Yogi John

John was inspired to begin his yoga journey in 1995 after reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananada.  His step-father, Dave Oliver, had been practicing the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system for some time and mentored John into becoming the teacher he is today.  Having a very active background in athletics and movement, John knows it takes discipline and determination to realize one’s Self and potential.  He has traveled to India to study Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and has a refreshing outlook between old-world tradition and new-world inspiration.   John has been teaching Vinyasa Yoga since 2000, in which he has helped open multiple yoga studios, participated in several teacher-training programs, and currently teaches workshops throughout the country.  His current teaching residence is in Scottsdale with the LifePower Yoga studios, in which he is working closely with yoga master Jonny Kest to help create and run the teacher training program being offered across the country for Life Time Fitness.

He has taught at the Scottsdale Anti-Aging, Wellness & Yoga Festival, the Flagstaff Yoga Festival, EMPOWER! Fusion master classes, co-taught at the Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park and Miami’s Art of Vinyasa Conference. 

John’s most influential teachers include Tim Miller, Dave Oliver, David Swenson, Darren Rhodes, and Lino Miele.  Also, multiple workshops with Matthew Sweeney, Rod Stryker, Dharma Mittra, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Ragaswamy, and Anthony “Prem” Carlisi.  Other teachers include Ana Forrest, John Friend, Rodney Yee, Eddie and Nicki Doane, Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, Seane Corne, Gabriel Azoulay, Jonny Kest, Doug Swenson, and Manju Jois.

John is E-RYT 500 certified.

He also holds a B.A. in Theatre from ASU.

inspiring quote:

my classes are created for the long spiritual journey, offering modifications for all levels of practitioners, yet challenging even the most advanced.  I teach with passion in order to uplift the mind, encourage the heart, and awaken the soul.  We are all on this journey together, though our paths may vary.