Serious instruction on a specific Tai Chi Chuan form, as well as advanced classes on Push Hands…read more This is the best option in Santa Cruz for learning Tai Chi Chuan. The owner/instructor has recently added a sword class, as well as a less form-based class that focuses on movement and balance. I have taken only the Tai Chi classes. For the Tai Chi Chuan, you need to approach the series of classes with patience, because the learning process is slow. The glacial pace of the series can be frustrating (many new students drop out after a few classes). While I found the series to be helpful for my balance issues, and the instructor to be knowledgeable and respectful, I felt hampered in my learning by the format and makeup of the classes. The problem is that there is no class specifically for those new to the form. Perhaps multilevel group practice is normal in martial arts, but the classes here include students at all levels, including a few who are advanced in the form. That means that some of the class time is devoted to watching the advanced students execute the full form, and too much time (in my opinion) is dedicated to instructing on refinements to positions when some of the students barely have the basic sequence of movements committed to memory. The intention behind this method of teaching is that students will take the full cycle of classes multiple times, and many do (you can also drop into classes and pay per class, so if you are repeating a series you can skip the first few classes). I would prefer that classes be split between beginners and advanced students, so that more time could be devoted to the basics, and there would be more time for repetitions. The instructor also offers private instruction, which is a good supplement to the group classes, if you can afford it. This is a practice to be learned over years, not in a matter of weeks, and patience is part of the discipline. I just wish there was a class solely for newbies.

I had gone from dancing 20 hours a week in college to sitting 40 hours a week at my desk and at the…read moreripe age of 25, and needed something to keep me active. Agile Monkey welcomed me with open arms. I was nervous about getting back into fitness as I had never formally done pilates and dance had taken its toll on my feet. Kathy answered when I called and listened to all my concerns. She was warm, welcoming and both put me at ease and made me excited to come in. I felt like she truly cared (which is way more than I can say for every doctor that nagged me to lose weight). She told me that she looked forward to meeting me and I could tell she meant it. I had my intro with Dixie and in that short hour my mind was opened to all the ways my body was not aligned and causing me pain. She never made me feel like anything was wrong with my body and relayed her experience to my own. She was funny, enthusiastic and had a great energy! I left the studio and told everyone I knew how incredible she was! That was May 2018 and I've been going back ever since. I have to also recommend Irina. Her classes have been instrumental in my progress. She has an amazing fun energy that motivates me and keeps me coming back for more. Her early morning centering class has consistently been one of the highlights of my week. I can't recommend her enough! All the instructors I've worked with have been wonderful in listening to my concerns and encouraging me to have confidence in my body and know when something doesn't feel right. I truly feel welcome and safe at Agile Monkey! Also love that the studio doesn't use single use disinfecting wipes and opts for reusable cloths and cleaner. Love that the boutique carries high quality items from brands that do good and are women and or family owned. Big plus! Tl;dr: Would go again and again! Would recommend to everyone at any age, at any level. Studio that cares! All around positive experience!

Well, not only have I stuck with Pilates, I've gone from once to twice a week, and for the past few…read moreyears three times a week (me, the non-exerciser)! The wide variety of equipment challenges my body in different ways, and the instructors are very fluent in all the types of equipment they have at Agile Monkey. I'll be 71 next month and in terms of strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, I'm in the best shape of my life. Plus, it does wonders for my disposition. Not to sound cheesy but Pilates at Agile Monkey has been a life change for me.

Maya is an amazing teacher with years of experience. I've been attending her classes for 18-19…read moreyears and I will travel wherever she may hold a workshop. Her studio is so well stocked for Iyengar that you can show up with nothing and have an amazing class.

Old school, community yoga experience! Visiting from LA & took this class for an Iyengar-style…read more The instructor was wonderful, calm, patient, clear. She helped me get into a wall back-bend that transformed a pose I generally struggle through! The room was nice & big, space enough for all, as well as plenty of props - blocks/blankets/straps - which is central to the practice. I'm looking forward to another class when I visit my son! There's no shower, as far as I could tell, which is usually crucial if I'm visiting from out-of-town.

I was 53 when I first went to Claudio's. I needed a safe enviroment to learn this gentle art and…read morefound it with Claudio, his world class instructors, and the warm big hearted members.

Was camping at New Brighton and stopped in for an open mat. Everyone was very welcoming and…read morefriendly. They all had great technique and I was able to get a lot of rolls in. Will definitely stop by when I am in the area again.

Javiera and Sebastian are the real deal! In the year that I've worked with them, as a Psychedelic…read moreSitters School trainee, ganja yoga student, and microdosing hike client, I have been humbled and amazed by their wisdom, maturity, and graciousness. They have my wholehearted endorsement. Please support them in their work as best you can. They deserve it.

What a fun concept! This is the first cannabis-yoga experience I've done or heard of and it was…read morequite enjoyable. I normally struggle focusing on breath and movement and the cannabis really helped me zone in. I found it to be very therapeutic. It's BYOC and for the first maybe 15 or so minutes people consume their cannabis and we went in a circle sharing a little bit about our relationship with cannabis and yoga. The instructor was great, welcoming, and provided a soothing routine. She even served tea and vegan chocolate at the end and some people stayed behind to relax or mingle. There was maybe 10 people so it's pretty intimate which felt nice since a lot of other yoga studios get packed mat to mat. The first class was free which is always awesome, especially for a new experience. They have a class pack as well for a more economical option. I had a little trouble finding the place. It's through the squid row alley by the goodwill and looks like a residence. I was hesitant to knock or open the door because it looked dark but then once you're inside it's clearly a yoga studio. Btw - this review is of the Thursday night in person class. I'm looking forward to going back!

awesome. that is all I have to say. Cool webpage, awesome videos and extremely useful advice and…read moretips! These guys know what they are talking about!!

Tom Curtiss is a fixture of Santa Cruz Basketball. His teaching and philosophy will undoubtedly…read moreimprove your shooting skills, as well as your all-around game. He offers lessons and camps, which are great for developing players.

I booked a private 2 hour session with Emily for my mom's birthday (my mom loves meditation and my…read moresister and I are complete beginners) and we all loved the experience!! We loved how Emily took the time to explain everything and reassured us along the way. We did a mixture of different exercises that incorporated meditation, mindfulness, light yoga, and journaling. Her backyard felt like a meditation garden, very tranquil and beautiful. Most importantly, my mom said it was the best birthday gift she ever received because it was a very intimate bonding experience with us as a family. I definitely recommend booking a session with Emily, whether you are a beginner or more advanced. She is very knowledgeable and kind!

Amazing experience!! This was my first time trying anything like this and I left with such a new…read moreappreciation for this work. Emily was not only down to earth but is an amazing instructor!! Would 100% recommend to everyone!

Doug Andrews, the owner and founder of Ananda in Santa Cruz county is one of the most advance and…read morewell-rounded yoga teachers I have ever studied with. He brings years of experience and advanced knowledge in areas such as anatomy, human nature - both good and bad - and spirituality. His dedication to yoga is far beyond the detox sweating or stretching aspect of most yoga classes and this shows with his beautiful affirmations, friendliness and profound knowledge of all 8 limbs of royal yoga! And the Sunday services each week brings peace of heart, mind and soul with meditation, deep and ancient teachings, music, community connection and a local feel. Thanks Doug and Ananda for all that you do and bring to the area and the planet!

This is a beautiful (needed) new yoga Center in Scotts Valley…read more They offer a nice selection of classes, and teachers. I have taken several classes with Doug Andrews, and his many years of teaching is evident in his classes. Also, they offer YTT, Meditation, Live Music and Workshops. There is even a small bookshop, and sitting area. Very warm and friendly place.