About Bristol Yamas Yoga Collective
Bristol Yamas Yoga Collective is a group of enthusiastic yogis and yoginis who want to expand their teaching experience by offering weekly classes with different teachers and different teaching styles. We believe in the transformative power of yoga and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with our community. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, we invite you to join us on the mat and discover the benefits of this ancient practice.
Why Yamas?
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The Sanskrit word ‘yamas’ is often translated as ‘restraint’, ‘moral discipline’ or ‘moral vow’, and the famous yoga philosopher Patanjali states that these vows are completely universal, no matter who you are or where you come from, your current situation or where you’re heading. To be ‘moral’ can be difficult at times, which is why this is considered a very important practice of yoga. Remember that the word ‘yoga’ means ‘unity’, ‘wholeness’ or ‘connectedness’; of course it’s important to be mindful, gentle and present in class, but if this doesn’t translate off the mat and connect into what we do in our day-to-day lives, we will never feel the real benefits of yoga.
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The Yamas traditionally guide us towards practices concerned with the world around us, but often we can take them as a guide of how to act towards ourselves too. There are five Yamas in total listed in Patanjali’s Sutras:
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Ahimsa (non-harming or non-violence in thought, word and deed)
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Satya (truthfulness)
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Asteya (non-stealing)
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Brahmacharya (self-control)
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Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding)
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By considering these aspects in our daily practice on and off the yoga mat, all of our decisions and actions come from a more considered, aware, and ‘higher’ place, and this leads us towards being more authentic towards ourselves and others.
Your Teachers
Neil Emmott
Yoga nickname: Mr Inflexible, Old Wizened Tortoise
Favourite pose: Utkatasana (chair)
Approach to yoga: Neil applies a friendly, fun and light-hearted approach to yoga. He blends a focus on asanas (physical postures) with yogic philosophy, accompanied by eclectic music playlists and humour. His classes aim to be suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced practitioners. They may be physically challenging and occasionally experimental but with no expectations or judgements about what anyone should be able to do, and plenty of room for adjustments, variations, wobbles and laughter.
Katy Bird
Yoga nickname:
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Favourite pose:
Approach to yoga: Katy brings a vibrant and holistic approach to yoga that radiates positivity and balance. With a deep reverence for both the physical and spiritual dimensions of yoga, she guides her students on a transformative journey. Her classes seamlessly intertwine yoga postures (asanas) with the wisdom of yogic philosophy, fostering a profound connection between the body and the mind. Katy's teaching style is versatile and inclusive, catering to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis. Her classes may present moments of physical challenge, but they are always infused with an undercurrent of self-acceptance and self-discovery. In Katy's sessions, you'll find a welcoming haven for personal growth, where adjustments and variations are celebrated, and judgment is left at the door. As you leave her class, you'll carry with you a sense of rejuvenation, inner peace, and a renewed passion for your yoga journey. Join Katy and embark on a path of holistic well-being, self-exploration, and the joy of living fully in each moment.
Deniece Wheatley
Yoga nickname: Zeniece, Little Miss Side Crow
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Favourite pose: Natarajasana (dancer)
Approach to yoga: Deniece started her yoga career at Bristol Bikram Yoga (later CityZen) and has never looked back! She embodies a warm, welcoming, and joyful approach to yoga that makes every session a unique and transformative experience. Expect her classes to offer physical challenges and occasionally venture into experimental terrain, but they always come with an absence of expectations or judgments. There's no pressure to attain perfection, only an invitation to explore one's personal limits and potential. She believes that wobbles and laughter are an essential part of the yoga practice, reminding us to embrace imperfection and find joy in the journey.
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Deniece can also be found teaching on Tuesday evenings at To The Moon in Old Market! Click here for details.
Emily Scott
Yoga nickname:
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Favourite pose:
Approach to yoga: Emily embodies a serene and mindful approach to yoga that invites tranquility and self-awareness into every practice. With a deep reverence for the mind-body connection, she guides her students on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Her classes harmoniously blend the art of physical postures (asanas) with the profound wisdom of yogic philosophy, creating a space where body and spirit unite. Emily's teaching style is inclusive and adaptable, catering to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to experienced yogis. Her classes may present moments of physical challenge, but they are always infused with an atmosphere of self-compassion and inner exploration. In Emily's sessions, you'll discover a sanctuary for personal growth, where variations and adjustments are embraced, and judgment is left behind. As you step off the mat, you'll carry with you a sense of tranquility, inner balance, and a renewed connection to your own journey. Join Emily in the pursuit of holistic well-being, self-discovery, and the art of finding inner peace within the practice of yoga.
Our classes take place from 6.30 - 7.30pm on Monday evenings at Hall 4, Redland Church, Redland Green Rd, Bristol BS6 7HE. We have the room booked from 6.15 - 7.45pm to allow for arrival and departure and a bit of time to chat.
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The church halls are located next to Redland Green Tennis Club and the chapel on the opposite side of the road. Follow the driveway towards the tennis club and turn left just before you reach the large car park. Please note that the large car park belongs to the tennis club and cannot be used by Redland Church visitors.
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With the exception of one parking space for disabled visitors, parking is not available on the premises. However, parking is free on the local roads after 5pm. There are also a number of racks outside the building where you can lock a bike.
Contact Us
Bristol Yamas Yoga Collective
Email: bristolyamasyoga@gmail.com
