10 minutes with Christian Coelho

He’s the curly-haired, smiley, scooter driving Brazilian taking London’s yoga scene by storm, and The Power Yoga Company studios are so happy he’s made his way into our doors!

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Christian began his yoga journey at very early age and went on to complete 200hr teacher trainings in both Ashtanga and Rocket yoga styles. With a strong breath focus and core-burning transitions, Christian will simultaneously push you to your yoga limits and help you to check out from any external distractions that distract you away from the present moment. If you’re new to yoga, or an avid yogi, don’t miss the chance to try one of Christian’s grounding power yoga classes.

 

 

Here, we share a humble insight into the life of our Teacher of the Month, Christian Coelho.

1. What’s your yoga story?

My yoga journey began 7 years ago in my hometown Rio de Janeiro with my mother inviting me to a Power Yoga class. Having been involved in arts and sports from an early age, the connection between breath & movement / body & mind was an area of immediate interest. I was so overwhelmed at the renewed sense of energy & feeling that I began practicing regularly and haven’t stopped since.

As my father is English, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to come to the UK to study at University, and that’s when my teaching journey began. I created the first Yoga Society on campus, and started teaching friends, members of staff and at local events. Two teacher trainings have followed, eventually leading me to do a Masters in History of Yoga (which I am currently doing)- and I feel truly blessed to be able to do what I do for a living.

2. What your 3 favourite yoga poses, and why?

Shavasana (corpse pose):  How can you not love it?!!

Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand): how can you find the quality of a mountain when you flip it upside down into a Handstand? Finding lightness, control and effortless quality to the practice is something I’m always exploring.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose / Double Pigeon Pose): I love it because I hate it! Years of sport left me with very tight hips, so this is a very intense pose!

3. In your opinion, what is the most challenging aspect of a power yoga practise?

People usually only associate Power Yoga with the forceful quality of the practice, but how can we find softness within power? Yin within yang? In my opinion, finding this balance and tuning into the subtle qualities of a yoga practice is most challenging (and fascinating) aspect.

4. Who are your biggest yoga inspirations?

Without a doubt, my family. They have shown me qualities of compassion, patience, unconditional love, open-mindedness, support and acceptance in my journey that goes far beyond the ‘likes’ of any yogi on Instagram.

5. When you’re not teaching, where can are we most likely to find you?

Salsa dancing!

6. What type of music do you enjoy playing during your own yoga practise?

I edit my own yoga tracks, using many of Desert Dwellers tunes – love them.

7. Can you tell us a secret people may not know about you?

Hmm, I was cast as an actor in a teen TV show (soap opera) in Brazil…

8. Can you tell us your best joke?

Can’t think of any!!! How boring am I?

9. We know you’re Brazilian, so what’s one key cultural difference between Latin America and London that you encounter every day? 

Going indoors for warmth and outdoors for a cool breeze – it’s usually the other way around back in Rio.

10. Finally, a very important question to finish… If you were a biscuit, what type of biscuit would you be?

Bis! (Brazilian biscuit… google it & buy it. Maybe don’t, its addictive!)

 Namaste 🙂