The Teachers
Mark Stephens
Mark began practicing yoga in 1986 while studying art, seeking rehabilitation after a career in motorcycle road racing. Maintaining a dedicated practice alongside his work as an artist, he gradually transitioned from painting to teaching yoga.
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In 2003, Mark trained as a Sivananda teacher in Kerala, India, under Swami Govindananda—a transformative experience that led him to establish his own yoga studio. He later deepened his studies with advanced training in India (2007), Yogic Meditation in London (2006), and Jivamukti Yoga in New York (2009) with David Life and Sharon Gannon. Further training includes Vinyasa Krama with Srivatsa Ramaswami (2014) and studies in Pranayama and Kundalini Meditation inspired by Gregor Maehle.
Mark’s teaching is rooted in tradition while embracing modern influences, offering a rich and holistic yoga practice to his students.
Jo Walker
Jo has practiced yoga for over 20 years, spending a decade studying Iyengar Yoga in Cambridge before joining Yoga Studio Ely. She trained at The Special Yoga Foundation in London with Jo Manuel, specializing in yoga for children, including those with Autism and ADHD.
She is also a certified Integral Yoga teacher, trained under Rev. Padma Devi.
A dedicated primary school teacher and Head of Junior Faculty at St Faith’s Prep School, Jo integrates yoga into her work with children, running weekly classes and one-to-one sessions for children with ASD.
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Passionate about the therapeutic benefits of yoga, Jo brings warmth and experience to her teaching. She lives in Ely with her husband, two children, and her beloved cat, Daisy.
The Studio
Over the years, we have lovingly created this space as our home and a sanctuary for yoga. It is a place of peace and inspiration, designed to support and deepen your practice in a welcoming environment.​​
Here, you are encouraged to move, breathe, and grow at your own pace, surrounded by a community of like-minded yogis. We want you to feel safe, happy, and at ease, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your practice, find balance, and connect with others on this shared journey.
We cultivate our garden organically, growing much of our own fruit and vegetables in harmony with the seasons. Our orchard and pond areas are carefully maintained as a haven for wildlife and native plants, fostering a natural balance that supports biodiversity.
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Respect for the environment is important to Yogis. The principle of Ahimsa (causing the least amount of harm in thought, word and deed) is the first Yama (Yogic moral principles), guiding us to tread lightly on the earth. Through mindful living and sustainable practices, we honor this commitment, creating a space where nature and yoga come together in harmony.
The Practice
VINYASA KRAMA
(The art form of movement, sequencing and breath)
Mark’s classes are rooted in the Vinyasa Krama method of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, as passed down by his teacher, Srivatsa Ramaswami, who studied with Krishnamacharya for 35 years. This traditional system is a mindful, breath-led practice that refines the mind, body, and heart over time.
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Unlike fast-paced flow yoga, Vinyasa Krama involves repetitive movements (vinyasas) that prepare the body for static postures. The breath remains slow and steady, using conscious Ujjayi techniques, Bandhas (energetic seals), and Dharana (mental focus) to guide students toward Dhyana (meditation). With a mix of open and closed-eye focus, the practice incorporates Marma and Drishti gazing points and integrates Mudras for energetic refinement.
The system includes over 700 vinyasas, structured into adaptable sequences. Sessions progress mindfully, with a focus on different posture groups each time. This accessible yet deeply transformative practice is designed for all levels, offering both simplicity and challenge.