​ "The outcome of correct practice is harmony, ​​which is the true state ​of wisdom called Yoga."

Shandor Remete (Sundernath), Founder of Shadow Yoga and Nṛtta Sādhanā

Shadow Yoga

Shadow Yoga is a dynamic form of Hatha Yoga developed by Shandor Remete (Sundernath). It is taught through the practice of vyayamas (restraining drills) that include:

1 Bala Krama (Stepping into Strength)
2 Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam (Churning of the Shadow Warrior)
3 Karttikeya Mandala (Garland of Light)
4 Asana - Angahara Linear arrangement
5 Asana - Angahara Swaying arrangement

All vyayamas use simple repetitive movements practiced sequentially, in order to breakdown the blockages and habits that exist in our physical, subtle and causal bodies. They combine various squats, viraparampara (warrior/martial stances) and suryanamaskara (sun salutations). These movements precede the practice of seats and yoga-asana. The full practice format of Shadow Yoga includes warm ups, squats, prelude, related seats and yoga-asana, inversions and conclusion.

These sequences lead to the eventual application of an-argula-reti (freestyle), where the practice is guided intuitively.

Shadow Yoga uses the guiding principles of Marmasthana, (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body), to achieve appropriate combinations of positions and rhythmical movements. This cultivates the circulation and penetration of breath and life force.

Penny Cuthbert

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​​​Penny opened Hatha Yoga Desha in 2003 as a Shadow Yoga school. Introduced to yoga as a child by her father, she began regular classes in 1989. Her studies with Shandor Remete (Sundernath), founder of Shadow Yoga and Nṛtta Sādhanā commenced 1993. Penny continues to be guided by Sundernath and his wife Emma Balnaves, director and co-founder of Shadow Yoga and Nṛtta Sādhanā.

Natasha Almeida

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Natasha has been learning with Sundernath and Emma Balnaves for 16 years, completing a three year apprenticeship with them in 2012. She has been teaching Shadow Yoga for eight years and continues to learn under their guidance.
Suzanne Cohen
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Suzanne began her yoga practice in 1999. A Shadow Yoga teacher, she has been instructing since 2016. Her teaching is enhanced by four years of Sanskrit studies. ​Suzanne's practice and teaching continues under the guidance of Sundernath and Emma Balnaves.