Yoga Coolhaven is an initiative of a team of passionate Yoga teachers. We offer classes for the beginning yoga student as well as for the more advanced student. We will guide you with passion and patience in practicing yoga.
Team
Franziska
I discovered yoga in 2004, when searching for a technic that would not only keep my body strong and flexible, but that would also quiet my jumpy mind. In Yoga I found it all and more.
My initial motivation to take up the teacher training was purely to deepen my own practice. But then I discovered the joy of sharing my own experience with others, and my whole life took a turn. I gave up my desk job and started teaching at numerous Iyengar Yoga studios throughout the Netherlands. I followed as many workshops I could afford, I visited India several times to study with the Iyengar family in Pune, I followed more teacher trainings and passed the exams, and I’m planning to continue all of this, as long as my own body and mind allow me to do.
My teaching is energetic, playful and experimental. I love to discover ways to guide and challenge my students towards confidence and deep understanding.
My aim is to bring as many as possible people on the mat, to experience the benefits of yoga, because it works and it’s simply the best one can do to become and stay healthy and sound.
My initial motivation to take up the teacher training was purely to deepen my own practice. But then I discovered the joy of sharing my own experience with others, and my whole life took a turn. I gave up my desk job and started teaching at numerous Iyengar Yoga studios throughout the Netherlands. I followed as many workshops I could afford, I visited India several times to study with the Iyengar family in Pune, I followed more teacher trainings and passed the exams, and I’m planning to continue all of this, as long as my own body and mind allow me to do.
My teaching is energetic, playful and experimental. I love to discover ways to guide and challenge my students towards confidence and deep understanding.
My aim is to bring as many as possible people on the mat, to experience the benefits of yoga, because it works and it’s simply the best one can do to become and stay healthy and sound.
Ilona
I have worked as a professional choreographer and dancer, teaching in different dance styles. Later I started a catering company and today I cook for theatre and music companies. Because cooking can be physically demanding, I looked for a way to stay in good physical condition and ended up with yoga, now about 15 years ago. That yoga is more than just asanas (yoga postures), aroused the interest to dive more into the background and philosophy of yoga and so I did the teacher training. In the meantime I followed as many workshops and trainings of different teachers as possible, also in different places during travelling.
My choice for Iyengar Yoga is a logical consequence of the fact that technique is important to lay a solid foundation for exploring your own anatomy. The use of props allows you to perform the different postures in a more intensive way. Through correct and conscious alignment of the body, the mind can be brought to balance. Through teaching I can share that yoga enriches your life, pushes your own boundaries and at the same time teaches you to look inside.
My choice for Iyengar Yoga is a logical consequence of the fact that technique is important to lay a solid foundation for exploring your own anatomy. The use of props allows you to perform the different postures in a more intensive way. Through correct and conscious alignment of the body, the mind can be brought to balance. Through teaching I can share that yoga enriches your life, pushes your own boundaries and at the same time teaches you to look inside.
Ilonka
I have been practicing yoga for more than 26 years, starting with a simple intention while cycling past the Charles Hond yoga studio in Rotterdam. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a lasting passion. My first class in 1999 immediately felt like coming home: a combination of physical challenge and mental calm that still lies at the heart of my practice.
Iyengar yoga won my heart through its precision, variety, and intelligent use of props. In 2011 I began teacher training, driven by a desire to deepen my understanding and share my enthusiasm with others. Since then, I have taught in various places and occasionally step in at Yoga Coolhaven.
In my own practice, I continuously seek depth and connection between postures. Backbends give me energy and openness, while seated poses challenge me to cultivate patience and surrender. This balance is also reflected in my teaching: carefully structured, with attention to detail and space for exploration.
Inspired by my long-time teacher Donald Streeter, I continue to develop and experiment, both in my personal practice and in my teaching.
Outside the yoga studio, I can often be found at my allotment garden on the Van Brienenoord island, or at home with my family around the table, where I also find a deep sense of rest.
Iyengar yoga won my heart through its precision, variety, and intelligent use of props. In 2011 I began teacher training, driven by a desire to deepen my understanding and share my enthusiasm with others. Since then, I have taught in various places and occasionally step in at Yoga Coolhaven.
In my own practice, I continuously seek depth and connection between postures. Backbends give me energy and openness, while seated poses challenge me to cultivate patience and surrender. This balance is also reflected in my teaching: carefully structured, with attention to detail and space for exploration.
Inspired by my long-time teacher Donald Streeter, I continue to develop and experiment, both in my personal practice and in my teaching.
Outside the yoga studio, I can often be found at my allotment garden on the Van Brienenoord island, or at home with my family around the table, where I also find a deep sense of rest.
Joly
What I like about Iyengar yoga is: you never stop learning and you can continue till old age. I combine yoga with running and I think it is a perfect combination. Yoga helps me keep my muscles flexible and prevent me from getting injuries. And running helps me to feel healthy and strong. Doing both keeps me balanced.
My first lesson was at the Charles Hond Studio in Rotterdam about thirty years ago. I liked it very much but stopped, due to busy work and travel time. As an alternative I practiced bodybalance (a mix of tai chi, pilates and yoga) at the sportschool. Though it helped me to keep my muscles strong… it was not the real thing. About eight years ago I started seriously practicing Iyengar Yoga and I love it! In the beginning my approach was quite physical, but now I experience that yoga is good for my general well-being. I have a sensitive nervous system and yoga helps me to quieten my brain. Yoga (including meditation) I can do every day, even when I am feeling weak or stressed.
As a teacher I want to inspire and teach others how rich and deep Iyengar Yoga can be. My ideal lesson would have: some technique, some power work, some relaxation and certainly some play. For yoga should not only be a very serious thing, it is also a way to realize that our body is a wonderful instrument that gives us mobility, relaxation and joy.
My first lesson was at the Charles Hond Studio in Rotterdam about thirty years ago. I liked it very much but stopped, due to busy work and travel time. As an alternative I practiced bodybalance (a mix of tai chi, pilates and yoga) at the sportschool. Though it helped me to keep my muscles strong… it was not the real thing. About eight years ago I started seriously practicing Iyengar Yoga and I love it! In the beginning my approach was quite physical, but now I experience that yoga is good for my general well-being. I have a sensitive nervous system and yoga helps me to quieten my brain. Yoga (including meditation) I can do every day, even when I am feeling weak or stressed.
As a teacher I want to inspire and teach others how rich and deep Iyengar Yoga can be. My ideal lesson would have: some technique, some power work, some relaxation and certainly some play. For yoga should not only be a very serious thing, it is also a way to realize that our body is a wonderful instrument that gives us mobility, relaxation and joy.
Lea
I was introduced to yoga at a young age, driven by curiosity about consciousness and inner exploration. Years later, I rediscovered yoga when I began experiencing physical complaints. Instead of accepting ongoing back issues, I chose a path of attention, discipline, and self-inquiry.
My foundation was built in the classes of Charles Hond, where I immediately felt at home thanks to the clear and grounded approach. I have since completed my Iyengar Yoga certification and continue to deepen my practice through classes and workshops with various (international) teachers. Over the years, my personal practice has become increasingly self-directed, with a stronger focus on listening to my body.
As a visual artist and teacher, I bring structure, attention to detail, and a sharp eye for development into my classes. At the same time, there is space for each student’s individual experience. I find great fulfilment in making challenging asanas accessible and in witnessing students’ growth.
For me, yoga is an ongoing process of learning and deepening, which I continue to share with dedication and joy.
My foundation was built in the classes of Charles Hond, where I immediately felt at home thanks to the clear and grounded approach. I have since completed my Iyengar Yoga certification and continue to deepen my practice through classes and workshops with various (international) teachers. Over the years, my personal practice has become increasingly self-directed, with a stronger focus on listening to my body.
As a visual artist and teacher, I bring structure, attention to detail, and a sharp eye for development into my classes. At the same time, there is space for each student’s individual experience. I find great fulfilment in making challenging asanas accessible and in witnessing students’ growth.
For me, yoga is an ongoing process of learning and deepening, which I continue to share with dedication and joy.
Olga
When I took my first Iyengar Yoga class I was immediately hooked. At that time, I had a pretty stressful job as a designer at an architectural firm with a lot of extra hours. The effect of that yoga class was exactly what I needed. It brought me into my body and gave me mental rest and I knew I wanted to taste more and more often.
It's not only the precision that appeals to me in Iyengar Yoga, it's also the inquisitiveness, the invitation to experiment, feel and experience, what I appreciate so much. In my own teaching I hope to inspire my students to see the practice of the postures (asanas) as a process of reflection and self-knowledge. In my classes I look for a balance between action, play and rest. I have a passion for teaching adolescents.
Yoga is a lifelong learning. I practice with different Iyengar teachers, weekly and in intensive trainings. In 2019 I passed the Iyengar teacher training exam. In 2021 I passed the 100 hour teacher training course 'Teen Yoga' from Charlotta Marinus SYT. I am also a level 3 sports coach.
It's not only the precision that appeals to me in Iyengar Yoga, it's also the inquisitiveness, the invitation to experiment, feel and experience, what I appreciate so much. In my own teaching I hope to inspire my students to see the practice of the postures (asanas) as a process of reflection and self-knowledge. In my classes I look for a balance between action, play and rest. I have a passion for teaching adolescents.
Yoga is a lifelong learning. I practice with different Iyengar teachers, weekly and in intensive trainings. In 2019 I passed the Iyengar teacher training exam. In 2021 I passed the 100 hour teacher training course 'Teen Yoga' from Charlotta Marinus SYT. I am also a level 3 sports coach.
Rutger
I started practicing Iyengar Yoga 18 years ago. At the time I was doing a lot of freediving: diving on a single breath of air. Yoga was supposed to help with improving the breath and to calm the mind. Quite handy when you are 30 meters under water…
The combination of working with the body and the mental effect of yoga really appealed to me and soon yoga became my first point of interest. After following the teacher training with Clé Souren and Charles Hond I have been teaching yoga from 2012. In my classes I help students to explore the relationship between the physical and the mental. I use asana and pranayama to develop stability and flexibility and balance action and letting go. My classes are detailed and challenging but accessible for literally every body.
By teaching yoga I hope I can contribute to an active, calm and balanced life of my students.
The combination of working with the body and the mental effect of yoga really appealed to me and soon yoga became my first point of interest. After following the teacher training with Clé Souren and Charles Hond I have been teaching yoga from 2012. In my classes I help students to explore the relationship between the physical and the mental. I use asana and pranayama to develop stability and flexibility and balance action and letting go. My classes are detailed and challenging but accessible for literally every body.
By teaching yoga I hope I can contribute to an active, calm and balanced life of my students.
Sato
I started practicing yoga in 1996. After half a year of regular practice, I was surprised to find myself rid of the digestive problems which had been persistent for some years. I also became more aware of the stress and fatigue that I accumulate, which lead me to the importance of taking care of myself.
Since then, practice of yoga has been where I come in dialogue with my body and focus on who I am. For a number of times it has enabled me to face challenging moments with optimism and effortlessness. The alignment work of Iyengar yoga not only brings about a sense of stability and balance, but it gives insight into one’s personal limits and challenges. I teach since 2006. I am a certified (Level II) Iyengar yoga teacher and am a regular assistant in therapy classes. I look for a way to assist my students to surpass the boundary with a sense of lightness. The harmony and intelligence that abides in the yoga asanas inspires me to discover the potentials that each person’s body uniquely has.
To further my education, I regularly receive advanced training from senior teachers in the Netherlands and abroad.
Since then, practice of yoga has been where I come in dialogue with my body and focus on who I am. For a number of times it has enabled me to face challenging moments with optimism and effortlessness. The alignment work of Iyengar yoga not only brings about a sense of stability and balance, but it gives insight into one’s personal limits and challenges. I teach since 2006. I am a certified (Level II) Iyengar yoga teacher and am a regular assistant in therapy classes. I look for a way to assist my students to surpass the boundary with a sense of lightness. The harmony and intelligence that abides in the yoga asanas inspires me to discover the potentials that each person’s body uniquely has.
To further my education, I regularly receive advanced training from senior teachers in the Netherlands and abroad.