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Dylan Robertson

Dylan Robertson is from Australia, has lived in Tokyo since 1997 and speaks Japanese fluently.

Dylan’s Yoga Background

When Dylan began practicing yoga in 2002, he was a stiff office worker with lower back pain and difficulty sleeping. Through regular yoga practice, Dylan was able to cure these problems and regain the freedom of movement he enjoyed as a child.

Dylan completed his first yoga teacher training course in 2008 at Prana Power Yoga School in Tokyo, learning from a diverse faculty of senior teachers from around the world. Dylan’s yoga education was bilingual, and this helps him conduct his classes in English and Japanese. He is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level (RYT-200).

Since July 2008, Dylan has enjoyed teaching yoga in Tokyo, offering group classes, workshops and private lessons. Dylan specializes in teaching complete beginners. He encourages those new to yoga to fully accept their current limitations and work slowly to build their strength and flexibility safely.

Dylan’s Practices

Dylan offers students a broad menu of practices that complement each other to cultivate balance in mind, body and spirit.

Vipassana Meditation

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be able to sit in lotus pose on the floor to enjoy the many benefits of meditation. Regular meditation practice results in improved ability to focus, greater resilience to stress and a higher emotional threshold. Over time, you find yourself naturally making better lifestyle choices as your old bad habits fade away. The patience, focus and sensitivity developed in still meditation practice also speeds one’s progress in mastering yoga poses.

Qigong

Qigong is a Chinese term which means “energy cultivation”. Dylan teaches a simple but profound system of static standing postures, slow movement exercises and walking meditation forms. Through regular practice, students develop increased concentration, improved posture, enhanced balance and higher energy levels. Students find themselves enjoying better posture and greater relaxation in all daily physical activities — even while they walk, climb stairs or ride the train.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga postures are held for several minutes each with complete relaxation. The poses are designed to allow gravity to do most of the work as the student finds a gentle stretch. Each pose stimulates different energy pathways within the body. This type of practice results in deep relaxation, improved circulation, fluid movement and greater flexibility. Those with an interest in meditation find that Yin Yoga is a great way to prepare the body and mind for seated meditation practice. Former athletes and dancers find that Yin Yoga helps them heal old injuries.

Slow Power Yoga

Dylan prefers to take a slow-paced approach to Power Yoga, a physically active style of yoga known for building strength and flexibility in the muscles. By encouraging his students to be mindful of alignment and technique, Dylan helps them build strength and awareness throughout the entire body, including places that many other types of exercise miss. Consistent and correct practice of Slow Power Yoga results in an attractive posture, graceful movements and a slender figure.

Private Lessons with Dylan

Shibuya Studio:

Dylan has a dedicated studio for private lessons conveniently located in Shibuya near the Tokyu Hands Department Store. This studio is a quiet oasis of calm within busy Shibuya. The clean and bright space is equipped with yoga mats (sterilized and washed after each use) and yoga props such as blocks, straps and blankets. There is a private changing room and shower with clean towels available for free use. If you forget your yoga wear, t-shirts and shorts are also available for free use. The studio can fit up to 2 students at a time. Couples or friends are welcome to come together.

Your Session:

Assessment:

Dylan will begin with an assessment of how you are feeling at that moment, both physically and mentally. This is an opportunity for you to express your goals and desires. Based on his assessment, Dylan determines which yoga poses, breathing practices and meditation techniques to lead you through.

Communication:

Dylan frequently asks what you are experiencing throughout the class. Your answers help to determine what should come next and also serve to remind you to always be listening to your body’s needs.

Language:

Instruction can be in English, Japanese or a mixture of both, depending on the student’s preference. Most Japanese students like to learn yoga from Dylan in English, as they can practice their English comprehension skills at the same time as learning yoga. Dylan is able to clarify points for them in Japanese when necessary.

Session Length:

The yoga practice session can last from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how you feel at the time. Dylan understands that people’s mental and physical condition varies, sometimes unpredictably, and so recommends to only practice for as long as it feels comfortable.

After Class:

Each session ends with a relaxing cup of herbal tea and chat for around 30 minutes. You are welcome to ask questions about the lesson or just chat about whatever is on your mind. Many of Dylan’s Japanese students like to use this time to practice their English.