JY Ooi

JY brings an unusual combination of professional backgrounds to his teaching – he first trained as a lawyer and was in legal practice for many years, before transitioning to yoga teaching. This journey of transition taught him much about himself, and deepened his conviction that the lessons learnt on the mat have real relevance off the mat. He seeks to bridge his professional training in law and his personal practice in spirituality, contemplative practices and wellness, in ways that are of benefit to others.

JY started practising yoga in 2013, did his first training in 2015, and has been teaching yoga since 2017. He is a Yoga Alliance E-RYT500 and Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), and has conducted trainings and workshops, as well as privates, corporates and events. 

The practice of yin yoga has most informed his practice and teaching. He completed his 300-hour Advanced Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Jo Phee over 8 years, grounded in (amongst others) Traditional Chinese Medicine frameworks including meridians and acupressure points, as well as the therapeutic dimensions of myofascial release. He has also sought to deepen his education at the intersection of yin yoga and contemplative practices such as mindfulness and the Buddha Dharma, and regards Sarah Powers as an instrumental guiding light. He also works on resources for yin yoga enthusiasts as well as yoga teachers.

JY views teaching as a service and a privilege. His classes aim to offer a grounding, calm and reflective space where practitioners are encouraged to observe their breath, sensations, thoughts and feelings – towards realising that the mind and our thoughts are not one and the same, and understanding this not just intellectually, but as a lived experience. He teaches from an authentic and supportive place, fostering awareness, mindfulness and compassion.