With over 23 years experience in yoga Karl is one of Yoga Tree's most senior teachers and brings to bear a wide range of expertise, training, generosity, and integrity to illuminate each student's individual experience.

Most deeply influenced by Yogacharya Shri BKS Iyengar's approach to Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, Karl draws on years with teachers from many systems. His practice and teaching are deeply informed by not only western anatomy and physiology, but by principles of Ayurveda and the nature of Prana, or energy - life's vitality. Karl encourages deep attentiveness in practice, imbued with a spirit of compassion and adventuresome, playful exploration.

"So much Wisdom, so much Heart!" ~ RM
"I feel like I just went to a spiritual chiropractor!" ~ DS
"You are the first yoga teacher I have ever had, I have been to a lot of classes, but I don't feel I have ever really been taught before. Thank you for that." ~ LK

"Karl Erb knows what he is talking about, a true gem we should take advantage of weekly. His grounded sincerity, sense of humor, and face-value way of being has made him virtually the only way I use my 10-pass at Yoga Tree. No foo foo! No cliques! Equal and honest personal attention." Audrey Mei, Certified Rolfer

"A grace that hardly seems possible...When I have a question, when I've reached a plateau in my practice, when answers in words will not suffice - I take Karl's class." Jonathan Reynolds, Yoga Instructor

The Experience
Classes include Karl's unique approach to teaching core strength and Mula Bhanda, largely influenced by his primary teacher of over 17 years, Ramanand Patel. Each week, building on a foundation of learning, students will progress to a deeper understanding of how Mula Bhanda touches not only the muscular body, but the layer of breath, energy, and awareness. Classes will cycle between an emphasis on standing poses, backbends, twists, inversions, and arm balances. His unique ability to see each individual makes his classes challenging for the experienced student, and encouraging for the beginner. All levels welcome.

For the Seasoned Students
Karl also teaches a compelling Advanced class at Yoga Tree Hayes Saturdays at 4:30 pm for TWO Hours! In this class Headstand (Sirsasana) and Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) are practiced regularly and practitioners are challenged in both endurance and depth of action, or immersion in a truly integrated body-mind experience, ultimately revealing the essential nature of the heart and soul. Each class Karl builds upon refining awareness of breath, awareness, and action in each posture. Revealing principles of breath and energy that are the source Principles of Alignment developed by Iyengar Yoga and now taught in the Anusara method, students move beyond alignment to Essential Actions. Karl weaves chanting and principles of yoga philosophy into each practice making each class an enriching and rejuvenating adventure.

Training
Karl began yoga in 1983 with Julie Kimball in Santa Cruz and then completed the 500 hour, 2 year teacher training program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco. Karl went on the apprentice with Evlaleah Howrd in public and therapeutic back care classes; Karl now continues ongoing study and apprenticeship with Ramanand Patel. Karl has also completed numerous advanced trainings with senior teachers from many styles including but not limited to: Judith Lasater, Roger Cole, Patricia Walden, Manouso Manos, Shandor Remete, Erich Schiffman, Ramanand Patel and Evlaleah Howard. Karl also studies Vedant with Swami Dayanadanda Saraswati and North Indian classical and devotional music with Pandit Mukesh Desai.

Visit Karl's website for more information www.yoganexus.com