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Lance is the director and owner of Integrated South Pacific Yoga Academy (INSPYA). He developed the unique synergy of Vinyasa and Iyengar styles that are taught primarily at INSPYA after a lifetime of personal practice and teaching experience. Lance is the principle teacher of the course and qualified as an Iyengar yoga instructor with the Australian School of Yoga in Sydney. He has been a senior teaching instructor for teacher trainees with Yoga Arts Australia for over seven years, has been practicing yoga for 22 years, and teaching for 17 years. His special interests include martial arts, acrobatics and meditation. Lance also teaches trainees and delivers retreats and workshops across the world.

Victor: Lance, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview with us. Firstly, how did you start practicing yoga? Is there anyone that has particularly inspired you in this journey?

Lance: It’s an absolute pleasure. Yoga came quite naturally to me after practicing and understanding myself for 15 years on a Judo mat. I was very much influenced by my mother’s compassionate and caring nature, my father’s courageousness and reliability, my brothers’ nature of staying together as a team (the Sangha effect) – not to forget the support and encouragement of my wife and children. I was also influenced heavily by my early teachers Martyn Jackson, BKS Iyengar and others. Today, my main teachers arrive in the form of my students - and I could name thousands of them. It is the influence and dedication of the students from which I learn and absorb inspiration...the massive amount of devotion and giving up of themselves in order to find change is phenomenal.

Victor: You have trained so many teachers all over the world. What is good yoga teaching to you? What do you impart to your students?

Lance: Good yoga teaching…one could write a book about it. This comes in many forms but to me, the key is to connect with the students. Understanding the tools of yoga, exploring and implementing the right mix to the individual or group to bring out realization and self -empowerment is number one. It is also a must to focus on the holistic nature of the individuals - physical, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual growth. I impart myself as a role model to the students and with this comprehensive approach as formulated under the 8 limb approach. I like to think I give my students a myriad of options from which they can select what works for them.
The qualities of being a good teacher... in summary: love, dedication, compassion, passion, knowledge, experience, willingness, joy from the heart, ability to connect at all levels, understanding, adaptability, kindness, giving and forgiving. Of course, example is also a big part of the equation.

Victor: Tell us about your style of yoga. What is so unique and how is it beneficial to yoga students?

Lance: My style of yoga strives to use the body as a vehicle to awaken our being in all aspects of our development (physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual).

It is not the destiny of the practice, but the journey, understanding, and acceptance of this process of self enquiry attaining our lighter side of life and existence. These are important components of this ancient process of self-realization.

The benefit comes from pursuing the journey of yoga with compassion, acceptance, willingness, non-resistance and commitment. Approach this course of action standing in your light and you will discover one’s true nature. Utilize the practice/lifestyle as a means to create a greater understanding of ourselves and our fellow beings, opening one’s heart, calming the mind and purifying our being.

Victor: You are coming to Kuala Lumpur in August, right? What is Advance Teacher Training? What can students hope to learn?

Lance: Firstly, they can hope to learn more about THEMSELVES, through the Asana /Pranayama and meditation classes I propose. It will be a great opportunity for self-study and collectively meeting with others in the yoga Community. Specifically, I will be focusing on upper body balances - a weakness in this region generally. Areas such as intrinsic core activation, investigative breathing techniques, and all of those shiners' in between will be covered. It will be a comprehensive array of strength, balance and endurance training.

Victor: The topics which you will be covering for this training seem tough and some people are wondering if they are ready. What advice would you give to people who are coming for the training?

Lance: Come anyway. I am adaptable as I said earlier, so we can accommodate a multi-level workshop, but do be prepared with pre-training, so one can get as much as possible out of the limited time available. Let’s hit the floor running. Step outside your comfort zone and come - this is the first step to a possible change in your life. Why sit there when you can sit with us?

I am looking forward to reconnecting with the community of Malaysia. I have really missed the incredible friendship and dedication of such a warm and welcoming Country. See you on The Mat!
Namaste - Hari Om Tat Sat...