With nearly three decades of personal practice, my journey into yoga began as a path of healing after a car accident, initially recommended as physical therapy. What started as a tool for recovery slowly evolved into a lifelong companion that has supported me through every stage of life—injury and health, pregnancy and loss, grief and joy. After an early “aha” moment in an Ashtanga class in Manchester, my practice deepened under the guidance of exceptional teachers. I completed my first teacher training through Samahita Retreat in Thailand, where I immersed myself in traditional Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, pranayama, meditation, chanting, and yogic philosophy. This training extended far beyond asana and continues to shape my daily practice, particularly my ongoing pranayama studies under Dr. Paul D. I also undertook a year-long mentorship with Sam Weinstein of Home of Yoga, whose Iyengar-based knowledge and emphasis on yoga therapy profoundly influenced my approach to teaching. From this, I developed a strong appreciation for the uniqueness of every body and the importance of thoughtful adaptations to ensure yoga is accessible, safe, and empowering for all. My teaching and personal practice are rooted in traditional Hatha yoga, with strong influences from Yin, Restorative, and feminine-based practices that honour the rhythms of the body, including menstruation, pregnancy, and peri-menopause. I view yoga as an ongoing apprenticeship—ever-evolving, responsive, and deeply personal. Some days my practice is asana-based; other days it is breathwork, meditation, or chanting. I believe all aspects of yoga are equally valuable and meet us exactly where we are. I teach yoga because I want people to enjoy it and to feel that yoga truly is for everyone. My classes emphasise choice, awareness, and self-trust. I often remind students, “This is your practice—I’m just guiding you.” My hope is that students leave feeling more comfortable in their bodies, calmer in their minds, and confident in adapting the practice to suit their own needs. Above all, I want students to like yoga. Because once that connection is made, it becomes a lifelong support—just as it has been for me.

Mangala Ngoc Nguyen is a certified yoga teacher with over 500 hours of training. She offers a calm and supportive teaching style, with a focus on mindful movement and creating a welcoming space for all students. Mangala specialises in Hatha Yoga, Slow Flow, Vinyasa, and breathwork, and is dedicated to supporting students throughout their yoga journey.