Wahe Guru Yoga

Since the website is still up and classes are for sale through Unilocal,decided to try this place for an end-​of-​year meditation on this brisk New Year’s Eve day. I showed up at 9:15 at a solid 32 degrees outside only to find that this is now a cookie shop.
Spent 5 minutes cursing the interwebz, another 5 meditating on cookie dough, bad Unilocaling and then realized I have to walk a mile back to my buddies house and the cookie shop is closed so I don’t even get that… zero stars

This kundalini studio had been on my radar for a while, by avoided trying it as it looked like it might be too «out there» for me. I finally tried it after noticing that on of my favorite authors on meditation and mindfulness, Gabrielle Bernstein, was an avid teacher and student of kundalini yoga. Man, I am SO glad I did, I love this place.
My shorthand when trying to describe kundalini /​this studio to others varies from «hippie yoga» to the more apt, «meditation in motion.» This studio has really expanded my meditation practice, in some amazing ways.
This studio is not for everyone, and a class here looks nothing like the spandexed girls in a flow class to pop music that has become ubiquitous with yoga in Seattle.
Kundalini is all about meditation, chanting, pairing movements with some serious breath work, and the occasional singing. I’m an atheist, but in a lot of ways this feels like my church; a group spiritual experience where you can reflect on your inner self and take in some wisdom.
If you are at all curious about kundalini, I can’t think of a better first experience that one of Fritz’s classes. Take a couple classes with an open mind and see if it vibes with you.

I took Kundalini Yoga in Houston, TX; I didn’t know that one was a ‘gentle’ class. I was fearful of stepping through the door of Wahe Guru Yoga for two years. Fearful of the stoic, strict looking man in the photo, fearful that I’d have to buy expensive yoga outfits; fearful of farting on that hardwood floor and being totally embarrassed. I finally entered that door and all fears were washed away. The stoic, strict looking man is actually funny, but is a professional; you wear what you have, and everyone let’s loose on the gas now and then and no one laughs or even cares. YAY! I attended 3 classes then signed up for the 40 day yoga challenge. My friends asked me «what were you thinking!?» I asked myself that at the beginning also, but I looked so forward to going and being with the people there and Kundalini yoga makes me feel wonderful!!! Then, I got a job and wasn’t able to attend for a while — I missed it and my body really missed it, now I’m back and I’m SO glad and looking forward to being with my yoga friends and feeling great again. When I first started, I asked LOTS of questions about breathing and poses so I would get it right — I was given thorough answers so I could improve. There are three teachers and all are passionate about the practice and help you do the poses right. You really do need to attend a number of classes to get a feel for it. The classes are different each day and will benefit body, mind, and soul. Yes, this is hard work, the payoff is feeling GREAT!

When I stumbled upon Wahe Guru last spring, I was overjoyed because I have been a lover of Kundalini Yoga, but had nowhere to practice. Kundalini is the yoga of transformation, excellence and self-​mastery. It goes so far beyond any other kind of yoga practice that I have ever done. Frytz and Yanna are amazingly dedicated teachers who deliver the true Kundalini teachings. Thank you!

I am a Kundalini yoga novice, but have become a convert after only four classes at Wahe Guru Yoga. It is partly the style of the yoga that brings me back, but mostly the fact that the instructor has done a superb job of fostering a welcoming, warm and supportive community. Your fellow yogis are lovely people learning and growing beside you. For example, I refuse to sing in front of anyone but here I was on my second visit chanting by myself. It freaked me out, but once I realized no one was judging I became comfortable and, quite frankly, joyful.
I practice yoga for myself — not always well. This is the first place I have not felt that I was in competition with anyone. The fact that your eyes remain shut for most of the practice helps. It means you can focus inwards. This is a magical mix of meditation and movement.
Moves are challenging, but not so much to put off someone who has not done yoga in way too long. There are variations offered so that you can choose to complete what feels right for you. After all, yoga is a practice. And it takes practice.
Love the compassion and beauty in the messages provided by the instructor. The music is gorgeous — especially the song written and performed by a fellow yogi. The space is elegant and welcoming.
Love, love, love.

If you’re interested in Kundalini yoga this is a great place to try (go at least three times as it is so different from class to class). While the oldest form of yoga, it has few similarities to Hatha and Vinyasa.
The space: There are pics on their website, but the space has a wonderful sage scent, is clean (spotless), and welcoming.
Teachers: excellent. Classes on the weekends are a little longer, and I find them very spiritual and restorative.
Music: Traditional Kundalini music– you can google it or think mantras that might fit on a chill album. If you’re the average KEXP listener in Seattle– you’ll find it very tasteful and soothing. Also, lots of variety– very unlikely you’ll hear the same exact «set» twice.
Spiritual: Yes, most definitely. If you follow University of Massachusetts professor Jon Kabat-​Zinn or Harvard’s Ellen Langer you’ll notice many similarities– mindfulness and a focus on the breath. A typical class will also include some mantra chanting while in a yoga pose as well as a meditation period at the end.
The Gong: If you’re lucky your meditation will be washed by the soothing sounds of the gong. It’s an amazing experience. Also, WGY usually dedicates two evenings per month on a long gong meditation that is comprised of three parts. The complete savasana is around an hour and a half. Bring a mat, blanket, and a pillow– a must try!
Finally, Kundalini is practiced with closed eyes– this is to focus inward, and also give others the space they need to feel comfortable without fear of someone watching. WGY strictly adheres to this practice.

I tried this studio using a Groupon and did not have a positive experience. That being said, there were plenty of regulars there who seem to thoroughly enjoy it so it’s definitely worth trying once in case it’s your thing.
My issues with the class (mind you, I’m accustomed to other styles including Hatha, Vinyassa and Bikram so these are just my personal preferences) were:
1. The class opened with the instructor providing a lecture about forgiveness. Normally I can find a lesson in every yoga teaching, but he talked specifically about his own issues with an alcoholic sister and other family problems. I felt like the baggage he brought to the table started the class on a low note rather than an uplifting one, and it was way too personal. Also took ten minutes out of class time to tell his story.
2. The music is so cheesy. Unlike other yoga studios which play traditional Indian music, drums, chanting etc, this music was something you’d expect kindergartners to sit around holding hands and singing to with phrases like «I am the light, I am bountiful, I am beautiful». The same songs were repeated several times too.
3. The class touted being a spiritual awakening on their website, but the movements were rapid and awkward. For example, we ran in place while punching; we sat on the ground, lifted our entire body using the arms and dropped to the ground (ouch!) We went into Camel Pose, one I’m familiar with, but I’ve never met an instructor who recommends holding it for an extended period of time as the blood quickly rushes to the head and you can pass out. This class expected us to not only hold it for several minutes but to breath rapidly the entire time.
I was expecting something more meditative and spiritually restorative, but this class was all about rapid breathing and pushing through the pain. Won’t be returning.

This is my first experience with Kundalini yoga, so it felt a little strange at first. I’m used to practicing yoga purely for exercise. The classes at Wahe Guru definitely work your muscles, but they do so much more than just that. The energetic calm I feel after class is a completely new feeling for me – one I want to continue to explore.

Kundalini yoga is different then other yoga styles. If you can get over your expectations, whatever they may be, and step outside of your comfort zone a bit, this practice will give you so much more then «a workout» (although indisputably it’s great for your body). You have to give it a try and experience it for yourself.
Wahe Guru is run by a wonderful couple raising their family in the neighborhood. Their training is very thorough from the best teachers. The studio is beautiful, and people come from outside of the city because there are few other spaces devoted exclusively to Kundalini yoga in the Northwest.
It’s positively addictive!

Simply amazing! It is something that needs to be experienced to understand. But I have watched Kundalini yoga transform my friends life. It has brought a new degree of awareness and some balance to my life (to the extent that I have been open to allow it).

If you have never tried Kundalini yoga, this is the place to try it. I initially bought a Groupon months ago and was a bit weary of the yoga style but after four classes I was hooked. Both teachers are compassionate, patient and welcoming. I go at least twice a week now and it’s the perfect balance to my vinyasa practice.
Kundalini doesn’t feel like a workout but I often walk out of class feeling I’ve pushed my muscles to the limits, the spiritual and mental experience assists with pushing your physical limits.

So happy to see a Kundalini Yoga studio open in North Seattle. The instructors are very well trained. They are compassionate and have a sense of humor. Kundalini is very different from other types of yoga. There is more emphasis on breathing and sound. It works on the mind as well as the body. It really helps me release stress. Continuing practice of Kundalini is a great support for these challenging times.

I greatly dislike waking up early… but for the past month+ I’ve been getting up early to bike to do Kundalini yoga ’cause the feeling I have the rest of the day is amazing. The creas [sp?] are challenging physically but also mentally as you try to overcome the burn and ache. The relief though is great!
Fritz and Yanna and also just really cool people to talk to about a wide range of subjects. So far I’ve gone every morning this week and plan on keeping it up. I wasn’t even that rigorous when I worked at a yoga spa!

Yesterday was my first time attending a class at Wahe Guru. It was wonderful. Yana and Fritz (not sure of exact spelling) are very welcoming. Yana taught the class I attended, an she seems to be a very knowledgable instructor. The atmosphere of the studio is very lovely. I’ve been eagerly awaiting a Kundalini studio to come to Seattle & I feel very blessed that now there is one, 3 blocks form my house. Sat Nam.

Kundalini Yoga is more than just a challenging workout. It is also a spiritual and sensory experience.
Laying down for part of the meditation while the vibrations of the gong reverberate through the body was amazing!!!
Also Fritz and Yanna are such sweet and welcoming people. They are also empowering teachers.