for past, present, and future yoga students

When we opened in 2003, the idea was simple. Create a safe and welcoming space where we teach and practice bikram yoga. Over the years, we have seen 1000’s of people try their best, heal and invest in themselves via bikram yoga. Throughout the world, bikram yoga students from Amsterdam are known for their discipline and strong yoga practice. 

Over the past few years there have been unpleasant revelations about Bikram Choudhury (BC), the man who introduced the 90 minute 26 posture series known as bikram yoga. Accusations  include abuse of power and sexual misconduct.  

To be clear, we (Therese and Rick, owners of BYA) unequivocally condemn this behavior. We support the women and men that were potential victims of this abuse. We do not financially contribute to BC in any way, nor have we ever been part of a franchise or sent BC any money from the daily operations of BYA. As for the name Bikram Yoga Amsterdam, there was no payment whatsoever.

Since our opening we have maintained a very strong procedure for anyone wanting to go to Teacher Training. When yoga students showed interest, they received the same criteria: practice for 2 years minimum, 5 classes per week. The reason for this was simple, we wanted strong, high-caliber and dedicated people to become teachers at our yoga school.  For many, our requirements were just too much, though some did make the commitment and attended Teacher Training.

In 2012 we heard rumors about misconduct at a Teacher Training, though the details were murky.  In 2013, Sarah B went public with her story. We made the decision to inform students interested in BC’s Teacher Training about the accusations, and to no longer write the required letter of recommendation.  

The name of our schools refer to the practice we teach. We have worked diligently to create a strong and positive reputation. Even today, hot/warm yoga places in Amsterdam advertise that they teach bikram yoga, though they do not. ‘Hot Yoga’ has become an umbrella term for all yoga practiced in a heated environment.  At our schools, we only teach the bikram serie, hence the name Bikram Yoga Amsterdam.   However, in order to be completely clear as to our stance, we have changed our yoga school name to Become Yoga Amsterdam (click the link to watch a short video announcing the change)

Thanks for reading, Therese and Rick