Ori Cohen
Iyengar Yoga Teacher
About Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar dedicated his life to the practice, study, and teaching of yoga. Credited with introducing yoga to the West, he founded Iyengar Yoga and is regarded as one of the world's most influential yoga teachers. In addition to being a devoted practitioner and teacher, he authored numerous books on yoga, including *Light on Yoga* (1966), *Light on Pranayama* (1981), *Light on the Yoga Sutras* (1993), and *Light on Life* (2005). Often referred to as the "father of modern yoga," Iyengar was known for his warmth, charisma, and rigorous teaching style. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 95.
Iyengar Yoga emphasizes three key principles:
Alignment: This involves maintaining the correct posture while respecting the body’s limits. Props are often used to help students safely achieve each pose without risking injury. Proper alignment fosters a balanced connection between body, mind, and breath.
Sequencing: The order in which postures are practiced is carefully structured. This progression ensures the safe development of both the physical and emotional body, allowing for gradual openings and balance.
Timing: Unlike Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar focuses on holding poses for longer durations. Once stability is achieved, the depth of the posture can be safely intensified, promoting strength, flexibility, and heightened body-mind awareness.
About Me
I am a student and teacher of Iyengar yoga
I started practicing in 2006, after suffering from a surfing injury overseas. looking for every possible solution to get back in the water, I found what felt like the ultimate solution - Iyengar yoga.
I started attending Iyengar yoga medical classes in order to get healthy, so I can continue with my childhood dream, devoting myself to discovering and surfing waves around the world pushing my limits.
A year after starting to practice, I heard about another Iyengar yoga center near my home in Tel Aviv, where I met Gabi Doron who became my teacher and mentor for the past 17 years.
From medical classes to beginner classes and then studying in india in 2008, I progressed slowly and surely, going back and forth between my teacher in Israel and teachers in India, to a year long surf trip around the world.
In 2014 I stayed in the Iyengar yoga institute in Puna for two months, being fortunate enough to meet Iyengar himself in the last days of his life.
This experience was so profound for me & I decided to finally become a teacher and devote my life to learning and sharing the subject of yoga the best way I can.
Finally, after 9 years of practice, in 2015 I became a certified teacher in the method and have been teaching at my beloved teacher school in Tel Aviv “the Iyengar yoga center in Noga”.
Being a close student to my teacher, I was fortunate to be able to learn from her on a daily basis, the center became my second home, creating the perfect environment for me to learn and evolve every day as a person, a student and a teacher.
After 10 consecutive years of teaching at the centre under the professional guidance of my teacher, I decided to take a break from Israel, move to Thailand and continue teaching on the island of Koh Phangan, sharing my love for yoga.
Drop-In Classes
Iyengar Yoga classes in Kophangan, for new yoga students/students who are experienced in other yoga methods, teachers who are interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding in the subject of Yoga.
The lessons focus on first introduction to the basic yoga poses, while focusing on developing flexibility, strength and stability. The teaching focuses on learning standing poses, sitting poses, simple forward bends and inversions, and the level of intensity is built gradually throughout the year.
Shirshasana(headstand) and salmba sarvangasana(shoulderstand) as well as more advanced forewords bends and backbends and basic pranayama will be taught according to the student’s abilities and readiness.
Tuesday 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Wenesday 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Friday 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Saturday 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Workshops
Discover the transformative power of Iyengar Yoga at our upcoming workshops! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to deepen your practice with precise alignment and mindful breathing. Led by certified instructors, our workshops provide personalized guidance and a supportive environment to help you improve flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Join us and experience the benefits of Iyengar Yoga, cultivating balance and inner peace in your life. Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey towards holistic health and harmony!
Yoga For Surfers
Combining my lifelong love for surfing with the transformative practice of Iyengar yoga, I offer a unique approach to help surfers improve their physical performance and mental clarity. After years of surfing around the world and facing various challenges, yoga became my go-to tool for boosting agility, stamina, and managing injuries in the water. My classes are designed for surfers who want to deepen their connection between body, mind, and waves, helping you flow through life and the ocean with greater awareness and strength.
The Studio
Located on the peaceful Bovy Beach in Srithanu, Kophangan, The Space of Pure Awareness offers drop-in Iyengar yoga classes and workshops. This serene studio provides a welcoming space for practitioners to explore alignment, balance, and mindfulness.
