Iyengar Yoga came to California in the mid-1970s. The Southern California Iyengar Yoga Association was founded in 1977 to promote the teachings of BKS Iyengar. Teachers from around the world, traveled here monthly and taught a group of dedicated students at locations throughout Los Angles. The Center for Yoga on Larchmont became a de facto Iyengar studio in the late 70’s where classes were offered daily. In 1982, the director of the Center for Yoga shifted towards other styles of yoga and it became clear to Iyengar students that they needed a space to call their own. The Association leadership became focused on opening an Institute in Los Angeles.

BKS Iyengar visited our city in 1984 and miraculously, a storefront at 8233 West 3rd street became available during his stay. With the blessings of Guruji, the BKS Iyengar Yoga Center of Los Angeles was born. Over a period of several years, with a lot of hard work and Guruji’s blessings, the Institute, with outstanding teachers and a strong student base, began to thrive.

By 2007, West 3rd Street had become high rent district and parking was an ongoing challenge. When our lease ended in 2008, we moved to 1835 S. La Cienega Boulevard where excellence in yoga happened every day. Not unlike a university, it was place of higher learning. We taught daily classes to all levels. We mentored aspiring teachers, offering philosophical studies and therapy courses that addressed difficult physical conditions, all firmly rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.