What are others saying?
I told my friend on the way to the workshop that I didn't expect to be able to do most of what Ricky taught. The pictures I saw were far more advanced than I am capable of at this point in my practice. But I did go in with the intention of learning as much as possible for future use. I was very excited after the Fri arm balance and inversion class. I immediately appreciated Ricky's depth of knowledge of yoga as well as the distance his own personal journey has taken him. But what was most exciting was the demonstration followed by instruction that benefited the beginner (her first workshop) through the intermediate (me) to the most advanced student (G). Not one person was left out. Ricky provided instruction that I have since brought back and utilized in my classes to help all levels of students. The Bhanda and breathing sessions were excellent. I have attended several workshops. Most address breathing, some talk about using bhandas but this was the first to provide extensive instruction and practice on them. Sunday was just as excellent. We practiced everything he had taught and took it to a deeper level and added more to the practice.The other thing that is noteworthy is the energy that Ricky brought. The majority of the group had been to a workshop a few weeks before. We were a group that came and left in separate directions. After the Ricky workshop we were friends. We laughed, talked, shared, became Facebook friends. We are attending each others classes and studios, we are sharing ideas and beliefs and so much more. That is HUGE! Ricky laughs, tells jokes, admits when something is hard even for him, adjusts, sings, demonstrates, answers questions, is patient and didn't forget us when he left. That is what workshops are about. That comes from the giving of self--the true self. Everyone agrees--"Yoga is FUN but Yoga is not EASY!"
Thank you Ricky.
Kathy
Yoga Instructor Extraordinaire @ Lake Barkley Fitness Center, KY
Practicing Yoga with Ricky Tran has taken my athletic career and personal growth to a whole new level. The benefits that can be taken from yoga with Ricky is not just greater flexibility and overall strength, but I believe the most incredible benefits are with the mind. One of the key components to the Heptathlon is being successful in keeping a calm mind (equanimity). Learning to not overreact to the good or bad, being able to keep a very stable mind to perform seven events in two days successfully. What separates Ricky from the rest, is his knowledge of how to train the mind and I believe that is the most crucial part of yoga and takes it to a whole different level and experience. Training many hours everyday for track and field takes a lot out of my mind and body and now practicing yoga completely rejuvenates me to bring my track training to a new height! I feel now working with Ricky is such an advantage to my training and I feel it is my little secret ingredient to success!!!!
Diana Pickler
2008 Olympian
4 Time USA Champion
Diana Pickler
2008 Olympian
4 Time USA Champion
April 7, 2016
Ricky Tran is a unique and gifted instructor. I met him at a David Williams workshop where he demonstrated the Ashtanga poses beautifully. His physical practice was inspiring and I wanted to learn more. I set up a two day private session with him where I attended his morning led Ashtanga practice and two other group sessions. Then, spent four hours over two days with him where his instruction was more individualized. This is where I saw the magic.
Ricky has a gift of seeing what is happening in the body. As a physical therapist I can vouch for his superb knowledge of anatomy and his awareness that everybody is put together differently. He uses this knowledge as he gives individualized verbal cues and hands on assist with the utmost intention. I love how he broke things down to specifically help me work on the areas where I am restricted. I went home with a prescription individualized for me to help me along the journey of my physical practice.
But Ricky does not only focus on the physical practice. He has a unique way of eloquantly interweaving the philosophies of yoga into the session. He also cued for breath control and quieting the mind. This heightened my awareness about what was happening in my body and it helped me realize that how I practice on the mat has a direct correlation to how I live off the mat. He inspired me to take my practice to a different level. I am now commited to balancing my physical practice with the study all the limbs of Ashtanga yoga.
Ricky is so genuine and open hearted. I feel like I have a new friend. I hope to cultivate this friendship as I continue along my yoga journey.
Namaste,
Dana Guerra
Houston, TX
Ricky Tran is a unique and gifted instructor. I met him at a David Williams workshop where he demonstrated the Ashtanga poses beautifully. His physical practice was inspiring and I wanted to learn more. I set up a two day private session with him where I attended his morning led Ashtanga practice and two other group sessions. Then, spent four hours over two days with him where his instruction was more individualized. This is where I saw the magic.
Ricky has a gift of seeing what is happening in the body. As a physical therapist I can vouch for his superb knowledge of anatomy and his awareness that everybody is put together differently. He uses this knowledge as he gives individualized verbal cues and hands on assist with the utmost intention. I love how he broke things down to specifically help me work on the areas where I am restricted. I went home with a prescription individualized for me to help me along the journey of my physical practice.
But Ricky does not only focus on the physical practice. He has a unique way of eloquantly interweaving the philosophies of yoga into the session. He also cued for breath control and quieting the mind. This heightened my awareness about what was happening in my body and it helped me realize that how I practice on the mat has a direct correlation to how I live off the mat. He inspired me to take my practice to a different level. I am now commited to balancing my physical practice with the study all the limbs of Ashtanga yoga.
Ricky is so genuine and open hearted. I feel like I have a new friend. I hope to cultivate this friendship as I continue along my yoga journey.
Namaste,
Dana Guerra
Houston, TX
2013June 28, 2013
Dear Ricky Tran, It was an honor to attend your classes while you were here in Fort Lauderdale. Please allow me to point out a few of your qualities as yoga teacher that impressed me most.
Thank you, Surendran Pandaran (RYT 500) Co-Director of Aananda Inc School of Hatha Yoga 2013As a yoga teacher and South Florida community leader, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity have been guided by Ricky Tran.
Ricky Tran IS Yoga. He is truly lives the path of Yoga in the lineage of T Krishnamacharya as a modern Yogi. Ricky is a leading teacher known for bringing the roots of yoga alive for modern practitioners in a dedicated, dynamic and life-transforming way. The most admirable contribution has been his commitment to bring yoga with CORRECT knowledge while remaining focused and humble……beautiful qualities. On Ricky's last tour through several South Florida yoga studios in May 2013, he did a really super job of facilitating safe and nurturing environments in which everyone was appreciated and cared for. Ricky's practice began to teach everyone how to own their personal practice. He is supremely inspiring and he's only too happy to share his experiences that benefit both teachers and students alike. We are glad to announce that we will be adding Ricky to our faculty for our 200hr and 500hr Yoga Trainings! LISA PUMPER, E-RYT the yoga cOMmUNITY of South Florida Founder & Co-Director of Aananda Inc School of Hatha Yoga 2014"The study of the Yoga Sutras was fascinating. The Sutras provide such clear and straightforward lessons to quiet the mind, recognize the things that get in the way, and facilitate a journey toward true self-knowledge. It was obvious over the course of the program that Ricky's knowledge of the Sutras and his own experience in practice runs deep. Ricky is an engaging and natural teacher. He presented the sutras with clarity, seriousness and humor all at the same time. I loved it!"
RD |
2010I have been practicing Ashtanga yoga for nearly 8 years, in that time I have learned and trained with the best of teachers, David Swenson, Melanie Fawer, and Manju Jois to name a few. I would add Ricky to the list of master teachers. His knowledge of the practice along with the original teachings has brought insight, freshness, and a renewed excitement for this system of yoga. He teaches with compassion and non-judgement. Assisting when needed and words of encouragement to keep the student motivated. He is quick to remind us, that yoga is about breathing and feeling good. About staying present and moving towards our authentic selves as we surrender the ego and move into a state of stillness during the powerful practice of Ashtanga yoga.
Peace and Joy Karen Higgins 2012Ricky is very knowledgeable and passionate about yoga and inspires his students through his teaching and classes. yoga training with Ricky is a worthwhile experience for anyone interested not only in becoming a yoga teacher, but also anyone wanting to deepen their personal yoga practice. Through the yoga training I have learned far more than just yoga postures. I have learned about how yoga can help me grow as a person and create a more peaceful and calm life. I have better been able to deal with the normal stresses that we all encounter in our day to day life, Ricky shares his love of yoga with his students in a warm and caring environment. Each student is given personal attention and the atmosphere in the class between students is caring and warm as well!
Marcy 2014I just finished the 200-hour Teacher Training through Standard Yoga Training with Ricky Tran. It was absolutely one of the best learning and personal growth experiences I have ever had. Ricky brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom of traditional yoga - true yoga. He has a passion for sharing his own deep knowledge and gift for teaching people of all levels of experience. The training provided breadth and depth of both the external and internal practices of yoga with plenty of practice. My own practice has grown immeasurably as a result, even though I have been practicing for 8 years. The teaching module gave me tools, practice and confidence in my ability to begin teaching others and sharing the gift of yoga. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone interested in advancing their yoga practice, whether or not they want to teach.
Ruth D., Frisco, TX 2014 |
2013The reason I decided to enroll in Ricky's yoga teacher training was two-fold. When I retire from my corporate job (5-10 years from now) I would like to be able to do something I really love and also be able to help others by sharing what I have learned from my yoga journey. Ricky has so much knowledge about yoga; the history and lineage Sanskrit, asana practice and sequencing, and anatomy. His intuition regarding what other practioners may need regarding specific adjustments and modifications in their asana practice is exceptional. His experience in coming from a background of addictions as well as going through process of learning what the goal of yoga is enables him to pass this on to his students. Through this training I have learned how to start to understand how to calm my mind, accept who and where I am right now, and with patience and consistent yoga practice I can share my yoga practice with others in the future.
Becky 2012An experience that changed my life! Ricky is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and took us to a deeper understanding of the Science Of Spirit of Yoga. I was looking for a change and this training gave me the tools to do so. The path of Yoga is the path of integration with life ... If you decide to go through it; no doubt, it will be showing its amazing magic, step by step. You need to be willing to retrain the senses, mind and heart to value what it is given to you every moment.
2013Teacher Training, for me, should be retitled "Introduction to Thyself." In the beginning the reason why I was taking the TT class was for better knowledge of the asana practice and yoga in general. Who better to learn it from than the one person who introduced me to what a real yoga practice can do for your life. Your teachings of the basic principles of a good yoga practice opened a door to a more balanced way of life, a way to make the day more about living and less about surviving. The TT asana practice, this is where you really excel, all the information you gave us to teach helps our own practice. The way you teach and the style in which you trained all of us allowed us to feel that the mysticism surrounding yoga is revealed by correct knowledge of what yoga means to us as individuals, which is where I am at this moment. I feel in finishing the 200 hour TT, my journey just began. My personal 200 hour TT was an introduction to my true Self. It answered the question, "Why Yoga for Life?" and defined a path which allows many junctions, time to take them all, and a quest for more knowledge. These are signs of a GREAT teacher. So your question was do I want my certificate? I got sooo much more than a certificate! I will take a certificate that tells me "I am on my way". I won"t take a certificate that says, "I finished". I am no way near done!
Many thanks to you, Ricky! Michael V. |