Yogam Yoga

Renisha Naidoo, a dedicated yoga teacher at Yogam Yoga, has made a significant impact in the world of yoga through her passion, dedication, and commitment to service. Renisha’s journey into yoga began as a means to find balance and rejuvenation in her daily life. After long days of work and household chores, she often found herself exhausted and seeking solace on the couch. 

However, everything changed when Renisha discovered the transformative power of yoga. She realized that yoga not only provided physical benefits but also offered a profound spiritual connection. Renisha found many similarities between yoga and Krsna consciousness, recognising the shared principles of mindfulness, self-discovery, and inner peace.

Renisha’s yoga journey was not without its challenges. She openly shares her experiences of struggling with various asanas (yoga postures) and the perseverance required to overcome them. Renisha believes in the importance of letting others know that even experienced yogis face their own difficulties and that perfection is not the ultimate goal. She encourages her students to embrace their own journey, acknowledging that there are always more asanas to learn and master.

Renisha’s passion for yoga led her to become a certified yoga teacher under the guidance of Duncan Rice, the founder of Yogam Yoga. Duncan’s teaching style and philosophy resonated deeply with Renisha, as he created an environment where everyone feels comfortable working within their own pace and limits. There is no competition or judgment, only a focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

Renisha’s dedication to yoga extends beyond her own practice. She now plays an integral role in assisting the Yogam Yoga Teacher Training program, where she helps train aspiring teachers in the traditional Hatha yoga style. Renisha views yoga teaching as a service (Seva) to humanity, recognising the profound impact it can have on individuals’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Throughout her yoga journey, Renisha acknowledges the immense support and guidance she has received from Duncan Rice. She attributes much of her success and growth to his mentorship and teachings. Renisha is grateful for the opportunity to teach and inspire others, sharing her own experiences of starting out as a beginner and emphasising that there is always more to learn.

Renisha is a testament to the transformative power of yoga. Her dedication to her own practice, her commitment to teaching, and her recognition of yoga as a service to humanity make her a valued member of the Yogam Yoga community. Renisha continues to inspire others on their own yoga journey, reminding them that everyone starts somewhere and that growth and learning are lifelong endeavours.

Shalini Singh’s journey into yoga began from a place of necessity rather than choice, driven by the challenges posed by chronic disease, inflammation, and resulting immobility. For years, she battled with a debilitating condition that limited her physical capacities, and despite her commitment to various allopathic treatments, she experienced little respite. It was during these tumultuous years that Shalini encountered discussions surrounding the powerful benefits of yoga. Intrigued yet skeptical, especially given her scientific background, she felt compelled to explore this ancient practice.

From 2016 to 2018, Shalini’s health deteriorated significantly. The days were often long and filled with frustration as she grappled with an illness that refused to remit. Traditional medicine offered little hope, and Shalini found herself seeking alternatives. With nothing left to lose, she decided to try intense yoga classes, hoping they might provide a form of relief or at least a new form of physical engagement.

Walking into her first yoga class, Shalini approached it with a mixture of curiosity and doubt. Surprisingly, what she experienced was not merely a collection of stretches and poses but a rigorous and revitalizing workout. Each movement challenged her physically, yet also introduced her to a sense of mindfulness she had not anticipated. Despite her initial skepticism lingering for months, she found herself attending classes regularly, often practicing twice daily. The physical demands of yoga quickly became not just a way to burn calories, but an integral part of her routine and a new outlet for her frustrations.

As the months passed, Shalini’s initial expectations evolved dramatically. Initially, she viewed yoga purely as a physical workout with no illusions of healing. However, as she dedicated herself to the practice, changes began to manifest—not just in her body but also in her outlook on life. She noticed gradual improvements in her chronic condition; her symptoms began to fade, and she discovered newfound mobility. She was able to re-engage in activities she loved and had long set aside, slowly transforming from a skeptic to a passionate advocate for the benefits of yoga.

Despite her background as a gymnast, enabling her to adapt yoga asanas with relative ease, Shalini faced particular challenges. She struggled with the intangibles of yoga, such as pranayama and meditation. Initially, she found it difficult to accept the benefits of closing her eyes and sitting still, but through regular practice, Shalini learned to embrace these aspects, finding comfort in stillness. She also witnessed friends—once unable to sit on the floor—achieve cross-legged poses after a few months of consistent practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges, as it did for many of us. Yet, during this time, Shalini’s daily yoga practice served as a lifeline. The structure and discipline of her practice provided a sense of normalcy and purpose during a period that felt overwhelmingly chaotic. Yoga became her sanctuary, keeping her resilient and motivated as the world around her shifted.

Shalini’s transformation in understanding yoga reached new heights after attending the yoga teacher training at Yogam Yoga. This immersive experience enabled her to integrate her prior knowledge in chemistry and quantum physics into her teachings of yoga. She began to see the profound connection between each asana and pranayama and the human body’s physiological functions, understanding how yoga operates at a quantum level. The sympathetic and parasympathetic connections in the human body created a clearer roadmap of how specific postures and breathing techniques could influence overall well-being.

Yoga has profoundly impacted Shalini’s mental health, allowing her to learn the importance of “stopping.” For most of her life, she was driven by career ambitions, constantly in motion without taking the time to reflect on what truly mattered. The teachings of Patanjali, particularly around “non-attachment and simple living,” reshaped her perceptions and priorities, sparking positive changes in her career, relationships, and daily activities. To Shalini, yoga is a science—something that makes sense and is real to her—which has naturally transformed into a way of life. As a result, she embraces mindful living, characterised by conscious action and consideration for others.

One recent experience exemplifies how yoga continues to shape Shalini’s life. After an alarming diagnosis of sudden hearing loss in her left ear, she felt a wave of anxiety. Researching her condition, she discovered yoga practices associated with supporting different areas of the body. She adapted specific asanas and pranayama to aid her healing journey, combining personal practice with dedicated classes at Yogam Yoga. Astonishingly, after one class, she felt a shift within her ear, and from that moment onwards, her healing began to improve significantly. While the road to recovery remains long, Shalini has developed a daily yoga regimen to guide her through this process, one day at a time.

Today, Shalini is not only a transformed individual but also an enthusiastic yoga practitioner, eager to share the profound impact it has had on her life. She wholeheartedly believes in the healing power of yoga and aims to inspire others who are struggling with similar challenges. Through her classes, she hopes to create a space of acceptance and growth, guiding students to discover their own potential and healing journeys through the transformative practice of yoga.

Yogam Yoga teacher training provided Shalini with a non-judgmental environment to approach her journey at her own pace. The overwhelming support from mentors enabled her to grow into her own identity with her ideals intact. She recommends this course to all, encouraging others to explore the potential of their inner selves. One need not become a yoga teacher; the experience can serve as a catalyst for an awakening that surprises and transforms. Embracing the philosophy of “let it be,” Shalini invites everyone to witness a different side to everything through the power of yoga.

Join Shalini at Yogam Yoga, where every individual’s unique path is honoured, and a community of healing, strength, and mindfulness encourages genuine growth and transformation.

Marcelle Delew-Kappen’s journey with yoga began in the 1980s when she first ventured into a yoga class shortly after completing a course in meditation. Admittedly, she found the yoga experience challenging and unengaging, leading her to explore various fitness activities ranging from Taibo and Tai Chi to gym workouts and jogging over the next few decades. However, injuries to her ankle and elbow eventually sidelined her from regular exercise.

It was during a particularly challenging period in her life that Marcelle discovered the Yogam Yoga Teachers Course. Instinctively recognizing this as a pivotal opportunity, she enrolled, despite having no initial intentions to teach. As she delved deeper into the teachings and philosophies of yoga, she began to understand that this practice was not merely a form of exercise but rather a synthesis of her lifelong beliefs, experiences, and intuitive insights.

Through her journey, Marcelle has experienced remarkable transformations—her body is now stronger and more flexible than it has been in years. She has gained a greater mastery over her emotions and thought patterns, and yoga has played a significant role in her recovery from addiction.

Marcelle firmly believes that anyone can start their yoga journey with just a mat, comfortable clothing, and a commitment to regular practice. For her, yoga has evolved into a sustainable lifestyle, providing benefits that extend far beyond the physical realm.

She actively participates in yoga retreats at the BRC, continuously embracing her dual role as both a student and teacher of yoga. Currently, Marcelle teaches in Musgrave and generously volunteers at St. Martin’s Children’s Home, where she shares her passion and knowledge with those in her community.

Shweta’s journey into yoga began long before she consciously chose it. Growing up in a home filled with books on yoga and watching her grandparents practice daily, she was naturally drawn to it as a child, often joining in for fun. However, it wasn’t until the 2020 lockdown that she truly embraced yoga as a personal practice. With no access to in-person classes, she turned to online videos, initially as a way to pass the time. What started as a casual habit soon became a profound and transformative journey.

For Shweta, yoga is more than just movement—it is a path to deep healing and self-discovery. Her practice has strengthened her in ways beyond the physical, teaching her to sit with discomfort and embrace both the challenges and stillness of life. Yoga has shown her the power of presence, resilience, and self-acceptance, helping her navigate not just physical postures but also emotional and mental well-being.

As a teacher, Shweta strives to create a welcoming and inclusive space where students feel safe to explore their practice at their own pace. She prioritizes comfort and accessibility, offering props and modifications to support all levels. Her classes focus on how poses feel rather than how they look, encouraging students to cultivate strength, balance, and inner peace. She also integrates moments of gratitude, guiding students to appreciate their bodies, their breath, and the simple act of showing up on the mat.

Shweta studied traditional Hatha yoga under Duncan Rice in Durban, KZN. Initially, she had no intention of becoming a teacher due to her naturally shy nature. However, as she deepened her practice, she realized that yoga had given her confidence, strength, and a sense of purpose. Teaching became an extension of her own journey, reinforcing her belief that she will always remain a student of yoga, continuously learning and growing.

Beyond teaching, she is passionate about exploring holistic wellness, including Ayurvedic practices, yoga therapy, and somatic healing. She also dreams of leading yoga retreats, offering others the opportunity to experience the profound transformation that yoga has brought to her life.

Shweta is guided by the words: “Yoga is the journey of the self, to the self.” To her, yoga is a lifelong exploration—an invitation to connect with one’s true nature through breath, movement, and stillness. Through her teaching, she hopes to inspire her students to find not only physical strength but also a deeper sense of peace and harmony within themselves.

Dominique’s journey with yoga began in 1987 when she attended her first class as a teenager. Guided by the legendary Winnie Young, a renowned yogi in Durban who had trained under the esteemed BKS Iyengar, Dominique was introduced to the profound depth and transformative power of yoga from the very beginning. This early experience laid the foundation for a lifelong love and commitment to the practice.

Over the ensuing decades, Dominique explored various styles and teachings, immersing herself in classes with diverse instructors across the globe. Each experience enriched her understanding and appreciation of yoga, ultimately leading her to recognise the importance of deepening her practice through formal training. In this pursuit, she invested in her yoga education with Christine Withiel, completing her teacher training in 2016. This milestone was not just an achievement; it marked the beginning of her journey to share the wisdom and insights she had gained with others.

Dominique’s teaching is characterised by a truly connected and intuitive approach. She believes in fostering an environment where students feel safe and supported, allowing them to explore their own practice at their own pace. Her classes encourage participants to cultivate a deeper awareness of both their physical and mental states, inviting them to connect with themselves on a profound level. By integrating breath-work, mindful movement, and meditation, Dominique creates a holistic experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. She is a firm believer that yoga is not just a physical discipline but a pathway to emotional well-being and self-discovery.

In 2023, Dominique joined Duncan Rice’s classes in Durban and has since become an essential part of the Yogam Yoga community. Her passion for teaching and commitment to connecting with her students are evident in every session. She is actively involved in the Advanced Hatha yoga classes in Musgrave, where she helps guide experienced practitioners in deepening their practice. Her ability to inspire and elevate those around her has established her as a respected mentor among her peers and students alike. Dominique’s collaborative spirit and dedication to the art of teaching create a supportive and enriching atmosphere that enhances the learning experience for everyone involved.

Beyond her technical expertise, Dominique believes that yoga goes beyond the mat. It has profoundly influenced her life philosophy, inspiring her to make consistent, mindful choices that lead to happiness and fulfilment. This alignment of her practice with her personal values serves as a guiding compass, helping her navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Dominique emphasises the importance of creating joy in everyday life and encourages her students to do the same. By sharing her journey and the lessons she has learned through yoga, she hopes to ignite a spark within her students that motivates them to embark on their own paths of self-exploration and growth.

As Dominique continues her journey with Yogam Yoga, she remains dedicated to nurturing a community that values connection, mindfulness, and personal transformation. She invites individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to join her in discovering the joys of yoga, to breathe deeply, and to embrace their unique journeys toward well-being and self-awareness. Through her teachings, Dominique Owen is not only shaping her students’ yoga practices but also inspiring them to lead lives filled with joy, purpose, and a compassionate understanding of themselves and others.

Karen discovered the transformative power of yoga through a fortuitous journey. Initially, yoga found her in the form of physical exercise before revealing its true beauty. At the age of 20, she would attend hot yoga classes with hundreds of other people in a massive studio in JHB. Little did she know then that the seed had been planted. Fast forward past marriage and three kids and a move to Durban where yoga beckoned yet again, this time in the form of Vinyasa and Vinyasa teacher training. During this time, it took a journey through the self to the self as they say in yoga, where she emerged on the other end of several personal crisis situations before fully embracing yoga.

By 2022, yoga had become a way of life for Karen, serving as a lifeline in many ways. She practises every day, exploring different modalities and schools of yoga. She is grateful to have had this experience before meeting Duncan, as it provided her with a landscape of sorts, a background against which to compare. After completing the traditional Hatha yoga teacher training under Duncan Rice’s guidance as her guru, she can honestly say that Traditional Hatha is where her heart lies. If different schools of yoga were a house, then traditional Hatha is where she enjoys spending most of her time. She may visit other rooms, but she will always come back to this one. Immersed in yoga philosophy, Duncan’s course brought her closer to her true self and solidified her spirituality. Now, she lives and breathes yoga asana as well as philosophy, constantly researching and reading up. She remains both a student and a teacher – with her children, among her fellow yogis, and in life in general.

In 2024, a new adventure awaits Karen in the form of Cape Town, where she hopes to establish roots and spread the life-changing practice that is yoga.