I moved to Berkeley a year and a half ago and Eric's class is the first one I went to. I was intrigued by his class and wanted to take class with him again. It took awhile because his class was not at a convenient time but then he started teaching mornings at GrooveYoga. I have been practicing vinyasa yoga for over 10 years as well as teaching and I really love his teaching style. I make it a point to take his class at Groove Yoga every Friday that I can. I never quite know what is going to happen in his class but I always learn something new and leave feeling like I have taken class with a true yoga scholar. His class is not a huff and puff yoga workout, it is way more than that. It is moving meditation, pranayama(breath work), and yoga philosophy all rolled into one 90 minute class. I am waiting for Eric to start a 500 hour teacher training in Berkeley so I can sign up. I highly recommend him to experienced as well as beginner students. Fun, eclectic, knowledgable, dedicated. He's got it all, try him out. read more

I have been fortunate to be a student in several workshops taught by Eric Shaw this year. As a lecturer, the amount of knowledge he has on the various aspects of yoga, from breath and movement to history and philosophy, is phenomenal. He is very generous and thoughtful (as well as thought-provoking) as he shares what he knows. As a yoga instructor, Eric brings his love of all that is yoga into the asanas. Following him through a vinyasa flow is an incredible experience, not only in the choreography, itself, or the physical/spatial aspects of the asanas, but also in the sense that you feel as if you are participating in a practice that is seamless and timeless. I came away from Eric's workshops feeling relaxed, connected and grounded, and also knowing without a doubt that I am part of something much bigger. Please take the time to participate in one of Eric Shaw's workshops if you are given an opportunity to do so. I believe you won't be disappointed. read more

Without question, Eric is one of the best yoga instructors in North America. In my experience, many instructors tend to focus on either the physical or spiritual components of yoga practice. Eric's sessions, however, pull together movement, breath, spirituality, and philosophy. The poses and sequences that are integrated into each session accommodate students of all levels and further challenges each student both physically and mentally. Eric's warm and kind-hearted personality makes each session fun and allows his students to feel comfortable in their practice. As impressive as his yoga instruction is his expansive knowledge about the history of yoga, which he imparts piecemeal at the end of each session and at various workshops offered throughout the year. If you are a true novice or have been practicing for years, I recommend Eric as an instructor who can accommodate your needs in the practice of yoga. read more

As a long-time practitioner, seeker and teacher of the yogic arts, I can say with assurance that Eric Shaw is one of the foremost scholars on the subject of Yoga History. He is engaging, entertaining and has done his research. I have attended many of his lectures, and in each one I learn new perspectives on a topic that is very near and dear to my own heart and life. The beauty of Eric's worth is multi-fold. Not only has he dedicated a huge amount of time and effort into research and scholarly pursuit on his subject matter, he is also a student and practitioner of yoga. In the words of Dr. Svaboda's guru, Vimalananda, "Philosophy without practice is like dressing up a dead corpse." Eric's scholarly pursuit thrive within the context of his own embodiment of prana, love and search for truth. Please do your self a service and attend his lectures. Katie Silcox read more

We brought Eric in as a consultant for a the large-scale launch of a new meditation system with phone apps.aimed at yoga consumers. Eric's knowledge of the demographics, culture and business practices of today's yoga industry was invaluable to our project. It helped us avoid many costly mistakes and set up our advertising, graphics, and product structuring for large returns. His discipline, people skills, writing ability and good faith helped everything evolve smoothly and successfully. There are very few people positioned to offer the kind of knowledge he has. He is a profoundly unique resource and we feel lucky very glad to have found him. Eric Knousel, Founder, Alpha-i read more

Eric's lectures are spiritually enlivening and intellectually stimulating. Eric's unique scholarship on modern yoga history provides a fascinating context for viewing our own practice within the trajectory of yoga history, giving us a deeper understanding of our place within this ancient tradition as well as a roadmap to explore the essential question for the modern yogin: Where is the line between tradition and innovation? I highly recommend studying with Eric. If you're lucky enough to catch one of his lectures or courses, you will absolutely walk away with a deeper understanding of the issues and themes inherent in modern yoga practice. read more

Attended Eric's lecture: Yoga and the Quest for True Happiness" at LMU and found it both enjoyable and valuable. Covered the nature of happiness in American culture as well as in Yoga. And, how our culture is altering that meaning. The concepts of achievement, creativity, and pleasure vs. happiness were explored. Much history was covered. How did Yoga come to America? Why is America doing Yoga? And, why are you doing Yoga? were all thoroughly discussed. Eric's presentation was lively and fun; learned and provocative. Go, learn, think. --- yogidave read more

I have been practicing yoga with Eric for a couple of months now and have found him to be a marvellous teacher who is already opening new horizons for me. He brings his profound knowledge of yoga to classes that artfully blend flow, breathing and deep self-awareness, the physical and the spiritual. The sessions are suitable for just about anyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Eric comes across as very warm and friendly and gives his students tons of individual attention. 5 enthusiastic stars! read more

There are many yoga instructors, yet few teachers. By that, I mean the ability to provide the right comments at the right time unique to each student to help make the sometimes esoteric concepts real and accessible for each individual regardless of level or ability. Eric does this while keeping it vigorous yet light, varied, and interesting. His classes are always a joy and should be experienced at least once! I highly recommend him. read more

Oh well, I wrote a review for Eric and posted it under Yoga Garden and now I have found his personal site. Eric has put in a considerable amount of time researching and studying the history of Yoga and often lectures about it in conjunction with writing his book. It is clear that Eric is sincere in his love of the topic and is an enthusiatic teacher. His depth of knowledge is evident and the lectures are enjoyable. read more

I met Eric through Groove Yoga in Berkeley. His classes are truly an amazing experience and one that has become integral to my practice. Eric has shown me what meditation can be through movement. I find myself being able to push myself in his classes through my body breath and mind and supersede my limitations. He has so much knowledge to share and I am so thankful to be able to deepen my practice with him! read more

I am so lucky that I have found Eric Shaw's class at Yoga Garden! He is an incredible and patient teacher who has opened up a world of yoga that is gentle yet challenging- exactly what I need. Eric has a magic about his teaching that makes me so comfortable and motivated in every class. I can not say enough great things about Eric's teachings! He is fantastic! read more

This is the best yoga teacher ever! In Eric's classes I have mastered poses I thought would be impossible for me to ever achieve. The classes are physically challenging and motivate me greatly. No two classes are ever the same. This means my muscles are surprised and my mind at peace by the end of each class. read more

Eric has a unique style, combining some of "the usual" asanas with a large number of uncommonly-seen vinyasas, to great effect. His classes are at once challenging and calming. Eric's depth of knowledge about the history and literature of yoga is very rare indeed, and I always look forward to his class. read more

At the HEMA Wellness Program Eric Shaw gave a lecture on "The History of Dance and Yoga in India". It was riveting. Listening to his astute insights on dance gave me the wonderful gift of strengthening my connection to my divine purpose, as an artist. Eric is brilliant, funny and completely charming. read more

He's great! Great knowledge of the posture, TREMENDOUS knowledge of yoga history and philosophy and all that jazz. I highly recommend Eric's lectures (at Yoga Garden). Great meditative work in the classroom and strong teaching voice and good adjustments. I'd like to share him with everyone I know. read more

Eric is a powerful instructor who provides clear gounded guidance in a way that allows you to get the most out of each pose. I've been studying with him at Yoga Mayu and I've told most of my friends about him! I always leave his classes feeling more centered and open. Thanks, Eric! Great, great work. read more

If I could put in a negative rating, I would. Steer clear of this person, anything he has to teach is not yoga. https://www.facebook.com/notes/eric-shaw/masculinism-101-a-response-to-the-feminist-recoding-of-history/10158227707910228?__mref=message_bubble read more

WOMEN: Please read Eric's own misogynistic words before making your choice about whether to study with him... https://www.facebook.com/notes/eric-shaw/masculinism-101-a-response-to-the-feminist-recoding-of-history/10212138145555470/?pnref=story read more