Jamie is an experienced yoga teacher with a wealth of various trainings and has led Hatha Yoga classes in Tokyo for the past three years. When practiced with regularity, Hatha Yoga provokes the realization of one’s full physical, psychological, and spiritual potential. The student begins to recognize a steadiness in thought as well as an overall improved energy level. This calming of the senses and clarity of mind is acquired through the continued focus on postures, controlled breathing, and gazing points for each posture.

Jamie began training five years ago under a teacher whose style focused on a form of Ashtanga Yoga and who had studied under many outstanding teachers in the field such as Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Seane Corn, Rodney Yee, Ana Forrest, and Bobbie Fultz, among others. The teacher’s style was vigorous, with focus on synchronizing movement with breath, and Jamie was instantly attracted to the demanding nature of the teachings. With consistent practice, Jamie noticed an improvement in her own mental health, creativity, and energy levels. As she gained more experience and self-understanding, Jamie became more interested in sharing with others the teachings and practices that led to the strength she has gained.

Photo by R. McGuinness

Professional Experience

Lokas Studio Yoga Instructor: 2010–Present
Job Description: Ashtanga and Hatha Flow Yoga Class in ShinOkubo: Emphasizing movement from one posture to another in coordination with focused breathing for all levels. Modifications are demonstrated for advanced poses to encourage students to begin incorporating balancing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists, and inversions into their own practices, at their own pace. Jamie also encourages students to make healthy lifestyle choices by leading vegetarian, vegan, and raw foods cooking classes in the Lokas Studio Kitchen and offering a free Yoga DVD and cookbook library for curious studio members.

TOKYOYOGA Yoga Instructor: 2007–Present
Job Description: Vinyasa Flow Weekly Yoga Class in Aoyama: Emphasizing movement from one posture to another in coordination with focused breathing. The practice emphasizes a series of postures incorporating balancing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists, and inversions.

Private Group Yoga instructor: 2007–Present
Job Description: Group Ashtanga and Hatha Lessons. Studios are located in Omotesando, Shibuya, and Asakadai. Groups are organized by Jamie Reed, Gogakusha English Activities, and Prana English. Lessons are taught in English to improve ability in both yoga and the English language. The course is led with a strong focus on pranayama (breath) and bandas (core strength).

English Teacher: 2007–Present
Job Description: Private teaching of both children and adults; lessons are taught taking consideration of students’ interests, learning abilities, and learning needs. A professional atmosphere is maintained while making English fun to learn through a variety of activities including yoga, vegetarian cooking, photography, and traditional conversation classes.

Therapeutic Staff Support, Youth Advocate Program, Inc. 2004–2006
Job Description: Social work for autistic and behavioral defiant children from the ages of two through twenty-one. Working on meditation with children in their homes to encourage relaxation. This job requires the counseling of children and their parents and the transfer of skills to children, young adults, and adults in order to encourage better life skills and develop better patterns of behavior and thought.

Training

Sundari Yoga, East Sroudsburg, PA, USA
Four-year attendance in Intensive Ashtanga Yoga under Jennifer Logosso (Certified Yoga Teacher; CYT 500). Jennifer studied under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Seane Corn, Rodney Yee, Ana Forrest, and Bobbie Fultz.
Class focus was in developing a deeper understanding of the anatomy of movement, while exploring the chakra energy system through the development of over forty asanas (postures) and Sun Salutations A&B.

Little River Kung Fu Studio, San Francisco, CA, USA
Two-year Northern Shaolin Kung Fu study under Master Marilyn Cooper. Master Marilyn Cooper trained under Kuo Lien Ying, Brendan Lai, Y. C. Wong, David Chin, Lin Lin Choy, and Grand Master Peter Kwok. Studied Tan Tui, Gung Li, and Lien Bu. Classes largely focused on meditation, strength of mind, and alignment.

Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China
One-month long daily intensive course in Chen Style Tai Chi Short Form.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in fine arts from East Stroudsburg University, PA, 2006
• Shenyang Normal University, China, 2006
• Kutztown University, PA, 2001
• Baum School of Art, PA, 1999

Lokas Studio: www.lokallokas.com