Teachers

Bikram Certified instructors spend nine weeks immersed in an in-depth study of Bikram Yoga with yoga masters Bikram and Rajashree Choudhury and their staff of senior teachers at the Bikram Yoga Headquarters in Los Angeles California. This intensive program consists of more than 500 hours of study covering asana, anatomy, therapeutic applications and benefits of Yoga, nutrition, philosophy of Yoga, Bikram's posture clinic, and the Bikram Yoga dialogue. A major component of the Bikram Yoga training is the required attendance of 2 daily classes of Bikram Yoga taught by Bikram and his senior staff every day for 9 weeks. This ensures that each certified instructor "owns" and understands the postures in their body allowing them to teach from a place of empathy and compassion. This process also teaches that commitment and discipline are necessary for creating positive changes in the body and mind. After certification, trainees are required to complete a six month supervised apprenticeship at an affiliated Bikram Yoga studio. Re-certification is required every 3 years.

 

Ruzica LeBlanc – Studio Owner and Director

Ruzica LeBlanc experienced Bikram Yoga for the first time in 2002. From that first class, she knew Bikram Yoga was going to be a major part of her life. The powerful impact she felt from Bikram Yoga was undeniable, and she made it her goal to help others experience the benefits of Bikram.

Having worked towards her goal for the past four years, Ruzica is pleased to open Bikram Yoga Toronto East, the first Bikram Yoga studio servicing Toronto East and Durham Region.

Ruzica started her journey to opening the studio in the Spring of 2003 when she completed her certification directly under Bikram Choudhury at the school headquarters in Los Angeles, California. Following her training, Ruzica became an apprentice for six months and taught at a local Toronto yoga studio for 4 years.

In addition to teaching and practicing Bikram, Ruzica has studied and practices Vipassana Meditation, as Taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. Ruzica is mom to three aspiring soccer players, Ryan, Adam and Aaron and currently resides in Pickering.

 

Bernard Turkewitsch – Studio Teacher

Bernard Turkewitsch discovered Bikram Yoga while practicing one of his  passions – Afro Cuban percussion on congas. It was through performing within this drum circle that he met  Ruzica, who introduced him to Bikram. Astonished by the positive spiritual, physical and mental effects, Bernard quickly engulfed himself into practicing Bikram regularly.  After six months of intensive practice and preparation, he traveled to Los Angeles to the Bikram Yoga College of India for rigorous teacher training.   Subsequently Bernard took his first step on the Nobel path of Vipassana meditation.  The practice of Anapana breathing and Vipassana is a daily part of  Bernard’s Yoga .

The Bikram training represented a transformation for Bernard and provided balance in body, mind and spirit.  Bernard applies his training mantra, “Breathe in light and love, breathe out light and love” not only to practicing Bikram, but to all his other passions in life, including architecture, sculpting, percussion , windsurfing and kite boarding.

Students can see Bernard’s latest architecture project each time they visit the Birkram Yoga Toronto East studio. Bernard helped Ruzica design and build the new studio with a vision of creating a calm and welcoming space where students can feel comfortable to explore the endless possibilities of Bikram Yoga. 

 

 

Master Drummer /Artistic Director - Muhtadi

Muhtadi has been performing professionally for over 30 years, both nationally and internationally, as well as devoting much time to community arts programs in schools and community centres. Trinidad-born, he immigrated to Canada in 1974. In 2000, he founded the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival and has been artistic director from its inception.

As one of Canada's premier percussionists, Muhtadi plays djembe, bongos, congas, timbales, steel pan, and a wide assortment of other percussion instruments.

Venues for these activities include the Wellesley Community Centre, Harbourfront Centre, St. Clair Services for Seniors, Scadding Court, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Peel Region School Board, and York Region School Board.