Kathy Cooper is a senior Ashtanga teacher of the first generation and has been practicing consistently since 1976. David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff were her first teachers, and David taught her all six series, originally known as Advanced A & B.
"The inherent wisdom of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga has led me on a transformative journey. Being present in the body through the connection to the breath and bandhas is the key which unlocks the blocks.
This union is the place where the mental/emotional/physical bodies find their release and begin to unwind. Facing myself daily on the mat has opened the door to the deeper self, and I continue to release the conditioning of the body/mind. I value alignment as skillful means to reduce injuries and allow opening and deepening in practice.
To pass on what I’ve gained through teaching, and to support students’ well-being and inner journeys is the reward for all that this path offers."
- Kathy Cooper
A Workshop Rooted in Tradition
There are moments in practice that stay with you — moments that connect you to the roots of Ashtanga yoga and the lineage passed down through generations.
We’re thrilled to welcome Kathy Cooper to Yoga Sangha, Manchester for a very special workshop. With decades of experience and deep ties to the heart of the Ashtanga tradition, Kathy brings insight, guidance, and warmth that will make this a unique opportunity to deepen your practice.
Through this workshop, you’ll refine alignment, explore the principles of breath and bandhas, and engage with the practice in a meaningful way, all within a supportive community atmosphere.
Friday 18 September
7:00–9:00pm – Led Primary
Starting off our weekend with a wonderful led primary series. Kathy's teaching emphasizes presence, inner connection, and mindful strength – guiding students to discover balance, vitality, and joy.
Saturday 19 September
9:00–11:00am – Mysore Practice
You will be fully supported and assisted in your own practice.
12:30–2:30pm – Breath and Bandhas
Breath and bandha insights and awareness. Alignment for safe practice and longevity
3:00–4:30pm – Backbending Principles and Insights
Principles and insights of safe back bending. This workshop will include development and adaptations.
Sunday 20 September
8:00–10:00am – Mysore Practice
You will be fully supported and assisted in your own practice.
10:30am–12:00pm – Inversions and Ashtanga Conversation
Kathy will break down inversions and how they link to posture. If you want to be an ashtangi in your seventies posture is key. So come learn from someone who has done it!
Conversation about Ashtanga through the last 50 years. And, we are sure there will be many questions to ask Kathy about her 50 year journey with Ashtanga.
"To pass on what I’ve gained through teaching, and to support students’ well-being and inner journeys is the reward for all that this path offers."
– Kathy Cooper
Spaces are limited to ensure personal attention — early booking is strongly recommended.
Information
Studio
The studio is fully equipped with all you need for practice, but do feel free to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
Travel
As this workshop runs over a weekend there will be some car parking on site, and there are 3 large carparks nearby. If you are travelling by train our nearest main station is Stockport. We are also close to Didsbury and Gatley train stations - just a short taxi ride away.
Accommodation
If you are travelling some distance and looking to stay over we can recommend the following:
- The Waterside Hotel, Didsbury
- The Village Hotel Cheadle
- The Premier Inn Handforth
- The Travel Lodge Didsbury
With the exception of the Premier Inn in Handforth, which is short taxi ride or around a 30 minute walk, the hotels are walking distance.
We do have lots of local AirBnBs - our postcode is SK8 2BD.
