Ashtanga Yoga Nilayam

Haven’t yet moved back to LA, but I learned Ashtanga Yoga when Noah instructed at the Ashtanga Yoga Shala on Sunset Blvd around 2004. No surprise that the ratings are 5-​star. Recommended in general for authentic instruction.

Inspirational Instructor

Love Noah! Sucks I can’t go as often as I would like — he’s amazingly patient and the adjustments aren’t very in your face… the energy of the people that practice around you is incredible and so strong it only makes you even more in-​tune with your own breath and body. Def recommend!

If you’re contemplating taking up ashtanga yoga for the first time, a good place to start might be by reading Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’ Yoga Mala. Through both text and photographs the book provides «the» primer on the philosophy, discipline and benefits of ashtanga yoga and becomes a valuable reference once you’ve begun.
As a sixty-​two-​year-​old novice who started learning ashtanga yoga three months ago, the book played a crucial role in helping me determine whether I was prepared to make the commitment the practice demands. The other key factor in my decision to take the leap was finding Noah Williams. Beyond his extensive training and exceptional expertise, the qualities that have most impressed me about Noah in the short time I’ve known him are his authenticity and personal dedication, his sensitivity, kindness, intuition and sense of humor, and his tangible desire to help those he teaches to realize their full potential.
Ashtanga yoga is designed to be a continually challenging and ongoing process of growth. For me, having Noah’s authoritative guidance has made the rewards of that process all the richer.

I live on the westside but since his return to LA, I drive all the way to Silverlake to practice with Noah. I do this, then I clean myself up and suit up for a full day of work, which sometimes spills into the (late) evening. I think this says a lot about my teacher, and my experiences as his student. When I practice with him it’s as if the ‘stuff’ that we can get caught up in – in our minds, in the room, in the asana, in the adjustment, the pain, etc. — all of it takes a back seat to the breath.
Honestly, in LA, we are so lucky to have a choice when it comes to traditional teachers. Perhaps what sets Noah apart is how he conveys to the student what he has learned in his practice of ashtanga yoga over more than half his life. He brings to the room every day a steady, sweet energy, an attentive eye and a commitment to teaching way he was taught by Guruji. He is patient, and even insouciant about ‘achieving’ the asana. instead, he encourages me to explore the internal practice and one that I know best supports me and helps sustain me in my daily life.

Ashtanga Yoga Nilayam is the real deal, yoga with integrity and Noah Williams, the teacher not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. In this case, he’s got a beautiful yoga practice; focused, strong, light and completely in the integrity of the Ashtanga yoga system. In L.A. I find Noah, this yoga class, and the community that has formed from the bond of practicing together, a most authentic experience in a town that can have the fatal flaw of being fake, with teachers and communities that have no backbone. This is the real deal, producing a real spiritual experience and lifelong health, a strong body and a calm mind. Check it out, it will change your life.

Traditional style of Ashtanga yoga taught by the esteemed Noah Williams, 5 mornings a week! Monday through Friday from 7 am until 10 am.
I’m a huge Ashtangi but knew nothing of the practice when I stumbled upon Noah’s previous yoga school over 10 years ago. Noah patiently taught me… and taught me… and taught me! I was so stiff and uncoordinated, I thought I’d never improve. But under Noah’s guidance, I not only advanced, I’m now a yoga teacher myself!
What I didn’t know at the time is Noah is one of the most kick-​butt Ashtanga teachers out there. He moved away from Los Angeles for a while, so we’re lucky to have him back! Noah is only one of 25 U.S. Ashtanga teachers who were certified by Pattabhi Jois himself, the first to teach Ashtanga to Westerners. Noah has spent years in India perfecting his craft and has been teaching for over 15 years. What’s awesome about Noah is he’s totally devoted to yoga, but he’s also very warm, friendly, light-​hearted and makes you always feel positive about your yoga experience.
Studio A Dance in Silverlake is currently hosting Noah’s Ashtanga Yoga Nilayam. As soon as I tried Ashtanga, I realized it was the yoga «discipline» for me. If you’ve never tried Ashtanga, when taught in the traditional «Mysore» style, it’s a supervised self-​practice which is wholly different than most other yoga classes around town. Students of all levels — from beginning to advanced — practice in the same room at the same time. You can show up any time after 7 am, as long as your personal yoga practice is done by 10 am. Noah teaches the series of poses to new students as their fitness level allows, moving them through the Ashtanga sequence once each pose is successfully completed. For more seasoned Ashtangis, Noah gives adjustments and advice when needed but challenges us to challenge ourselves. Unlike other styles of yoga, a teacher is not constantly yammering in your ear. There’s none of that faux-​new age «feel your heartlight!» type nonsense. There’s no music or distractions. This is the essence of yoga. You come to class, you do your practice, you go on with the rest of your day. It’s both spiritual and invigorating.
What’s also terrific about Noah’s class is that the students are a real community. It’s not only not competitive, Noah fosters a welcoming atmosphere. So even if you’ve never done Ashtanga before but are interested, come check out the class! You won’t be sorry.