Avery Jones (A.J.)

Certifications: (RYT 500)
-Integral Yoga Basic Hatha
-Integral Yoga Intermediate Hatha
-Integral Yoga Meditation
-Integral Yoga for Stress Management
-Jivamukti Yoga Method Certified
-Dharma Mittra Yoga Advanced Teacher Training
(currently ongoing)

A.J.’s first step along the yogic path was at the age of 13, when he decided to become vegetarian, for no other reason than that it seemed the right thing to do. At 16, he took another step when he came across the Bhagavad Gita in a collection of his Father’s books. After this, he immediately began a lifelong study of yogic philosophy. He continued by studying meditation and yoga asanas (poses) through various books, though intimidated by the idea of a yoga class.

A.J. put this idea to the back of his mind, as someone who could not even touch his toes, he mistakenly decided yoga classes were for more flexible people. For the next few years, A.J. practiced sporadically, picking up meditation and hatha yoga for short sprints, and then dropping back into a normal teenage routine. Just over 3 years ago A.J., with encouragement, took his first yoga class and fell in love with the practice. He quickly began taking a yoga class every day, sometimes twice a day, rekindling his interest in meditation and yoga philosophy.
After a year of feverish practice, he decided the next step was to become a teacher himself and devote his life to studying and passing on this ancient tradition. After two years of teaching yoga full time, A.J. opened our beloved studio in March of 2008, where he teaches 6 days a week. A.J. approaches the responsibility of teaching with professionalism and care. He has a wonderful ability to help students take their practice to the next level and approach advanced postures in an non-intimidating way.

A.J. was raised in the Hampton Roads area and has lived here all of his life. He is registered with the Yoga Alliance as a 500hr registered yoga teacher and is certified to teach both the Integral Yoga and Jivamukti Yoga Methods. A.J. attended Dharma Mittra’s advanced teacher training in the winter and spring of 2008 and currently has permission from Sri Dharma Mittra to teach his advanced sequences as he works towards certification in this style. He is also certified by the Integral Yoga Academy to teach Yoga for Stress Management and Integral Yoga Meditation.