Frequently Asked Questions

“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.”

-Joseph Campbell

Have a question that wasn’t answered?

Get in contact, and I will respond within 24 hrs.

How do I start?

All new students — whether complete beginners or long-time practitioners – begin with the Ashtanga Yoga Shala “Step 1 Class Series”. This is essential for everyone. (note that Step 1 Class Series does not refer to Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series).

If you are new to Ashtanga Yoga, the Step 1 Class Series provides a steady and confidence-building introduction to the method. You’ll learn the foundational breath, movement principles, and the placement of the body in yoga postures, in a way that is clear, precise, and manageable.

If you already have experience in yoga, you will still benefit. Step 1 allows me the opportunity to assess your understanding of vinyasa, clarify habits that may be unhelpful, and ensure you are properly prepared for the Ashtanga Yoga Shala Mysore Class, which is the core of practice at the Shala.

The aim is not to judge your past-experience, but to give you the right footing for this specific method – so that when you step into the Mysore room, you know just what to do and can progress steadily, effectively, and with confidence.

How do I book in for classes?

Simply send an email requesting the current class times and information. Once you receive the schedule, review the dates, check your calendar for any clashes, and make your online class payment transfer. After payment is received, you’ll be sent a confirmation along with any further details you need.

What should I wear? What do I need to bring?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Natural fibres are recommended, as they breathe well and tend to feel better during practice. You will need your own yoga mat (quality yoga mats are available for purchase at class if you don’t have one) and a small hand towel.

Can I transfer my classes to another person?

No. Bookings are personal and follow the class terms and conditions (sent to you by email). Your place in a course or class series cannot be transferred to another person or used for different classes.

Food and Drink: When should I eat?

A main meal should be finished 2–3 hours before your yoga practice. This allows digestion to settle so your breath and movement remain steady. You can certainly have a light snack in between that meal and the class. Hydrate well throughout the day so you arrive already nourished and not thirsty.

During practice, avoid cold water – it disrupts digestion and the internal
warmth generated by yoga. If you need a sip, room-temperature water is
best.

What if there is a full moon? Should I come to class? (I have heard that you can’t practice Ashtanga Yoga on a Full Moon?)

It’s no problem – class runs as normal. The idea that one must not practise on a full moon comes from a misunderstanding that has circulated widely, especially in the West.

The actual reasons behind this confusion will be explained later in the Mysore classes, where there is time to go into the tradition more carefully. As for “the energy,” yes – everything is energy. But yoga practice itself is the steadying of energy, not avoidance of it. What matters most is your consistency, attitude, awareness, and the method.

Do you just do your own thing in a Mysore class? What actually happens there?

No. In a Mysore class you work only on what you have been taught at Ashtanga Yoga Shala, and you do so at your own pace, under the steady observation of the teacher. As you practise, you will receive individual instructions and specific corrections, which you then apply immediately.

This is how traditional Hatha Yoga has always been taught — and the same principle applies in classical martial arts, dance, and any discipline where precision, repetition, and personal guidance matter. The practice becomes your own, but shaped and supported by the method and the teacher’s eye.

I have a poster or book with all the ‘Ashtanga Yoga’ postures. Will it help if I bring it to class or use it at home?

No. It won’t help, and it will not support your progress. These posters and books are created mostly for general interest or for commercial appeal. They do not reflect the method or the learning process used at Ashtanga Yoga Shala.

Following pictures often leads to confusion, incorrect sequencing, or forced postures, and in many cases, people have injured themselves by trying to mimic shapes. The learning method is taught directly in class, step by step, based on what your breath, stability, and understanding allow. That guidance can’t be replaced by printed images.

Yoga Teacher Training: How do I find out more?

You should have been practising at Ashtanga Yoga Shala for a minimum of two years, with a daily practice of two hours, plus regular weekly class attendance. You will also need a working proficiency in Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Sutra study, Pranayama, as taught at the Ashtanga Yoga Shala Mysore classes.

Equally important is the way you practise: your steadiness, your
openness to instruction, your consideration for others in the class, and the way the practice has helped you navigate life’s ups and downs.
These qualities are essential in all traditional yoga systems.
If these elements are present, then a conversation about Teacher
Training can naturally unfold.

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

Popular Areas We Serve

Annerley
Ashgrove
Brisbane CBD
Carindale
Eight Mile Plains
Indooroopilly
Kelvin Grove
Mount Gravatt
Newmarket
Paddington
Red Hill
Rochedale
Runcorn
South Brisbane
Sunnybank
Sunnybank Hills
Toowong
Upper Mount Gravatt
West End

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

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