The Center For Yoga of Seattle

Our Iyengar Yoga classes focus on precise alignment and use of props to ensure safe, effective practice. Students learn foundational postures and progress systematically, building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Classes cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Private sessions offer tailored instruction for individual needs, including therapeutic applications for injuries or chronic conditions. Sessions help students develop home practices and refine techniques under expert guidance, ensuring personalized growth and safety.

Our teacher training programs provide rigorous education in Iyengar methodology, covering asana, pranayama, and pedagogy. Trainees gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships and structured courses, preparing them to teach with expertise and confidence.

Workshops focus on specialized topics like pranayama, therapeutic yoga, and advanced asana. These intensive sessions allow deeper exploration of techniques and philosophy, helping students and teachers enhance their practice and instructional skills.

Apprenticeships provide supervised training under senior instructors, combining observation and hands-on teaching experience. This immersive program develops skilled teachers through direct mentorship and practical classroom involvement over six months or more.

Richard Schachtel, Seattle's most experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher, has trained since 1976 and studied in India 23 times with the Iyengar family. He founded the Center in 1980 and has trained thousands of teachers globally.

We specialize in Iyengar Yoga, focusing on alignment, precision, and use of props for safe practice.

Drop-ins are allowed for evening courses at $30–$34; early morning and immersion courses require enrollment.

Yes, we offer introductory courses, development groups, and apprenticeships for aspiring Iyengar Yoga teachers.

Yes, we have beginner courses and private lessons tailored for new students to learn foundational techniques.

Yes, live online classes via Zoom are offered for select courses and workshops.

Make-up classes are available; refunds are not offered for missed sessions or cancellations.

I have only heard positive things about the Center for Yoga of Seattle and Richard Schachtel. Sadly I can't reach out to him as he does not answer my request on Twitter (the only social media platform I use). It would be nice if You would answer my follow request (@sonnenbrandi) so I can test out the Yoga sessions. Have a nice day!

I would say be careful about what you sign up for. He reserves the right to postpone classes indefinitely until he gets enough students. No refunds are offered and the chances on a return phone call or e-mail once you have paid are non-existent. Again, know the likelihood that the class will go before paying. He is a good teacher but satya is not his strong suit.

The best yoga studio in Seattle, bar none. Richard is incredibly knowledgable and a no-nonsense teacher. If you want to learn traditional yoga as it used to be taught by the masters, visit this studio. You'll be in a highly focused class. I took a year long course with Richard, and am planning to sign up for another one!

I chose the Center for Yoga and Richard Schachtel for my very first 200 hr yoga teacher certification, and I couldn't be happier with my choice! As a dedicated student of yoga for eight years, my desire for an experienced, wise and senior teacher in an alignment-based practice drove my decision. Richard is extremely knowledgeable, and he keeps control of his classes so that you are always learning--about every body type, every prop, and you're encouraged to explore what different modifications and props do for you.

I've left this training prepared to begin working with ANY type of body and ANY level of ability, which was my goal. However, I've also left this training having discovered such an invaluable resource and teacher in Richard that I'm committed to continuing to study with him both to further my own practice and to also continually deepen my understanding of yoga in the Iyengar tradition. I have chosen to teach yoga to others and share the joy of this self-healing practice, and I'm incredibly grateful to be learning so much from Richard that I can then pass on to my students.

This place is terrific. For those who want to experience authentic and traditional yoga taught in the Iyengar style, this is the place that will give you the best. The teachers are amazing, the attention to each student, and their alignment and technique is what makes this place stand out compared to the standard yoga class. I have been going here for more a year and can't imagine going anywhere else.