WOW! I went to see Darren today for the first time on the recommendation of a friend of mine. His skill in body work was highly doubted and he did not disappoint. My neck and upper back had been in a lot of pain for a week and I was desperate to get relief. In just an hour, Darren took away about 80% of my pain and restriction and I'm sure the rest will just ebb naturally within a few days as a result of his work. Absolutely incredible results, so thankful and will be back for all future issues! read more

Like a good little OCD, I've tried out a long list of yoga classes before realizing that Darren's Hatha Flow class is It. Not too many classes out there that I'd request leaving work early for, sweat puddles on the ground (there is a big mop for it) and walk out feeling like my eyes were mirrors, and just dusted. Darren does a calm check-in at the beginning of class to make sure that newcomers and people with injuries are supported. As I have a recent wrist condition, he recommended some extra supports (provided by Yoga Tree) to place under my mat. He also personally comes over to let me know alternative poses when a wrist-emphasis pose arises. How thoughtful. Talented and mindful people deserve to hear that they're doing an awesome job: Darren, Thank you. Also: the class gets packed because it's Good. I think it feels awesome when all of us are packed in knowing that we came in and are staying for the same thing. Besides constructing an amazing flow and series of poses to the class, Darren helps promote a lovely balance between the sublime and the real. Through his words, focus on breath, and guidance in poses, he helps me focus on my individual practice, stay with my body, and push to "my edge". Never do I feel like Darren isn't on the same plane--if anything, I feel he is purposefully open about the human side of things in order to create a more open and comfortable environment. Often he'll crack a tender joke and remind people to Smile--to feel Joy in what we're doing. Because if you're not joyful, what really is the point? read more

I have gone to great lengths to fit Darren's classes into my busy schedule. Simply put, he is awesome. I am fairly new to yoga as I have only been practicing for about 3 years. I am sometimes hesitant to attend classes with new instructors because I have been scarred by previous experiences with instructors who expect everyone in the class to be at the same skill level. Darren is the opposite of that. He ensures that each student gets the most out of his classes according to their personal skill level. He offers gentle support and feedback without embarrassing his students. His classes are peaceful and beautiful. I find myself not wanting his classes to end, and I always leave feeling absolutely tranquil, clear-minded, and generally amazing. Lately he has been teaching a class at Grace Cathedral on Tuesday nights. It is more of a gentle flow/restorative type of class that is great for all levels, and it is held on the labyrinth in the church sanctuary which adds to the peace and beauty of the experience even more. There are different musicians present each week who provide a nice backdrop to a truly beautiful class. It is by donation and I highly recommend it. Thank you, Darren! Your classes truly add a positive glow to my life. read more

I have been practicing yoga for two years and some change, and I have studied with a lot of different teachers, and Darren's Hatha Flow class remains my absolute favorite, go-to class at least twice a week. Darren found his yoga calling early, and the result is rare - a young, energetic and spirited teacher who has almost 20 years of teaching under his belt. (Or, I guess I should say, under his yoga pants. But that sounds kind of pervy). He's relaxed and competent in the studio, guiding all levels of student through challenging but accessible sequences, offering up variations on poses so that advanced students can find their edge without the beginners being left behind. You won't find a lot of yoga "scene" or performances in Darren's classes, and he doesn't try to be a personality (though he has plenty of personality- watch out for him cracking really bad jokes that are somehow still funny enough to make you fall out of your balancing pose). He's just really, really good at what he does, and he creates a fun and comfortable space for his students to explore their practice at whatever pace they need. read more

I had never done Yoga before going to Grace Cathedral with Darren leading the way. It is great energy and I love the fact you can opt NOT to be touched. I don't usually like to be touched, but the comfort level they provide, has made it ok. They are gentle and just guiding you. Peter is one of the assistants that has helped. read more

Darren has gone above and beyond any yoga teacher I've encountered and approaches teaching as a privilege not a right. His impact extends far beyond the studio. . . building relationships with his students that facilitate support and development in their lifelong journey of learning, loving, and healing. Darren establishes clear directions; offers challenging variations; assists generously; structures his classes in a well-planned and organized manner; is funny and truly cares about his students. Darren brings out the best in people. He's extremely easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease; is warm, thoughtful, dynamic, and gracious; is sensitive to and patient with the interpersonal anxieties of others; is a good listener; is widely trusted; and doesn't misrepresent himself for personal gain. Darren really has the rare ability to create a climate in which students want to do their best; empowers students; invites input and makes each individual feel important. You would be hard pressed to find a student that didn't feel the same way. Every student I've met has shared similar, glowing feedback. His passion for teaching permeates beyond the classroom and impacts the lives of his students in many powerful, lifelong, and tangible ways. read more

Darren taught me everything I know about yoga. And when I say "yoga" I mean how to move through the world in a purposeful, peaceful way. There are also, of course, the asanas; so many asanas. Take his class: please! He will make you laugh, he will make you sweat, he will make you think, he will make you rest in corpse pose at the end. And that's the best part: you get what you earn, and Darren helps you earn what you're ready for. Even if that's just ending a sentence with a preposition. Seriously: I heart Darren and his class and his big, loving open heart. And you will, too. Sign up. read more

Of all of Darren's yoga classes, my favorite so far is his Restorative Yoga class at Stanyan Yoga Tree. I can incorporate the elements of focusing on the breath, strengthening, increasing flexibility, and meditation all in one class. I can reach a certain level of relaxation during class and still feel like I had a work out. Most importantly, the level of relaxation and peace are sustained through out the rest of the day. It is a hour and half of "Savasana" with gentle poses and stretching with props! The hot stones and aromatherapy are nice bonuses. Sometimes there are other surprises such as live music and chanting...I highly recommend the class irregardless of your yoga experience level... read more

I attended an intro to yoga from Darren at the yoga tree ages ago. He was patient & personable - excellent traits of a great instructor. He strengthened my desire to make yoga an intergral part of my life. read more

I've taken a numerous classes and a couple of workshops with Darren and found him to be an exceptional teacher. His Hatha Flow classes at Yoga Tree are some of my favorites. As a yoga teacher myself with 10 years of yoga practice, taking a veteran teacher's class can be a great way for me to learn to grow as a teacher myself. And having done such research on numerous Bay Area teachers I find Darren's manner to be inspiringly playful and humorous while maintaining a level of tranquility and seriousness about the practice that I enjoy. His adjustments and personal attention are exceptional. I feel I always learn something new about teaching when I attend. I can also say that I've noticed in Darren an impressive ability to really teach an all levels class. Many "all levels" classes from other well known teachers are either too simple and easy for me to find interesting or go in the other direction and could practically kill a beginning yoga student. Darren's gracefully manages that subtle balance between caring for beginners and challenging regular practitioners. I recommend his classes and workshops very highly to all. read more

Darren is someone who makes you feel so good about yourself by just being around him. His yoga practice possesses that same quality. In a city where there are more yoga instructors than cars, its hard to find a yoga instructor that connects all the dots perfectly for any level student. You will walk away from his class feeling simply amazing. read more

I have had the opportunity to take some yoga classes from Darren and I also read his blog and listen to his podcast. I have a lot of good things to say about Darren but the crux of it is this. There are many yoga teachers out there but do they practice the Dharma they preach when they are not in the studio? Darren truly does, in the studio and in his professional life out of the studio, Darren devotes himself to the teachings he shares with his students. I find it refreshing to see someone working to really live the yoga they teach. read more

Darren is a great yoga teacher. He is knowledgeable, experienced and approaches the practice with an encouraging balance of enthusiasm and humor. read more

I have been attending Darren's classes for several years. He is a humble and wise teacher; so earthy and such a concerned soul for all of his students. I look forward to each class with Darren. His restorative practice is something we should all enjoy to bring us down from the stresses and rigors of our daily routines. Go to any of his classes and feel better! read more

Darren Main ROCKS MY WORLD! He is not only an amazing Restorative and Hatha Flow instructor - but he is truly an amazingly caring and humble human being. No matter if you are new to yoga or an advanced practitioner, Darren will lead you through class and offer you more then just a physical work out - but a mind/body connection. He is passionate about the history and philosophy of yoga and pranayama and incorporates this into his classes through quotes/text/breath and meditation. I HIGHLY suggest attending a Darren Main class - you won't regret it! read more

I take Darren's "mens" class at Mission Yoga and have to thank him for creating a class that really suits the way I like to practice. When I first started in the Hatha Yoga, I was awkward fat and tight. Now I am lean lithe and limber. I'm a runner and yoga is an essential part of my cross training. I think I'm faster and more mentally in control by having yoga as part of my whole thing. read more

I started my yoga experience with a few individual sessions with Darren and then a couple of his classes. Darren is super nice, extremely knowledgeable and incredibly patient. My individual sessions with him were exactly what I needed to begin this journey, and he suggested a great plan for getting started at Yoga Tree in Yoga 101. He is intuitive and connects well with you as a student. I am very much looking forward to trying his class at Grace Cathedral. read more

i love darren's classes. his classes are challenging, yet light-hearted--he manages to infuse them with his witty sense of humor whenever the moment is appropriate. i appreciate that so much in a teacher. i also love and recommend his book, "Yoga & the Path of the Urban Mystic." i am currently re-reading it because it contains so much information and insight--it's hard to take it all in the first time. read more

Thank you for the great workshops at the TranquilSpace in DC. After taking your classes, I felt much better, but also a renewed sense of purpose. Your presence is a gift. Hope to see you again. read more

Great teacher with a unique style. Look forward to each class as they are each different and I feel so much better after. Highly recommend Darren! read more

I did my first teacher training with Darren in Costa Rica. I had not expected the kind of opening that I experienced through Darren's teachings. Aside from my body transforming from stiff to fluid, I would have to say that it was my heart that opened the most. I never expected yoga to be a big part of my life. Since Darren, I've been teaching yoga in LA for over 4 years and leading retreats all over the world. Darren remains to be the biggest influence on my yogic path and I recommend his classes to anyone. read more

Praise from a reluctant convert! I started taking Yoga because I was amazed how it changed my x-boyfriend life. I wasn't very open to Yoga or Yoga Philosophy; I thought it was a bunch on New Age nonsense. After several classes with other yoga instructors I was about to give up, then I found Darren's class at Yoga Tree. Darren has a talent for making yoga accessible to everyone. I'm quite tall and not very flexible but he showed me how to approach yoga from where I am. (And to feel good about it) I've even taken my yoga practice off the mat and into "real life" I was recently laid-off form work so the yoga classes have temporally stopped, but my practice continues, not so much the poses but the philosophy, and it has made a BIG difference in my life. I suggest you start with his restorative class. It's a great jumping on point for a reluctant beginner read more

Darren is so much more than a yoga teacher. But I guess I'll start this review with why his classes are so amazing. His restorative class does more than just re-energize your spirits, calm your mind and bring a heightened soothing flow of bliss to your body. It's the perfect class regardless of whether you had a stressful day, have injuries, or are just taking a relax and renew break from your typical yoga or other routine. He commands the class with his strength and knowledge yet his compassionate and soothing voice gently and safely lead you into each pose. The combination of hot stones, oils and for those students who want that extra special attention, lavender aromatherapy assists, just screams bliss bliss bliss! Such an amazing class ... such an amazing energetic release! As for Darren, the person. What can I say. He has an uplifting warmth about him. His dedication and compassion for you as a person is just heartwrenching. It still amazes me that Darren is so unconditionally, genuinely giving of himself and will do whatever he can do to support you in your journey, as a teacher, as a friend, as a student .... whatever the relationship may be. Taking his class just further reinforces that beauty that is he. read more

If you can breathe, you can do yoga with Darren's guidance. He is joy. Yoga is joyful with his presence and uplifting with his caring teaching. There are so many words which can describe appreciation of the great learning he easily shares; you must step beyond those words into his class and begin to breathe the practice. read more

darren is the best yoga instructor i have ever had and i've gone to my fair share of yoga classes. his hatha flow class knocks my socks off! it's a total sweat-fest and i always feel rejuvenated and detoxified after class. he has a rad sense of humor that infiltrates into his classes and adds to the awesomeness. he's very hands on which is really helps me get the correct alignment. get to darren's classes! you won't regret it read more

Quite simply, Darren is one of the best yoga teachers in the Bay Area. I have attended classes with dozens of teachers and Darren is exceptional. He is an incredible combination of accessible and inspiring. His knowledge of yoga is vast and he teaches more than just asana.... he brings the other 7 limbs of yoga to life. I highly recommend Darren! read more

I am brand new to yoga, and happened into one of Darren's hatha flow classes. He's amazing. His energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, and compassion blend with truly wonderous results. I feel he really believes in what he's sharing with me (and the other students) and though he works me so very hard, I throroughly enjoy it. I walk out thinking about the things (I hope) I have learned in his class, and already looking forward to the next lesson with him. He's a very inspiring man. read more

I took a teacher training program in which Darren taught the yoga philosophy portion. The way he talked about the subject, and how he wrote about it (he has three books) changed my life dramatically for the better. He is a very special person and teacher, and I am so glad he lives in San Francisco. He has made what could be an alienating and confusing topic highly accessible and vibrant. He really is a treasure, and I am grateful for him. read more