Jaya Yoga East

Jaya Yoga East is the best yoga studio that I have ever taken classes in. Go, Restorative and Gentle Yoga!

OK, here goes… My update on Jaya Yoga Studios: I was a bit reluctant to update my review from four years ago, because if I were to praise Jaya to the heavens, which I am inclined to do, my fear would be that more people would flock to this incredible glowing ball of love and energy that is Jaya Yoga, (and it would get too, too cozy in the studio), but nonetheless, out of maitri/​loving kindness (in Sanskrit), and to practice aparigraha/​non-​greediness, I am compelled to share with all of you my thoughts.
October marked my 7^th anniversary practicing yoga with the Jaya teachers & my fellow practitioners, many of whom I consider my dear friends and with whom I share a familial closeness.
I also received my 200 hour yoga teacher certificate two years ago in the Jaya Teacher Training program which was nothing short of a life altering experience and deepened my understanding and my practice of yoga, both physically and spiritually.
It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, period.
I was also motivated to update this review because of a newish teacher at Jaya Yoga.
Her name is Liz Buehler Walker, and it is hard for me to praise this teacher without sounding hyperbolic. She brings a sense of beauty, love, and caring, not to mention the depth of her understanding of all aspects of Hatha yoga: asana/​poses, meditation, pranayama/​breathing (one of which– Shitali pranayama kept me cool during the hot summer… thank you Liz!), Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and wonderful eclectic accompanying music playlists.
I would be remiss not mention, two other teachers.
Susan Kraft’s class always surprises me and teaches me something fundamental that was hitherto hidden from me, and I marvel at how she accomplishes this. Susan also brings her personal experiences and ties it in to her teachings, sharing herself on many levels.
There is also Laura Kauffmann, my fellow teacher training friend who is now a permanent teacher at Jaya. Laura is a strong teacher and her classes will kick your butt, (in a great way). Slow movements, held poses and interesting transitions from one pose to another make for a poetic dance of strength and fluidity. Laura also incorporates her great knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and the movement of Chi energy throughout the body, always giving tidbits of information about food and energy. Her classes focus on different parts of the body, which change with each season.
Yet another source of deep knowledge found at Jaya Yoga.
Pranam, Namaste & Om
Brava & Blessings…
Ted K.
November 2, 2015

Excellent yoga studio! Lovely community! I especially like Jennifer’s Tuesday night class and Kenzie’s classes… both really good instructors. I have been to other yoga studios in the past and they don’t compare to Jaya… I love the focus on breathing and meditation and the way they take the time to really explain and demonstrate the poses. Whether you’re a beginner or new to yoga, I would highly recommend Jaya! It’s also beautiful, spacious, and super clean.

After living across the street for 4 years, I just finished my intro week and tried 3 classes. This studio is beautiful and spacious and I really appreciated the teachers and their individual attention. I left the classes feeling relaxed, calm and stretched but not necessarily challenged or like I got a good workout. I did manage to break a little sweat on the vastly popular Sunday class with Ramit (who has a following of what seems to be every woman over 35 in the surrounding area). Jaya offers free meditation and Kirtan, which is incredible and worth going there for alone. it was also lovely to see so many neighbors at this studio. On the same note of neighbors, while I deeply enjoyed every class, I honestly felt a little overwhelmed by the singular demographic. I would feel more comfortable with a little more diversity and not feeling oppressed by SO much loud baby/​child talk before class– which is to say nothing against the studio or its fantastic teachers (or practitioners!), but I do wonder if some more challenging options might attract a little more diversity? I will most certainly take class here again, but for now I’ll stick with my Bikram until I can find something as effective.

If you ever wondered what it is about yoga that makes you feel so amazing from the inside and out, visit jaya yoga. East or park slope, it’s the same. The instructors are all true yogis — meaning that they live all that is yoga — physical practice, spiritual journey, acceptance, love and peace. It sounds quirky, but who couldn’t use a little more joy in life all wrapped up in 1.5 hour classes. Alignment, sweaty flow, serious, laughs, look no further. What else can I say. Pure perfection.

Review of the space only, not instructor or class.
Took a free class recently here from someone renting the space. The place is very clean and has two very nice bathrooms. There are plenty of equipment like mats, blankets, eye pillows, blocks, etc. The yoga room is big with natural sunlight and a very homey feel. There are plants and string lights. It’s a very cute place.

I absolutely love this yoga studio. All the teachers have a lot of knowledge and integrity and the overall community is amazing. Check it out!!!

extremely warm, friendly environment that’s really encouraging to newbies. Teachers will focus on and assist you if you are unsure of a position or have any restrictions in your practice (like an injury). The studio is clean and organized and the windows allow so much light in. its a very refreshing and relaxing experience. Also, it’s really a great perk that they supply you with yoga blocks and bands at each class. No other yoga studio will do that in NYC!

I came here because it was within walking distance and thought I’d give yoga a try. I basically stumbled into an advanced class, without knowing that’s what it was, and never left. I love the practice room, it is beautiful and serene (even when traffic is occasionally noisy outside). The teachers are all warm and friendly and welcoming. It really feels more like a family than a professional studio. I guess my only complaint would be the pricing structure, they really should offer something for people who don’t quite need an «unlimited» monthly option but need a little more than 10 classes in 20 weeks. In other words, if you come twice a week, you’re kind of screwed on price. Also, it would be nice if some of their extra curriculars — kirtan, meditation classes, etc — were included in the monthly pass, but they’re not. Everything is extra and it’s not cheap. They also put together groups for trips to places like Vermont, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, which is really nice. My only other complaint would be that a few of the classes are getting REALLY crowded and it’s difficult to do your practice with someone an inch from you on either side. They seem to have no class limit, so the more popular classes just stuff people in. But all in all I’m totally hooked!

2 doctors have confirmed: I stood 5’6″ in 2010 and am 5’7″ now! Since Jaya opened in my neighborhood, I have increased awareness and happiness as well as physical height. This sanctuary has achieved a perfect balance of sweat & spirit.

There are many good things to say about Jaya Yoga, both East and in the Slope, and I’ve been going to Jaya for many years, but I need to air a major gripe — when the classes get crowded, they get REALLY crowded, to the point where it’s unfair to the people in the class, in my opinion. There have been numerous times when I’ve been in a class and there’s barely room to move, as more and more people arrive and the instructors keep packing them in, and then clearly have to limit their teaching to moves that don’t encroach on the spaces of our very close neighbors. Shout out to Carla — please curb the desire to not turn away some folks (and maybe take in more money), and make it fair to everyone involved.

I hadn’t taken a yoga class in more than 2.5 years and woke up today wanting to get my namaste on. I was never very advanced/​good to begin with, so I was a bit nervous about going to this studio, but it’s within walking distance from my apt, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.
I can’t say enough nice things. The space is cozy and inviting. The room is full of light and my Sunday afternoon class had only 3 other people, which meant that the instructor was able to correct our forms and offer personalized attention. I never got that uptight air that a lot of yoga studios/​students/​instructors can have. I felt so welcome that the hour and a half flew by. I can’t wait to go back for another class. I’ve found my new favorite place!

Everything that I previously wrote remains true, with three additions:
1. Try a massage with Olga. She is fantastic.
2. After several years, Jaya is more than a yoga studio. It’s a community gathering place. I have met so many wonderful people in the neighborhood through Jaya.
3. Jeffrey is the greatest yoga dog on the planet!

This studio is my personal favorite, the instructors are different and unique in their practice which is great because some days you might not be in the mood to be hovering in the air and some days you just want to sweat it out and fire up the core.
The studio itself is wonderful, full of natural sun light, super clean and Jaya Mats are always a nice bonus if you forget you own mat (free) :)
If you cant decide on a studio in Brooklyn you must visit Jaya Yoga, and while your there don’t forget to say hello to Jeffrey (Ramits yogi doggy)

One word: AMAZING!
Jaya East and Park Slope have changed my life! Carla and Ramit have created two beautiful spaces in Brooklyn for all of us to build a community! Come out and take a class! I particularly love Judys classes on Sunday, Monday, and Thursdays. She is a great teacher with a lot of experience. Judy’s teaching style supports strength, powerful asanas, and inversions that bring a lightness and joy to one’s practice.

I had a great experience here — visiting for a week, I took advantage of one of their new student deals. It is a small and intimate studio, and everyone was very welcoming. The classes feature a range of approaches and skill-​levels, which I very much appreciated. I highly recommend it!

I had a wonderful experience here! I love the look and feel of the studio, the instructor I had was great, and the person at the front desk was super nice. I’m excited to go here again!

this was my first class at jaya yoga east. michael gates was the instructor. highly recommend! great atmosphere and wonderful instruction.