ASHTANGA CHESHIRE
CALUM THOMSON
Meet Calum Thomson
500hr Ashtanga Vinyasa Teacher
I found the practice of yoga in it's postural form in 2008 at a point in my life when it was neccesary to make some serious lifestyle changes and at first yoga became the tool to achieve this, it worked and the practice had a profound effect upon me early on so it didn't take long to become a dedicated practitioner. After a couple of years I found the Ashtanga Vinyasa System as created by Pattabhi Jois. Having practiced the Primary Series and an introduction to the intermediate series for a few years I travelled to Mysore India in 2014 to practice under Sharath Jois at the KPJAYI, the birthplace and spiritual home of this practice, later travelling north to the Himalayas to gain my 200hr Yoga Alliance teaching accreditation in Ashtanga Vinyasa under the tutelage of Vijay Amar.
In Summer 2023 I most recently trained with David Kyle obtaining my 50hr Rocket certification in Lisbon, Portugal.
I started to teach the practice in 2016 in a few local studios, gyms and health clubs and over the next two years had gained more than 700 hours of face to face teaching experience, my students and myself progressed through our practices far enough that in 2018 it was apparent that returning to India in order to complete my 500hr Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Alliance teaching accreditation was necesary, this gave me the confidence to teach the Intermediate series to my students and for myself to delve into the Advanced A series. This once again was under the tutelage of Vijay Amar.
Since then, I've surpassed 5000 hours of face to face teaching by continuing to teach at Yoga Studios, gyms and health clubs, I have also set up a Mysore room which is held 1 week each month. I hold workshops at Yoga Studios and teach Privately one to one, small groups and at small private retreats.
Other courses I've taken to compliment my teachings include Reiki and the Emmett technique which is a muscle release therapy, both of these have been useful tools in assisting yoga students with the development of their practice.
As well as continuing to practice the physical aspect of Yoga, meditation and energy work have taken a more prominent part in my practices.
As a teacher it is my hope that the students who come to me reach their potentials, exceed their own limitations and to see how what they learn on their mats can be transferred to all aspects of their lives.
BOOK A CLASS
IN STUDIO
"IN STUDIO" CLASSES BY ASHTANGA CHESHIRE ARE TAUGHT THROUGHOUT CHESHIRE AND MANCHESTER AT VARIOUS STUDIO LOCATIONS
FOR ALL IN STUDIO YOGA CLASSES EACH WEEK
WORKSHOPS
"WORKSHOPS" BY ASHTANGA CHESHIRE ARE TAUGHT ON SELECT SATURDAY AFTERNOONS THROUGHOUT CHESHIRE AND MANCHESTER AT VARIOUS STUDIO LOCATIONS
FOR ALL UP COMING WORKSHOPS
RETREATS
"RETREATS" BY ASHTANGA CHESHIRE ARE ASHTANGA BASED IMMERSION RETREATS HOSTED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE UK AND ACROSS SEAS
FOR ALL UP COMING RETREATS
“Before I discovered Calum and his astonishing Ashtanga yoga classes, I hadn’t realised how inferior other teachers were. His passion, energy and enthusiasm are infectious, meaning I get far more out of his practices than I ever did before. He is an incredible teacher!”
Katrina
"Calum's yoga class was the first I ever went to, I really enjoyed it and I got hooked! His classes are super challenging pushing me out of my comfort zone which is what I look for in a class. It's great that he spends time with each member in the class to try and push themselves to improve on poses they're struggling on, other teachers don't tend to do that!"
Stephen
“You may be swearing silently in your head at him at times but you will NEVER regret a class with Calum”
Steph
"Calum made me fall in love with yoga! He connects with every person in class no matter their experience and challenges me when I need it."
Alexandra
"Calum is the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure to practice with. He is inspiring, pushes you in the right way to progress, and has the most infectious and positive energy. After every session I always feel energised and full of light. Since practising with Calum, I feel that my flexibility, strength and form has improved vastly, and I can get into positions confidently that I would never have imagined possible."
Susie
"I have been attending Calum’s classes for a while now and they are always dynamic, varied and light hearted. Calum always seems to know how to guide you deeper, even in a class of differing levels and adjusting to help you perfect your posture. I have seen a massive difference with my practice and personal ability through Calum’s classes and would recommend to all yogis to give it a try."
Nicola
"Going to Calum’s classes is the closest thing I’ve found in the Northwest to doing yoga in India and I mean that in the best possible way. He creates an environment where people of all levels of experience are empowered and uplifted and is a skilled and inspiring yogi to learn from."
Joe
"Calum’s classes are an excellent workout and a mindful experience. I’m 6ft and 80kg, I used to really struggle to touch my toes and hold my own body weight. Made great progress with Calum’s guidance. And truly inspired by Calum’s levitation skills!"
Gary