Student testimonial by Dinesh

Dinesh

I have seen him being especially attentive to beginners, and suggesting adaptations to those recovering from injuries (myself included)…

Suraj’s class at Sadhana studio is my most favourite. His delivery style is very inspirational and motivating; his instructions are very elaborate, precise and clear. His classes flow very smoothly and in an extremely high-quality manner. Suraj is consistently jovial, high-energy and enthusiastic. 

What sets him apart is his natural gift to strike the right delicate balance: between pushing the class to stretch beyond the comfort zone (yogic pun there) and having fun; between being supportive for individual needs/adjustments/“cheats”, while deliberately also “keeping the class strong” (to borrow his own phrase). 

His occasional sprinkles of jokes are always welcome. I have seen him being especially attentive to beginners, and suggesting adaptations to those recovering from injuries (myself included), derived probably from his own experiences of injuries. He makes himself proactively available before and after the class for pointers, questions and discussions.

His mid-day prime-time Sunday class at Sadhana studio is probably the studio’s flagship class, almost always full capacity (around 35+ people); and he leads the overwhelmingly crowded studio immaculately. Despite the class size, he has the amazing ability to observe individuals and give specific nudges and corrections.

All these accomplishments as a yoga teacher must surely be a result of years and years of conscious effort, practice and hard work. Kudos to him!

JENNY

Suraj has a wonderful & inspiring story of how he came to find yoga, which is clearly visible in his teachings…

There are not many teachers who truly understand the restrictions of the human body than Suraj. Suraj has a wonderful & inspiring story of how he came to find yoga, which is clearly visible in his teachings. If you are effected by a long or short term injury/alignment Suraj is able to guide you safely through his class.

I have been very lucky to have been guided by Suraj, I have always felt safely encouraged to go deeper into my practice. Suraj is always willing and able to take the time to talk to you if you have any concerns regarding your practice or your well being. He is a true asset to the yoga community.

Lorrach

Suraj’s smiley face and welcoming demeanour made me feel at ease immediately and his clear instructions throughout the class and re-assuring words of “do what you can” and “to come back to your breath” help me not only to survive but to thrive in my first class!

After being diagnosed with Generalised Dystonia many years ago and being slightly daunted by the prospect of having to take an ever-increasing amount of medication to manage the condition, I began practising Hot Yoga in early 2021 at the Sadhana Yoga studio in Clapham Junction to seek an alternative.

Not knowing what to expect and being a bit shy, I snuck into my first class on a Sunday morning at 11am under the radar. I was instantly struck not only by the heat but also a welcoming and friendly environment that the team at Sadhana and Suraj, in particular, has created over many years. Suraj’s smiley face and welcoming demeanour made me feel at ease immediately and his clear instructions throughout the class and re-assuring words of “do what you can” and “to come back to your breath” help me not only to survive but to thrive in my first class! I was hooked and have been attending Suraj’s Sunday morning class religiously ever since.

I think what sets Suraj’s apart from other yoga teachers I’ve had is his willingness to get to know his students on an individual basis and his passion to talk through, show and demonstrate alternatives to those who struggle with certain postures in a discrete manner both during and after the class. His tailored advice has enabled me to make significant progress in my first year of practice and made me feel a lot more confident that I’m on the right track. A year and a half in into my yoga journey, I feel that I have a much greater control of my condition and look forward to make further progress with Suraj in his unique, friendly and somewhat jokey weekly Sunday morning classes at Sadhana in the coming years!

lucia

He encompasses qualities of compassion, spirituality, empathy, and inspiration, enabling me to discover more space for growth and healing within my practice…

I am thrilled to share my heartfelt testimonial for Suraj, an exceptional yoga teacher who has completely transformed my Hot Yoga practice. Suraj's teaching method is nothing short of extraordinary, as he encompasses qualities of compassion, spirituality, empathy, and inspiration, enabling me to discover more space for growth and healing within my practice.

From the moment I stepped into Suraj's class, I was immediately struck by his warm and compassionate presence. His genuine care for each student radiates through his every word and gesture. Suraj creates a nurturing environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of their level of experience. His ability to connect with his students on a deep level is truly remarkable, making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued throughout their yoga journey.

Suraj's empathetic nature is a true gift to his students. He has an innate ability to understand the unique needs and challenges each individual faces on the mat. Whether it's through gentle adjustments, compassionate guidance, or personalized modifications, Suraj ensures that everyone feels supported and safe in their practice. His empathetic approach has allowed me to push past my limitations, embrace vulnerability, and grow in ways I never thought possible.

Above all, Suraj is an incredible source of inspiration. His passion for yoga is infectious, and his dedication to his own practice shines through in his teaching. Suraj encourages his students to explore their edges, to embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth, and to discover their inner strength.

Suraj is an exceptional yoga teacher whose teaching method is a true gift to anyone seeking to advance their Yoga practice. His compassion, spirituality, empathy, and inspiring nature have allowed me to discover more space for growth and healing within my practice. 

I am immensely grateful to have crossed paths with Suraj, and I highly recommend his classes to anyone ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through yoga.

zac

His love for yoga shines through in his classes. His energy, effort and attention for every student is an amazing quality to have from a yoga teacher…

Whilst practicing with Suraj you feel held in a loving and supportive space. His love for yoga shines through in his classes. His energy, effort and attention for every student is an amazing quality to have from a yoga teacher.

With Suraj's guidance I am given the opportunity to push myself and grow as a student and as an individual. He is also always open to learning, growing and evolving his teaching himself. Anyone can benefit from the teaching that he offers.

CHRIS

Suraj is an excellent teacher - deeply supportive of people's development and very down to earth.

Suraj is an excellent teacher - deeply supportive of people's development and very down to earth. As a teacher, he's a great choice for a newbie who's anxious about making a start. He's just as good for yoga practitioners who want to engage in a deeper more wholistic approach to yoga and well-being. He is so closely enagaged with the whole process - the postures, individual class members, and the group as a whole.