, but I’ll be back in Bali, that’s for sure!
Julie Bjorn, 21, Denmark (May 2019 YTT)
Marie Jensen, 36, Denmark (May 2019 YTT)
The teachings from Sharada are the most meaningful and valuable lessons to live a happy life. I learned so much about myself and this gift of knowledge I have received will without a doubt transform my life.
The space created for all of us to come together was so safe and full of love and I think we part ways knowing we have a wonderful yoga family that will support our future growth.
I cannot thank Taryn, Yann and Sharada enough for the wonderful time we had and for the transformation I am already seeing in my life.
Melita Eisenberg, 52, Australia (May 2019 YTT)
www.ebbandflowyoga.com.au
Tina Kreuz, 36, Germany (May 2019 YTT)
In summary, it is such a comtfortable, relaxed and safe way to being prepared for the next level: Sharing my yoga love as a teacher!
Cassandra Williams, 23, America (May 2019 YTT)
Loka Yoga has transformed my relationship with yoga -providing me with not only an outlet to escape everyday stresses of life through my new well developed practice but also an entire new yogi family and community. I am forever grateful for the experience provided to me by my teachers and my fellow yogis.
Thank you 💓
Lisa Abrahams, America (May 2019 YTT)
It was not only the studying of yoga in this holistic way; I was also able to get in touch with a different, deeper version of myself. These 4 weeks were definitely intense, but the training basis was well-founded, well-demonstrated and well-explained. The basis for an integrated yoga learning approach was applied through Taryn in the areas of yoga itself, along with her knowledgeable team in anatomy (Yann) and Vedic spirituality (Sharada).
My expectations here were not only fulfilled – I was able to reach new limits and learn new techniques – but surpassed in that Taryn and her team helped me to achieve what was never part of the grand planning. Which goes to show you – you don’t choose the training, the training chooses you!
Frauke Dietrich, 29, Germany (April 2019 YTT)
Before I signed up for my yoga teacher training, I spent months researching for the perfect school for me. In the end I decided to complete my training with Loka Yoga School because it seemed very professional and with a high quality standard. Also, Taryn personally gave me a very good feeling since she answered all my questions in advance very thoroughly and caringly. I can now say that I made the right decision and that my expectations regarding the YTT were even exceeded!!
I honestly could not have imagined a better teacher for the asana training than Taryn! She has so many years of experience which show in the high quality of her teaching but also in the passion which she radiates for yoga and her students. Before I started my YTT I didn’t have the intention to actually teach, but only to improve my own practice. But Taryn made me love and enjoy teaching so much and she really sets you up for success to become a secure, confident and knowledgeable yoga teacher. She equips you with everything that it takes to become a teacher right after you graduate the YTT. Also, she was always there for us personally when we needed her, which I very much appreciate.
The anatomy lessons were the perfect theoretical compliment to the practical asana workshops. We learnt everything we need to know about the major systems of the body (bones, blood, nerves, muscles etc.) to design and conduct a safe yoga lesson and also to understand your students limitations. The teacher, Yann, is a nurse and is therefore very experienced and also made a great effort to not let the classes appear too theoretical, but gave a lot of practical examples and anecdotes. I benefited a lot from the classes and even though it was sometimes difficult for me as a non-native to follow the technical terms, I gained so much important knowledge about the body which gives me a lot of confidence for my teaching.
Before my YTT I did not know much about the philosophical aspects of yoga, so many concepts and terms were new to me. The teacher, Sharada, is a beautiful and very inspirational soul and very knowledgeable in the philosophy of yoga. To me personally the classes could have been a bit more structured, since it would have made it easier for me to understand the big world of yoga philosophy a bit better.
BONUS! First Aid…
I completed last first aid training 10 years ago, so it was very helpful and much needed to refresh this knowledge. It’s very practical that it is included in the course because in most cases you would have to present a first aid certificate anyway when you want to work as a yoga teacher. So I appreciate it very much that we were trained in first aid, also because it makes you more confident when you know how to deal with certain situations, even outside a yoga class.
To sum it up, I am so glad that I chose Loka Yoga for my YTT. I had an amazing time in Bali and I gained so much knowledge, experience and wonderful memories during this time which I don’t want to miss. I can recommend this school without any doubt and would always choose it again if I had the choice.
Maarit Roehder, 36, Germany (April 2019 YTT)
Casey Gibson, 33, New Zealand (April 2019 YTT)
The Loka Yoga teachers – Taryn, Yann and Shaaradaa – were next level. I have nothing but respect and admiration for each of them. They have ‘walked the walk’ in their respective fields and that experience, passion and knowledge was laid out for us each session like a delicious, nutritious buffet to gobble up.
The Philosophy with Sharada was always a highlight of each day for me. She is a beautiful person and amazing teacher. We would sit for a couple of hours each afternoon absorbing the wisdom that would flow from her. Again I was not aware of the depth of the Yoga teachings and Yogic way of life. The 8 limbs of yoga were revealed to us in a relaxed and peaceful manner, we all asked many questions of Sharada and the teachings. She has a knack of explaining things through beautiful relatable stories. I gained so much inner knowledge, peace of mind and growth from these classes and would look forward to them.
The Asanas! The sweaty stuff! Its the main reason I was here originally and again, rapt with the journey and the outcome. Taryn is a rockstar and a true professional. She took us on a two hour journey each morning to start the day. Meditation, pranayama, mantras, the Asanas and Savasana. That’s how ya do it! Learning what it takes and what is involved with presenting a well rounded, safe, challenging and enjoyable class to people. In the daily workshops Taryn would break down each Asana using techniques that make the learning stick. Sequencing, cueing, all the little bits and pieces that make you into an effective, confident and professional teacher are covered at length. Taryn delivers it all with passion and patience and a big smile. I never doubted her ability or knowledge for a moment.
Rahel Landolt, 30, Switzerland (April 2019 YTT)
Anna Rynne, 61, Australia (India Retreat)
Her attention and knowledge regarding our travels throughout this amazing country is what made it a highlight for all of us. She could not have done more to ensure our visit was authentic and not the typical ‘touristy’ vibe.
She also made herself available to us in every circumstance.
I will cherish my experience and memories of this trip… Taryn and the wonderful group that we traveled with made this an experience I will never forget! I have so much love and gratitude.
Michelle Jennings, 44, Australia (India Retreat)
Lili Gruebel, 32, Germany (April 2019 YTT)
When I was looking for a YTT in Bali, I was attracted by Loka Yoga with it’s beautiful and authentic appearance immediately.
THANK YOU, Taryn, Sharada and Yann for this incredible and intense time with you on the island of the gods and for your guidance and support!
Lisa Opitz, 32, Germany (April 2019 YTT)
My yoga teacher training with Loka Yoga in one word: life-changing. What a beautiful journey surrounded by people who share my passion and values. I am grateful beyond words. We were sweating, laughing, crying, growing finding stillness, finding ourselves, making deep connections and receiving so much.
Just as yoga is more than some stretching, a teacher training at Loka Yoga certainly is more than just some asana work. Taryn and her team have created a wonderful and comprehensive program.
Taryn is an amazing lead teacher and her passion for what she does is contagious. Morning practice with her was the perfect start into every day. Followed by so many fun classes throughout the day such as posture labs and yoga business, she set us up for being a teacher. I really admire her dedication for passing on her knowledge to her students.
Anatomy classes with Yann made me gain a deep understanding of the miracle of the human body. His classes were filled with both knowledge and fun. He made me realize even more that our bodies are a work of art and perfection. And surely the anatomy knowledge helps understand asanas and the effect of yoga on our physical bodies a lot.
Philosophy classes with Sharada were a highlight of the day. She is such a beautiful soul and inspired me so much. Learning from her, chanting together and doing puja rituals has touched me on such a deep level.
I am truly grateful for the deep friendships I made, my dear fellow yogis, the inspiration and teachings, the new perspectives and insights, the new me.
Ilona Dupertuis, 20, Switzerland (April 2019 YTT)
I found the Anatomy classes very interesting and useful. I’ve learned a lot of things; we can clearly see that Yann is a professional and that he knows a lot of things and it was fun! I’m so happy to have discovered the whole background of yoga (or a part) throughout the Yoga Philosophy. The incredible knowledge that Sharada has is beautiful and I’m really grateful for her teachings. All the lessons resonated with me and since those I’m trying to be a better yogi every day. Thank you so much. It was just amazing. The teachers at Loka Yoga are so wise.
First Aid was a bonus addition to the course and I am grateful to have learnt the skills and knowledge to save lives in the case of an emergency. What a life changing experience!
Jana Fuchs, 27, Switzerland (April 2019 YTT)
The anatomy classes were hard for me at the beginning because of the vocabulary. But after a few days it got easier. Yann is an amazing teacher and always gave so many examples and personal stories, so we could understand everything so much better. I am glad to have a better understanding of the human body now.
The philosophy classes were so inspiring. Shaaradaa is a beautiful woman and I could just sit and listen to her for hours and hours! Even though it can be hard to understand the spiritual side of yoga, she teaches in a simple and understandable way. I really liked that we could share so much of our own lives and work on various aspects of ourselves. And I especially enjoyed the puja chanting circle and the fire ceremony!
Taryn is just awesome! I really look up to her and her teaching is just amazing! She is such a strong woman who always made us feel strong as well. Her emphasis is great and she knows how to adapt the classes and schedule based on how we were feeling that day. I loved her yoga, pranayama and meditation classes and also the posture lab workshops. I feel I received a really good understanding of the asanas and I feel comfortable to cue into and out of the poses. I also loved the adjustments that we learned – they give so much to the students!
I am so grateful for the time we spent together and for all the new friendships that grew.
Chris Benetti, 27, Australia (India Retreat)
Rebecca Ballintijn, 23, Australia (2017 YTT + India Retreat)
Judith van Sundert, 34, The Netherlands (2018 YTT)
Leonardo Kucuk, 26, Denmark (2018 YTT)
My experience with Loka Yoga School has definitely changed my life. They are not only loving, compassionate and thoughtful but also very professional, disciplined and knowledgeable.
My expectation was to pass my exam and walk out with my certificate…and I left with SO much more!
Sue Byrne, Australia (India Retreat)
Christina Becht, 37, Germany (2018 YTT)
As I arrived to the venue, my watch stopped and retrospectively this was the sign that a new time, a new chapter, a new life is going to begin for me. Because this yoga teacher training was a life changing experience.
Danny Cartlidge, 39, Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand
Through the Yoga philosophy classes and posture labs I have deepened my understanding of Yoga and this has strengthened my connection with myself and given greater meaning and depth to my practise and sharing of yoga.
Taryn inspired me with the energy she brought to each and every day, always putting our needs before her own, she epitomises professionalism as yoga teacher and taught me amazing cueing, alignment and a huge variety of sequences which will last me a life time. I am grateful for the amazing facilitation ideas and for her love of ecstatic dance, she assisted me in overcoming my fear of dancing and opened up a new outlet for my creativity and self-expression.
Olav taught many complex ideas in way that was easy to digest, he has a great sense of humour and does his best to answer any questions that arise no matter how peculiar they might sound. I particularly enjoyed the discussion style learning, splitting off into small groups and reporting back our learnings. I was grateful that he has chosen this path to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience and enjoyed hearing about his many inspiring life experiences. I was inspired by his authenticity, his humble nature and his dedication to the practise of yoga.
I highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to deepen their practise of yoga in a safe and supportive environment, to develop yourself as a human being, to make some new friendships and life-long connections and to learn a high level of professionalism and skill should you wish to teach.
Samantha Dickson, 334 Australia
Thank you so much! Life changed forever.
Katie Bennett, 21, UK
Erin Bruce, 33, Australian
Petra Florian, 29, Austria
When signing up for this yoga TTC I have to admit that I had high expectations based on what it promised on their website. I was open and ready for a life-changing experience without knowing though, what that would really involve. What I got from this TTC, however, exceeded every expectation I could have possibly had and, indeed, changed my life. This journey is different and these 4 weeks are only the beginning. Taryn and Olav are two incredibly inspiring humans and the best teachers on the planet. They are an amazing team and complement each other perfectly offering a very broad and wide spectrum of different styles and ideas to get inspired by and for you to find your owns.
One of the most beautiful things on this course was the wonderful and safe space they created for us, in which I felt loved and accepted the way I am and could fully embrace my own true self without any judgement. They put so much love and effort into this, which made me feel so endlessly grateful for every single day with them. If you asked me what I would change about the TTC, my answer would be: nothing! Absolutely nothing! Everything was perfect exactly the way it was. And if there had been something you felt could have been improved, Taryn and Olav were always there for us and they made sure that you had the time of your life.
Vanessa Le, 20, America
Roux Malherbe, 45, United Kingdom
I thought the course was very well put together and thoughtfully prepared by Taryn and Olav. Both Taryn and Olav have heaps of experience in practicing and teaching yoga. But experience really doesn’t count for much if you’re not able to convey this to your students. This is where I feel so lucky to have chosen this specific course over the others that were on offer. I thought the teaching team were exceptional in the way they were able to share their knowledge and experience but most of all the way they were able to ignite a flame of passion for yoga within me and all my fellow students. It really is thanks to their enthusiasm, encouragement and sensitivity that they were able to guide us on our personal path to self discovery.
The course curriculum was very good and I felt that we were given a very thorough introduction to the history, philosophy and practice of yoga, and that this will serve as a very good base to further develop our understanding of this great philosophy in our own practice and lives.
The immersive nature of the course really played an important part in this too. We were so well looked after and really didn’t need to think about anything except internalising what we were learning day to day. This nurturing environment combined with the daily schedule of meditation practice and study gave me a very clear insight into a way of life I would like to pursue and realise in my own life back in London.
I think most important of all was that I now feel quite clear that I would like to share this incredible philosophy and practice with others and will actively seek out teaching opportunities when I’m back home.
An all round life changing experience that I urge you to take if the opportunity arises.
Tracey Harding, 54, Western Australia
Bonnie Blewitt, 33, Western Australia.
Sophie Joyce, 24, Western Australia.
I started yoga about 2 years ago with Taryn. I had never tried anything like it before so I didn’t know what to expect. I was used to high intensity workouts, weight lifting and running. I barely made time for stretching and was always sore and had a lot of problems with my hip flexors. So bad that I would wake up in the middle of the night in agony from the pain and the cramping – being so young, I knew I needed to do something to make them better.
As soon as I started yoga I told Taryn the problems with my hips and she taught me a lot of poses that were specific for hip stretching and opening. I have never looked back since starting yoga, I have noticed such a difference not only in my Body and flexibility, but in my frame of mind. I would walk into a yoga class stressed and frustrated and walk out of there feeling amazing. Taryn has so much love and care for her students and for that I am forever grateful.
Adam Williams, 33, Western Australia.
I have been practicing yoga for just over 2 years now. My first class was a long time coming as I put it off and put it off but finally I committed to a class which Taryn was teaching. As it was my first class I was nervous and a little shy, not knowing what to expect. All of which was pushed aside with Taryns warm and welcoming nature. She made me feel welcome straight away, which made me feel so much more comfortable, from this moment I knew I would be making as many of her classes as I could. Besides her gentle, caring, lovely nature Taryn has been the most diverse teacher I have had over my 2 year yoga journey. Each class was filled with new positions and new teachings which always kept the classes fresh and exciting. After every class I always felt like I had improved my yoga. I always looked forward to seeing Taryn and participating in her classes, cant wait till I can participate once again.
Cathleen Jean, 36, Western Australia.
In 2016 I joined my first committed yoga class with Taryn, who ignited my flame back instantly after a long time break from yoga! I felt this inner peace and happiness again, even on the first class I did with her. Within a few classes of learning from Taryn, my body was feeling so relieved and I was a lot calmer. Taryn informed me that she would be moving to India to run teacher training courses and I did feel a bit sad because I thought I had just found my yogi teacher again! And then she was moving on, but seeing the beautiful message in this, was that she actually helped me get back onto my path. I am now practising yoga as often as I can, at least 3 x a week. I was feeling also so excited for Taryn. Moving to India to teach, how amazing! I also want to go on and learn to be a yoga teacher and to be taught by Taryn, which I will be committing to in September this year 2016. I’m so excited about what the future holds and this yoga journey I’m (back) on. Thank you so much Taryn!
Fernando Baptista, 33, Western Australia.
Taryn’s energy and passion for what she does is contagious. I found her knowledge and commentary delivered a greater focus in my poses and my practice in general. My favourite element of her teaching style is the knowledge Taryn shares with students on the yoga mat. I found myself becoming curious about how I practice yoga and the benefits of regular practice.
I recommend yoga to anyone looking to explore well-being. I highly recommend Taryn as a passionate and knowledgeable yoga teacher that can guide you on your own journey.
Virginie Bibeau-Novert, 23, Quebec.
I met Taryn in Rishikesh in India where I did my Teacher Training Course in January 2016. I had such a good impression when I first met her. I instantly felt good straight away, she has such a great energy! I have not met many people in my life who are as passionate as Taryn is about her profession. She is very confident in her teaching and she always strives to help achieve the best out of her students. I feel really grateful, lucky and proud that I had the chance to be taught by Taryn.
Dr Victor Gomez, 38, Columbia.
I met Taryn during my TTC in Rishikesh. I have met other yoga teachers but Taryn is the type of teacher that you really are looking forward to meet. She is so dedicated and so skilled that really makes your practice unique. She knows every different variation of each asana and while performing the asanas, she does it with a rhythmic pace that you will not loose the fluidity of the movement. Her knowledge in Sanskrit it is a plus. you don’t have to go on a notebook or book to find out the meaning. I found that very helpful during my training. Besides the teacher perspective, Taryn is a great person, always smiling and willing to help you in every aspect. To go to India requires a physical and emotional effort. Taryn is always there to guide you in your Journey. I am grateful that I met her and I really hope to practice again with her.
Elissa Sundman, 30, USA.
I had the pleasure of having Taryn as my teacher during my 200-hour TTC in Rishikesh in March 2016 and I’m so glad that I did! She exudes passion and is extremely knowledgeable. The energy that she brings to the studio is contagious and I found myself wanting to work harder because of it. Taryn was always encouraging, always available if you needed her and always smiling! What I learned from her I will carry with me for the future of my yoga jou
May Khoo, 27, Western Australia.
Kate Campbell, 30, Western Australia.
In July 2018 I joined the 200 hour yoga teacher training course with Taryn and Olav.
I thought the course was very well put together and thoughtfully prepared by Taryn and Olav. Both Taryn and Olav have heaps of experience in practicing and teaching yoga. But experience really doesn’t count for much if you’re not able to convey this to your students. This is where I feel so lucky to have chosen this specific course over the others that were on offer. I thought the teaching team were exceptional in the way they were able to share their knowledge and experience but most of all the way they were able to ignite a flame of passion for yoga within me and all my fellow students. It really is thanks to their enthusiasm, encouragement and sensitivity that they were able to guide us on our personal path to self discovery.
Shane Rowles, Western Australia.
I was always impressed by Taryn’s knowledge of yoga as a science and a philosophy, and how she connected with her students on both an individual level and a class level.
I found her teaching methods fun, very easy to follow and motivating to try the next level of difficulty. Taryn’s Yin & Yang classes were so enjoyable (even though I left looking like a drowned rat haha!). Her classes provided me with an opportunity for personal, physical and mental development, leaving the classes feeling like I was walking on a cloud. This complete centred feeling has left me totally addicted to yoga!