Michael Glenn found his way to yoga in 1997 seeking relief from running injuries. Though the effect was profound, the light turned on slowly. For years, Michael practiced yoga to heal injuries and counter imbalances that had built up from training for race. Years later, when yoga practice had finally replaced his training regimen, Michael could see one of the most enduring lessons of yoga: we all come to see the light in our own time.

In 2005, Michael completed a 200-hour teacher-training program in Tokyo and has been teaching ever since. His experience as a student frames his beliefs as a teacher: Every day each of us has to figure out what is a well-balanced practice within our own life. Yoga may begin as simple stretching exercises, but in time it leads us to feel, heal and make smarter decisions about our bodies. Yoga becomes a light showing the way back into the body. And as our bodies grow whole, we begin to intuit the wholeness of life.

Michael is the head teacher at Yoga Tree, a beautiful yoga studio in Hiroo, Tokyo. He loves teaching yoga to athletes and non-athletes, beginners and serious practitioners alike. He encourages students to “play the edge,” have fun, and experience change as it happens.

His growing list of interests includes acroyoga, partner yoga, and yin yoga, which he has studied with Paul Grilley. His practices of pranayama and mediation have been deeply touched by experiences with Emil Wendel.

When not teaching yoga, Michael writes. And, yes, he still runs. But only when the spirit moves him.