Since 1984, the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles has served the Southern California yoga community, offering the very best instruction in this transformative path of yoga. The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Association of Los Angeles is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

Iyengar Yoga came to California in the mid-1970s. The Southern California Iyengar Yoga Association was founded in 1977 to promote the teachings of BKS Iyengar. Teachers from around the world, traveled here monthly and taught a group of dedicated students at locations throughout Los Angles. The Center for Yoga on Larchmont became a de facto Iyengar studio in the late 70’s where classes were offered daily. In 1982, the director of the Center for Yoga shifted towards other styles of yoga and it became clear to Iyengar students that they needed a space to call their own. The Association leadership became focused on opening an Institute in Los Angeles.

BKS Iyengar visited our city in 1984 and miraculously, a storefront at 8233 West 3rd street became available during his stay. With the blessings of Guruji, the BKS Iyengar Yoga Center of Los Angeles was born. Over a period of several years, with a lot of hard work and Guruji’s blessings, the Institute, with outstanding teachers and a strong student base, began to thrive.

By 2007, West 3rd Street had become high rent district and parking was an ongoing challenge. When our lease ended in 2008, we moved to 1835 S. La Cienega Boulevard where excellence in yoga happened every day. Not unlike a university, it was place of higher learning. We taught daily classes to all levels. We mentored aspiring teachers, offering philosophical studies and therapy courses that addressed difficult physical conditions, all firmly rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.

Then came a pandemic. In July 2020, with many uncertainties facing the Institute, including lease obligations amid mandated business closures and restrictions, IYILA made a transition.

We are still here. La Cienega has closed, but IYILA has not closed and we are teaching, teaching, teaching!

Many questions lie ahead. We want the Institute to become a better version of who we have been. We want a space that reflects the diversity of Los Angeles where we live. We want a space where we are all seen and valued and welcomed. We have much to learn and we have much to do.

Book IYILA's yoga classes here