traditional lineage with an Experienced teacher

Richard Clark

Richard’s extensive training reflects a lifelong dedication to yoga, holistic health, and traditional healing systems. His qualifications combine decades of practical teaching experience with deep study in Eastern medicine and philosophy

Yoga & Teaching

Three-Year Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Program – Completed under Iain Clark at Ashtanga Yoga Shala, focusing on traditional practice, alignment, and teaching methodology.
Satyananda & Sivananda Yoga Studies – Richard began his yoga journey as a teenager through these respected schools, developing a strong foundation in mindfulness, meditation, and classical yoga principles.

Traditional Medicine & Holistic Health

Bachelor of Chinese Traditional Acupuncture (B.C.T.A.) – Comprehensive study of Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridian theory, and clinical acupuncture.
Furthered his studies under Kerry Bone, a globally recognised expert in medical herbalism and phytotherapy.
Ayurvedic Studies – Trained under Prof. Dr. Ajit, (B.A.M.S, P.C.A.S)

These qualifications reflect professional expertise in Ayurvedic diagnosis, lifestyle guidance, and herbal formulation.

Professional Leadership

Past President of Australasian Ayurvedic Practitioners Association (AAPA) – Represented and supported the professional standards of Ayurvedic practitioners across Australia and New Zealand.

Now, having been teaching Ashtanga Yoga for over 25 years and having taken up further study in India, in both Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and other methods of Hatha yoga, he has always been determined to share Yoga in keeping with its roots and objectives.

Iain Clark

“I am not an esteemed nor highly acclaimed teacher of Yoga. Nevertheless, I have tried to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate my experience of, practice and instruction in Yoga over the years, in order to best align what I deliver with the authentic aims of yoga and with respect for the needs and capabilities of individuals who attend classes.

Improvements in the manner in which Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has been taught in the past by its teachers were already initiated and put in place by my teacher, Iain Clark. I strive to continue in that direction.

Consideration of the views on health, energy, movement, bio-individuality and existence, etc, borne out of studies in Yoga Darshana, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Herbal Medicine, Tantra Shastra, Buddha Dharma, Anatomy and Physiology and Nutrition have guided me in this regard’.”

‘An ever-deep drive remains to impress the truly awe-inspiring philosophies of great Bharata – Mother India, which despite my limitations, I trust comes through in my classes’.

‘I don’t teach perfection of asana (but that’s no excuse for sloppy or misguided practice). I teach how to use asana etc in the yogic quest. I brought with me to yoga, more than a few serious injuries from my youth and would like to think that I can give hope to others who wish to make the best out of what they have been handed. In class I relate the words of the late, modern bard, Leonard Cohen, to an attitude most helpful in the quest’:

“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
– Leonard Cohen.

Yoga methods do not strive for physical perfection or a perfect work-life balance. No perfect asana, no deep pranayama, no singing of kirtan, no positive thought/affirmation will, in and of themselves, lead to the goal of yoga. We must take on the whole formula, which is why we have here the precious Aṣhṭāṅga or eight-limbed model. This process requires care, awareness, direction, humility, openness and receptivity.

Announcements & Upcoming Programs

Step 1 Yoga Class Series

Secure Your Spot Now! You will thank yourself later. If not now, when?

The Next Step 1 Class Series at Sunnybank is starting on – Tuesday 6 January 2026 at 6:30 pm.

The Next Step 1 Class Series at Paddington is starting on – Friday 9 January 2026 at 6:00 pm.

Book in Now – by requesting class information today.

You can receive a great deal from this yoga—but first, you’ll need to take a step in, build a connection, and offer what you genuinely have to give.

This is not simply an exercise class.

It is an entry point into the deeper practice of yoga—one that invites sincerity, attention, and the willingness to explore more than just the body.

“I tried one other class before AYS when starting, and I felt like I’d accidentally turned up at an Instagram photo shoot. The moment I walked through the door at AYS I knew I’d found the right place. Straight away. The difference was immediate and palpable.” – B.T 2023

“Richards words of encouragement to bring yoga back into my daily life has seriously helped me mentally and physically. I let go of 6kgs of unwanted weight just in the 5 weeks step one classes. While I might have a way to go, I’m on the path with a teacher that cares and promotes my daily growth. Thanks Ashtanga Yoga Shala.” – B.I 2024

Yoga Class Types offered in Brisbane

Step 1 Ashtanga Yoga Classes

Step 1 Ashtanga Yoga classes at Ashtanga Yoga Shala Brisbane provide the perfect introduction for beginners, newcomers, and returning practitioners. These guided sessions focus on the core principles of Ashtanga Yoga, helping students build strong foundations, confidence, and familiarity with correct alignment and technique before moving on to Mysore Style classes.

Mysore Style Class

Mysore Style classes at Ashtanga Yoga Shala Brisbane are the traditional, self-paced way to deepen your yoga practice. Building on the Step 1 series, students work through the memorised sequence with individual guidance from the teacher, developing consistency, discipline, and a truly personalised practice alongside others of all experience levels.

The Benefits of Yoga for Brisbane Residents

Life in Brisbane moves at a fast pace — with work, study, and family commitments often leaving little room for rest and reflection. Many locals are turning to Ashtanga Yoga Shala as a way to restore balance, build strength, and cultivate mindfulness amidst the busyness of urban life. Whether you live in the inner city or surrounding suburbs, our yoga classes offer a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Beginners appreciate our Step 1 classes as a gentle and structured introduction to the Ashtanga method, while more experienced students value the focus and discipline of our Mysore-style practice. Each class combines breath, movement, and concentration to create a sense of calm and clarity that extends far beyond the mat. Many Brisbane students find that regular practice helps reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve overall wellbeing.

Join one of our upcoming classes and experience why Brisbane residents continue to choose Ashtanga Yoga Shala for an authentic, grounding approach to yoga and self-care.

The Ashtanga Yoga Shala Ethos

The Ashtanga Yoga Shala logo takes inspiration from the ancient ‘endless knot’ and softens into a heart-like form. Its hues from the marigold flower: golden yellow and deep orange – evoke the flowers traditionally offered in India, symbolising devotion, warmth, and sacred giving. The intertwining lines express the truth of interconnectedness, where no strand exists alone, but each supports and completes the whole. As a symbol, it represents love, compassion, inclusiveness, and continuity of practice. Just as yoga weaves body, breath, and mind into unity, this emblem reflects the Shala’s offering: a space of sacred connection, where practice is lived as devotion and relationship.

Sacred Offering: like marigold flowers on an altar, yoga is an offering of heart and presence. Yoga is not something consumed but something offered
Inclusiveness: all paths and people are welcomed into the fabric of practice. The knot reminds us that yoga unites all aspects of life into wholeness
Continuity: the endless loop reflects the timeless tradition of yoga, ever-renewing. Continuity also means sustainability: practice is not a sprint but a lifelong path.
Compassion and Love in Action: the heart-shaped flow points toward kindness in practice and community. Practice becomes a living expression of love, woven through discipline and devotion.
Interconnectedness: Every thought shapes a mood, every mood shapes an action, and every action leaves an impression: a reminder that our practice is not for ourselves alone, but for how we show up in relationship, family, work, and the world.

Popular Areas Served by AYS

Sunnybank Studio

📍 Address on request

Monday – Saturday : 9am – 9pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Paddington Studio

📍 10 Moreton St, Paddington QLD 4064

Monday – Saturday : 9am – 9pm
Sunday: CLOSED

FAQs – Ashtanga Yoga Brisbane

Do I need prior yoga experience to join your Yoga Classes?

Do I need prior yoga experience to join your Yoga Classes? Please update the answer to – No. Experience isn’t required. The Ashtanga Yoga Shala Step Class Series is designed specifically for beginners as well as experienced yogis who are new to Ashtanga. This ensures everyone starts with the same foundation in breath, sequencing, and alignment before moving into the next level and ongoing classes.

What if I can’t make all 5 weeks of Step 1?

Ashtanga Yoga Shala encourages full commitment to the program so you gain the maximum benefit from consistent practice. If you can’t attend all five sessions in sequence, it’s best to enrol in the next available Step 1 Series rather than starting midway.

Is parking or public transport convenient for students?

Yes. Both the Paddington and Sunnybank Studios have free street parking available at each location, making it easy for students to attend after work, study, or family commitments.

Is this more about exercise or lifestyle?

Ashtanga Yoga is both. The practice builds strength, mobility, and endurance similar to exercise, but it also extends beyond the physical. Students from Annerley often find improvements in focus, stress management, and overall well-being. The combination of postures, breathing techniques, and philosophy creates a holistic discipline that supports long-term lifestyle changes.

Blogs

Why Practise Ashtanga Yoga?

Why Should You Practise at Ashtanga Yoga Shala? In a world that moves faster every day, Ashtanga Yoga offers something rare — a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and

AYS Paddington Studio

Experience Authentic Ashtanga Yoga at AYS Paddington Studio Nestled in one of Brisbane’s most charming inner-city suburbs, the Ashtanga Yoga Shala Paddington studio has long been a sanctuary for students

AYS Sunnybank Studio

Discover Authentic Ashtanga Yoga at AYS Sunnybank Studio Tucked within one of Brisbane’s most vibrant and welcoming suburbs, the Ashtanga Yoga Shala Sunnybank studio offers a peaceful retreat for students

I really appreciate all your time and effort over the years. It’s wonderful that you provide a whole yoga practice which challenges and inspires self-awareness, growth and healing. Thank you

I just wanted to send a quick note to say that having recently moved away, the thing I miss most about Brisbane, is yoga with you. I have recently started attending class here, but it is a big mess. Thank you for giving me the knowledge and learning to develop a strong sense of what yoga practice is. My commitment to yoga (as opposed to stretching) was immeasurably strengthened by everything you taught me…but gosh I would love to be able to walk in to the hall in Paddington and roll out my mat!

Firstly, I’d like to really thank you for the instructions you provided through the Step 1 series that I just completed. In such a short period of time, I better understand how to work towards overcoming some long-held limitations/alignment issues I have with forward bends. Not only that, but the introduction to the world of yoga beyond asana is rather interesting!

Your wisdom and care in which you teach yoga has had such a positive influence on me and has certainly made me more self-aware and mindful. I don’t think any amount of words can express how grateful I am…

Thank you for another beautiful year of yoga! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and giving so much of yourself! I have loved every word, every adjustment and every nudge in the right direction!

I was very sceptical about finding a good teacher, but everything worked out even better than I could have imagined and on a personal level the transformation has been enormous. Even though my ego was a bit bruised when I first started attending your classes, …. it …. helped me to understand the construction of the postures (how they are supposed to feel and why something is done a certain way). I really feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be when it comes to yoga practice

What strikes me the most is that now I see your teaching method as very disciplined but with an enormous amount of freedom. I feel very lucky to have been taught by you

We both really enjoyed the classes and are disappointed we couldn’t do more. I am especially grateful as previously (my wife) has been extremely reluctant to do any sort of Yoga due to her current level of flexibility. However, Richard does such a good job of making Ashtanga accessible to all, she is now inspired and practicing with me almost every day

I don’t know if you remember me, but I heard about you, Iain and the Yoga Shala from my friend …. My thoughts often turn to the good times that I spent in Brisbane. I don’t know if or when I will see you again, but I just wanted to reach out across the miles and say thanks from one who has grown from knowing you. Love and Peace

I had been practicing Yoga for some time before arriving to Australia and starting classes at Ashtanga Yoga Shala (AYS) in Brisbane. Since my first class, I was impressed by the knowledge and experience of Richard Clark as a teacher. His dedication and invitation to embrace Yoga not as a physical exercise, but as a philosophy and a means to enhance self-awareness in daily life were both evident and inspiring

I wanted to tell you in person how much your steady support, inspiration, and guidance has meant to me. Thank you for being my teacher. Your consistent and thorough approach has inspired and encouraged me to practice and discover the treasures of yoga. Not to mention to heal (in many different ways) from the most terrible injury of my life

We were here for the Yoga Hike weekend which was facilitated by well-known Yoga Teacher Richard Clark. His depth of knowledge was both eye opening and inspiring

I really enjoy coming to yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga Shala and learning about the practice and history of Ashtanga. Your knowledge of all things yoga and the culture associated with it continues to astound me. I only wish I could remember half the things you’ve said after class ……. Your personal attention to each student in the class is one of the things that I find most important and something that has helped me grow in my yoga practice, physically and spiritually. With much gratitude

Dear Richard, I feel so lucky to have found your School because you strive for excellence, which is a rare enough thing. And because you foster an environment where there is not just an absence of negativity, but a real, unspoken sense of respect shared by everyone in the classes

I wanted to take a moment to thank you, for so many things. I am so fortunate to have found your class, it is very rare in this world to find something that is so real and meaningful. Thank you for your relentless ongoing commitment to us all as students. I’m happy to say that you’ve shown me that yoga is not just exercise and it is now a part of my life

I would like you to know that I am in full gratitude and feel blessed to have found your school. It’s wonderful to feel that I am in the presence of people whom have walked through the fire; rare indeed and I look forward to the further unfoldment of being, through yogashala. Thank you

Just a quick note of thanks for your extraordinary commitment and consistency with the running Ashtanga classes. I am very much enjoying my class and personal practice

I can’t make it to any yoga classes this week. I would never have imagined that yoga would have become soooo important in my life. I feel totally deprived from not being able to be a part of that magical time in the Yoga Hall. I miss it and your wonderful teaching

A huge big thank you to Richard for all his inspiration, patience, motivation, expertise and just the best energy!! We are so lucky to have you. Dankeshon

I feel so grateful for the difference Ashtanga Yoga has brought to areas of my life. It’s like being given a gift! I thank you for that gift that you pass on to others through Yoga. It has given me clarity, a sense of peace and this amazing type of happiness that comes from within and it is an incredible feeling because it is not created by any outside factors like money etc

Thank you for teaching me Ashtanga the for past few months. I really enjoy the energy you create in class and your focus on perfection. The direction you have given me in my Yoga practise has been invaluable. I really enjoyed listening to your discussions at the end of class and participating in the chants

Thank you so much for encouraging me to take the first step

I’m leaving Brisbane tonight, so just wanted to say thanks for all the teachings, practices and knowledge that you’ve shared with me during these two and a half years. I think having practiced Ashtanga Yoga for all this time has had a tremendously positive in my life overall. Improved health, strength of body and mind, better concentration and a more peaceful self in general, even improved reflexes!

Hi Richard. Can I just thank you for thoroughly teaching me the foundations of Ashtanga Yoga! With all due respect, you would have a ‘cow’ if you saw the yoga class I participated in last night up here in another city! Hope all is well