James Ryder Yoga

James Ryder is teaching at YogaTree Telegraph (he just started there recently) and I happened upon a class of his on a day off from work. I wish I could attend his classes more often. He offers the real deal.
He teaches from a strong yoga center vs. workout center. This doesn’t mean you don’t get an amazing workout, you do. I had a good sweat going. But rather, the intention and flow of the instruction is more than just the exercise. He gets you deep into the asanas where the true benefits lie. Highly recommend!

I took my first class with James years ago at Yoga Tree (previously Yoga Mandala). I remember being surprised when, in a forward bend, my emotions suddenly flowed up out of my body somewhere and ran out my face in the form of tears. I was impressed that, in our first class together, he was able to create a space safe enough for that level of opening.
Over the years I have followed him to Ojas Yoga in El Cerrito, where the small classes and quiet atmosphere created space for an even more introspective practice. And I have worked with him one-​on-​one to deepen my personal practice both in my home and in his. James is always thoughtful, patient, and considerate with his students, making accommodations for their unique physicality and their own depth of practice. When I got pregnant, he continued to welcome me and was determined to learn more about prenatal forms of yoga as my belly progressed. I always know I’ll get a lot out of his classes, whether I can do each pose or not.
Thank you James!

James Ryder teaches yoga with exceptional clarity and eloquence. His classes are well-​paced, challenging and safe. Always mindful of individual needs in a group setting, he consistently offers variations on movements and poses. Private sessions, also, are a great opportunity to benefit from James’ skilled observations and suggestions. I have been supported by his personalized instruction to build and deepen my personal practice. My sessions with James have helped point the way to new pathways I continue to learn from on many levels