Our Teachers

At Studio New Town you can be 100% sure that all of your teachers are certified Bikram Yoga teachers. They have undergone an intensive 9-week training course with Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury and his senior staff and they continue their learning as they travel and teach around the world.

Anna Korkmaz – Biography

Anna first started Bikram Yoga back in 2005, when she was living in London. However due to her work commitments she was unable to attend regular classes. Then when she moved back to Australia in 2007 she rediscovered her love of “Bikram’s Torture Chamber” once more. She was living in Hobart, Tasmania and had recently married. She had a wonderful husband and a beautiful home. But was in a deep depression, was unhappy with how she looked and felt as though her body simply didn’t “work” properly. There were some days where she just didn’t want to get out of bed and looking back, honestly doesn’t know how she dragged herself to work most days.

She was working in the childcare and family support industry which was draining on the best of days and she began to crave something so much more. Then in September 2007 she stepped into the Bikram studio for the first time in 2 years. From that moment on there was no looking back! Over a few months she lost 10kg, had more energy and – was happy! Her husband said to her that whatever she did, she HAD to keep doing Bikram Yoga every single day. She completed a 10-day challenge, then a 30-day challenge and then thought…. “I have to teach this yoga to others.” So in October 2009, she attended Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Las Vegas and has never looked back!

The levels of healing she has received from practicing her daily yoga are at times indescribable. Teaching Bikram Yoga is without a doubt the best job she has ever had and loves every minute of it. Everyday her students teach her something new and she hopes that in some small way, she is helping them reach their full potential through the healing powers of Bikram Yoga.
Namaste and see you in the hot room!

Ben Korkmaz – Biography

Have you ever had sciatic back pain so bad you couldn’t get out of bed? Or if you could, you were left walking around like a cowboy? Well man I have! Sciatic had been a part of my life since my early teens. It was a pretty scary thing to have at such a young age. Although I have to admit I had always been quiet a large lad.  20kg larger in fact and that did not help to reduce the pain.  

I tried a lot of things to strengthen my back and core muscle to help reduce the pain. I was swimming regularly and desperately trying to shed some weight. I managed to lose a bit of weight but I it didn’t really help to reduce the pain.

On one excruciating day Anna took me to see a doctor. The only response he gave me was surgery. There was no way I was going to do that! There had to be another way.

At this stage Anna was practicing Bikram Yoga and somehow she had already managed to get me to a class. I remembered it being the hardest, most challenging experience I could think of. It was more of an outer body experience. Though Anna remembered me saying my back felt much better after that one class. I was trying to come up with every excuse under the sun to why it didn’t. But secretly I did remember it felt so much more relaxed and mobile.

So kicking and screaming Anna dragged me back in to the hot room. My focus was just to get through to that bit when you’re lying on your tummy. (Spine Strengthening) I worked so hard during that series that the muscle around my lower spine and abdomen became evident and also completely erased any sciatic pain that ever seemed to exist.  It was amazing! I was only going about 3 times a week and in just short 3 months I had lost 15kg, strengthened my entire body and had become happier, more mobile and energetic. (No surgery required…….Aww yeah!)

Now a couple of years later, who would have guessed it! Anna and I are both teaching this amazing yoga in our own studio to such a beautiful community of Hobart yogis. We are both very grateful to Bikram for this opportunity and to the students for not just believing in us but in themselves.

Remember healthy spine – healthy life! Bikram Choudhury

Sarah Wells – Biography

I first stumbled upon Bikram Yoga in September 2008 after hearing about it from a friend. I had read about celebrities doing Bikram Yoga, but that was about the extent of what I knew! I went along not quite knowing what to expect, but after my second class fell in love with the series and started practicing regulary. After about 6 months of practicing most days I decided that, although I had other full time employment that I enjoyed, I wanted to attend Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. I researched the training and wanted to attend for the experience and chance to deepen my practice and understanding of Bikram Yoga. I was enrolled to attend Teacher Training in the Fall of 2009, however due to a tragic personal circumstance I had to withdraw at the last minute. The months following this time were extremely hard, and my motivation in life was very low. Gradually, over time I felt the desire to practice again, and in May 2010 decided that I NEEDED to attend Bikram Yoga Teacher Training.

I Graduated Fall 2010 in San Diego and I am extremely excited to be Teaching at Bikram Yoga Studio Newtown.

Although I have only been practicing Bikram Yoga for a relatively short time, the impact it has had on my life has been dramatic. Since trying Bikram for the first time I was sure that this was something that I wanted to continue with, and make a permanent part of my life. I am a huge believer in the associated medical benefits as I have felt them first hand. From sleeping better at night, feeling less stressed and anxious, to just generally feeling like a happier person. I strongly believe in wonderful and positive effect that this yoga can have on both a physical and emotional level and feel privelged to share Bikram Yoga with the people of Hobart!

Visiting Teachers

Kira Bumford - Tasmania via Perth, Los Angeles, Dubai

On Class Schedule -Dec 2012 - Feb 2013

Certified Bikram Yoga Teacher 2010

Kira is one of Australia’s finest! She has spent a long time teaching in Perth to packed houses and has spent the last year traveling the globe. Kira was recently working everyday along side “The Boss” (Bikram)  at the fall Teacher Training 2012. Soaking up knowledge and mentouring the up and comings. Currently living and teaching in Dubai but lucky for us she is home for the summer and rocking out Studio New Town!!