Vinyasa & Hatha · Brooklyn, NYC

Strong practice.
Smart foundation.

Anatomy-informed group classes and private sessions in Brooklyn. Eleven years of teaching built on one principle: understanding why you move matters more than how deep you go.

CJ in upward facing dog pose at the yoga studio
"Thank you." That's how I close class.
Because I'm simply grateful that you came.
— CJ's Teaching Philosophy
CJ laughing in the yoga studio

I came to yoga with average fitness and zero sports background.

After 30 years of avoiding athletics, I found yoga — and then promptly found injuries. Too many chaturangas, hypermobile shoulders, and precocious arm balances taught me a crucial lesson: the shapes you make aren't the point.

That experience rewired how I teach. I bring deep anatomical knowledge to every class, prioritizing how your body actually works over how a pose is "supposed" to look. I use plain language — no Sanskrit gatekeeping — because when I see confused faces, I know the barrier isn't ability, it's accessibility.

My hope is that my invitations to explore various movements, connected to your breath, will do the work. No performance. No pretension. Just practice.

11
Years Teaching
500+
RYT Hours
All
Levels Welcome
BK
Brooklyn Based

Practice

Two ways to practice with me.

CJ preparing the studio — mats, blocks, and blankets laid out for class

Group Classes

Vinyasa and Hatha classes built on intelligent sequencing, clear cues in plain English, and modifications for every body. Whether it's your first class or your thousandth, you'll feel seen.

Vinyasa Flow Hatha Alignment All Levels Props Provided
Sundays at 9am · Harbor Fitness, Brooklyn
CJ working one-on-one with a student in revolved chair pose

Private Sessions

I'll be honest — I'm a fitness instructor and mindfulness professional who sometimes struggles to motivate himself to move. The irony isn't lost on me, and it means I get it. If motivation or accountability is your biggest barrier, I can help.

Private sessions are also ideal if you're new to your practice, working through an injury, or looking to deepen your understanding of how and why your body moves the way it does.

Accountability Injury Recovery New Practitioners Anatomy-Focused
Book a Private Session

Kind Words

What students say.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"CJ has such a calming, grounded presence that instantly sets the tone for his classes. His teaching style blends mindfulness, strength, and authenticity in a way that makes every session feel intentional and deeply personal. You walk away not just feeling physically better, but more centered and connected."

Shannon G. · Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"CJ's classes are the highlight of my week. He is very knowledgeable, professional, pleasant, and simply a delightful human being. He finds a great rhythm and his playlist is phenomenal."

Nir N. · Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Best yogi teacher! The right balance of fun, fitness and mindfulness. Good for the body and soul."

Kelley G. · Oct 2025

Follow the journey on Instagram.

Follow @bkyogabrain

Ready to practice?

Whether you're interested in group classes, private sessions, or just have a question — I'd love to hear from you. Drop me a message and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.