Om Shala Yoga

"I love this studio. Kelly and Joey are two of the most knowledgeable teachers I’ve met in my 20 years of practicing yoga. The other teachers are great too, offering a range of yoga styles, and the events (soundbaths, workshops, etc.) are fantastic. Kelly is an amazing teacher of Ashtanga, making the practice very accessible and for total newcomers and seasoned yogis alike. Joey’s dedication to Ashtanga is super inspiring and he has SO much to offer with his immense breadth of knowledge and his close connection with BNS Iyengar in India, with whom he regularly hosts online workshops of asana, pranayama, and yoga philosophy straight out of Mysore. Along with all this, Om Shala’s generous and humble pricing can’t be beat; I believe they really want as many people as possible to benefit from the practice. The vibe of the studio is made up of compassionate teachers who truly follow an insightful, aligned Yogic path and who simply wish to share that path with others. There is no pretension to be found here. You’ll find classes, events, and knowledge offered in this clean, spacious, minimalist studio that are worth far more than what they ask."

"I visited Arcata from out of town and attended two different classes at Om Shala. Both were excellent! I signed up and paid for both online. The studio was spacious and peaceful. I hope to come back soon."

"I recently participated in the 2022 Dia De Muertos Oaxaca Ashtanga retreat with Joey Paz, and wow was that a life changing experience! The retreat was thoughtfully executed to include all aspects (or limbs) of Ashtanga while also incorporating the transitional wisdom of the national holiday of Dia De Muertos. Every morning was filled with 2 and half hours of ashtanga practice in a beautiful location with incredible weather. Suffice to say it was intense and there was a lot of sweating, but Joey kept all participant’s experiences and abilities in mind while teaching. Each morning asana practice began and ended with chanting mantras and ended in a pranayama practice with fresh and local coconuts to rehydrate. Everyday included amble time to head to the local beaches and towns or to just relax at the retreat house. This retreat, ran by Joey Paz, who is well-versed in yoga philosophy, did well to honor both the roots of the practice as well as the lands and traditions of the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico. I left with a deeper knowledge of how to deepen my yoga practice and, in turn, my relationship to Self. This retreat was renewing for the mind, body and spirit AND incredibly affordable. I would highly recommend using yoga as a method to visit Mexico with this retreat."

"I've been in several retreats with Joey and all have been amazing, his dedication and devotion to yoga is transmitted in every way. Fully amazing the energy, the clases, the philosophy and everything. If you hadn't been in any of the retreats, workshops or classes you must do it, fully recomended for your soul. Namaste"

"Amazing energy from the moment you walk through the front door. The staff always welcomes you and makes you feel right at home. The teachers are fantastic and personable. There’s an excellent variation of different types of classes that anyone can find something to suit their style of yoga. Very clean and peaceful atmosphere. They have a great selection of teas to choose from and a really nice sauna complimentary to all students. Best yoga studio in Arcata!"