The Center For Yoga of Seattle — Local services in Seattle

I chose the Center for Yoga and Richard Schachtel for my very first 200 hr yoga teacher certification, and I couldn't be happier with my choice! As a dedicated student of yoga for eight years, my desire for an experienced, wise and senior teacher in an alignment-based practice drove my decision. Richard is extremely knowledgeable, and he keeps control of his classes so that you are always learning--about every body type, every prop, and you're encouraged to explore what different modifications and props do for you. I've left this training prepared to begin working with ANY type of body and ANY level of ability, which was my goal. However, I've also left this training having discovered such an invaluable resource and teacher in Richard that I'm committed to continuing to study with him both to further my own practice and to also continually deepen my understanding of yoga in the Iyengar tradition. I have chosen to teach yoga to others and share the joy of this self-healing practice, and I'm incredibly grateful to be learning so much from Richard that I can then pass on to...

My wife was excited to go to this class. The instructor was dismissive insisting she was fearful when she said she would rather not perform a specific stretch My wife has had foot problems and this stretch has caused problems before. Regardless, he was insistent and goaded her into performing the stretch, at one point treating her like a child and telling everyone to ease up except her and insisting that her "fear" was in her head. I saw she was physically uncomfortable after that point and decided we should leave early. I am sure he is competent but I was not willing to invite that behavior into our lives.

I received your response. I do understand you have a perception of the way this played out but as a third party observer might I suggest your persistence for someone to do something they did not wish to do AFTER they tried your way (she did attempt to do it your way) may have been a bit much. I hope you all the best in your future growth...

Richard is the best teacher! He is strict but funny. I appreciate the strict adherence to the correct yoga postures, as it cured my pain and helped my energy in incredible amounts. I had brain cancer surgery in 2021 and Iyengar yoga has helped tremendously on my healing path. Igengar yoga is truly for everyone, no matter how old or stiff or sick you are. As long as you are ready to be challenged!

Richard doesn't spend much time on computers, and the website is hard to navigate. I recommend just signing up for a class and showing up early. If it's too confusing to register online, just show up early to the class you want to take, and...