A longtime yoga master, Mahyar Raz, trained directly for over 30 years with one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world, Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar. Having studied closely and directly with the late Mr. Iyengar and his family since 1980, Mahyar has been awarded an Advanced Certificate J2 in teaching — the highest Iyengar Yoga teaching certification in Canada and the only Canadian holding the certificate. In addition, she has completed the Modern Techniques in Medical Yoga Course at Gupta Yoga Hospital in Lonavla, India.
The highest Iyengar Yoga Teaching Certification in Canada
Through her devoted study with the late Mr. Iyengar and her own multilayered practice, Mahyar has developed an effective yoga style that focuses simultaneously on the meaning and the mechanics of yoga poses (āsanas) and breathing techniques (prānāyāma).
Her teaching style is insightful, invigorating, engaging, entertaining, profound, exacting, and accessible to all. Her approach is a unique blend of detailed knowledge (anatomical or philosophical alike) combined with symbolic and spiritual sensitivity informed by her long-time study of Sufism. Her whimsical yet profound style has resulted in teaching invitations across Canada, the United States and overseas. To step into class with Mahyar is to begin a journey towards health and well-being at all levels of our selves. Benefits can be felt within one class and continue to grow the more one journeys on the path with her.
Outside of Setu Yoga, when she’s not busy with conducting research on yoga, Mahyar spends her time working as an artist on her paintings and sculptures. She holds a BA in Fine Arts (from OCAD U) and a BA in Accounting. Before, turning to yoga in late 1970’s, for years she held successful corporate positions as an accountant.