Neil Barker

When I reflect back over my life and the journey that has led me to the yogic path, I am continuously amazed at how the ‘Divine’ guides and leads us! As a young boy growing up, I always felt protected and guided, despite a troubled and at times violent home life. My personal journey began consciously at 16 years old when I enrolled in my first Shotokan Karate class. After 14 years of study, during which time I earned Black Belts in Karate & Jujitsu and studied Taijiquan and Qigong; all the pent up frustration and anger was slowly trained out of me and I learned that the only real battle was the internal one, so I became a spiritual warrior!

“Though he should conquer a thousand men in the battlefield a thousand times, yet he, indeed who would conquer himself is the noblest victor.” - The Buddha.

The Martial Arts are deeply entwined with fabulous stories and myths about great masters, who were not only capable of amazing ‘Self Mastery”, but who also embodied deep spiritual knowledge and served others, through the various healing arts. These stories greatly influenced my development and awoke in me a latent healing gift. Subsequently, I went on to study various healing arts and became a certified Corrective Spinal Manipulation and Rehabilitation Therapist, (similar to Chiropractic & Osteopathic Techniques). My studies in the UK eventually led me to travel to Beijing, China, where I had the great privilege to study with some amazing professors of Traditional Chinese Medicine and became certified by the Chinese Academy of Oriental Medicine, in acupuncture and Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage).

After living and studying in Beijing in 2001 I opened the first dedicated Yoga Studio in the heart of the expatriate community. It was during this time after practicing without a teacher that I discovered Yoga Thailand and Paul Dallaghan. Paul is an amazing teacher and has had a profound affect on my practice and development. I am eternally grateful to Paul & Jutima for their influence in so many ways and especially for encouraging me to go back to Mysore, Southern India and study with Sri K Pattabhi Jois, ‘Guruji, and Sharath Rangaswamy.

I am also extremely grateful to have been introduced to Sri Om Prakash Tiwari, lovingly called, ‘Tiwariji, who is the embodiment of a Spiritual teacher and mentor. Through Tiwariji's and Paul's guidance I have had the privilege to begin the studies of various yoga texts and be initiated into the profound practice of Pranayama.

I consider myself truly blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the Yoga Thailand Team. It is my hope that I will be able to share a little knowledge with all students, especially in the field of applied anatomy. I have taught on many of the recent ‘ Education in Yoga courses’ and plan to develop further modules in Anatomy and Yoga Therapy.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing the yoga journey! Namaste! Neil.