How often can you really say a yoga teacher changed your life? Well this was Julian for me. I have literally followed him all over the Hudson Valley because his class made me feel so good. For the past 16 years I’ve been taking his class on Sunday mornings and it literally is like going to church for me. I come away from his class feeling calm, peaceful and renewed. His voice has a way of taking you to a different level in your practice: whether it is pushing you to go just a little deeper in your pose, hold it a little longer or encouraging you to let go when you’re meditating. It is very clear after taking a class with Julian, that yoga is not just something he does, it is who he is. His passion, knowledge and spirit make him a teacher I would follow anywhere.

Karen Kapoor
Director, Montessori School, Cold Spring, NY

I started practicing with Julian when I had reached rock bottom, in the deep throws of trauma and addiction. I was struggling to get back on my feet to raise my three boys on my own and salvage my career. Within a short period of time Julian helped me instill a daily practice of asana and meditation that enables me to navigate my busy life. It is always a privilege to practice with Julian, he is a true TEACHER/MENTOR who has led me to a lifetime of health and spiritual growth. I am forever grateful.

Nancy Montgomery
Legislator, Putnam County, NY

When I was ready to get back on the mat after having children, word on the streets was that Julian Paik yoga classes were the best. And sure enough, his classrooms were always packed full with regulars and beginners and for good reason. He is a skilled crafter of a transcendental yogic experience. He has the uncanny ability to generate instant and lasting primordial focus and concentration in a classroom. His original yoga sequences lead the body-mind-soul on a transformative journey that ripple beyond the class. His yoga classes are challenging and fun. He sees everybody and is very encouraging and motivating throughout. His experience and skill are delivered casually with personable lighthearted humor. I highly recommend Julian as a yoga and meditation teacher and mentor.

Sharone Vendriger 

I have been taking private meditation and yoga sessions with Julian for several years.

He is an expert in his craft as he shares his own learning experiences. He is a lover and always brings heart and love to share and be shared. He has maintained personalized expectations for me throughout his instruction by continuing to meet me wherever I am.

Julian’s trainings and teachings have enabled me to navigate life both on and off the mat. He has shown me that the hardest poses are the ones that require stillness. I continue to practice quieting my mind and bringing my thoughts from my head to my heart. This is not easy, but Julian makes it so. Simply put, I have benefited tremendously from his guidance.

The pandemic has impacted us in so many profound ways. There is much healing that is needed to bring the possibility of peace. Julian brings that for you during every practice.

Karen Marconi
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, East Ramapo CSD

Julian’s vast experience comes through the moment his class begins. This is not your run of the mill class… yes, poses are held longer. Yes, the class is challenging. But yes, you are in good hands with a teacher who understands the subtleties of each pose and can guide you to a deeper level using only his words – words that will challenge the way you may have previously jumped into poses before. What makes his classes challenging is not speed – or whipping through vinyasas – the challenge is in the focus and the deepening into each pose. Giving yourself the time to gain strength and wisdom through settling in.

There aren’t many yoga teachers who have dedicated years of their lives living in India and studying with masters. Although he is understated about it, Julian is one of them. He brings a depth of understanding of both body and mind that will greatly enhance your practice – as I can say it has done so for mine.

And if you’re lucky enough to join on a day that he offers a meditation at the end, then that’s just the icing on the yoga cake!

Caryn Challman
Creative Designer and Ayurvedic Health Counselor

When I started going to Julian’s classes almost twenty years ago, I was nagged with knee and back strain from decades of distance running, and had a habit of clenching my teeth. I was a complete novice and had very little flexibility, yet with Julian’s gentle, playful approach I began to physically and mentally unwind. I learned to be patient with myself, and began to get beyond struggling to hold positions. My breathing became more relaxed. Over years, the Sunday class expanded to additional group classes, and more of the meditative aspects of what I have taken away has become a daily practise. Also, I have not completely given up jogging, but at 71 I am grateful to be free of knee and back strain and all the rest. Namaste.

Tom Carrigan 
Retired Librarian 

A weekly dose of Julian Paik meditation and yoga is necessary for my well-being! With is magical voice and expert guidance, Julian immediately transports me to a calmer place in my mind and body.

Julian’s classes are large but that is due to a long-time devoted student following. Julian immediately connects with each student and will remember your name after one class, even if months later!

Shannon Keegan
Textile Executive

Julian is many things…an amazing yoga instructor, a great tennis player and skiier…and a heck of a nice guy! But I doubt that many people know that in addition to that, he is an amazing meditation teacher. My friend and I had the pleasure of doing several semi-private sessions with him as we learned his approach to meditation. It was an enlightening experience. He came to my home, and blessed the space with his presence, and many sessions of yoga coupled with meditation. How very blissful!

To understand that he has been doing meditation twice daily since the day he first learned it explains much of the calm and receptive attitude that you immediately feel when you are in his presence. It’s hard to be consistent in meditation. To show up no matter what, be present as best you can be, put in the time and effort. Clearly, he walked the walk and did so well before he attempted to give this teaching to others. I feel fortunate to know him, and to have his teaching to refer back to in my own daily meditation practice.

Sezelle Gereau, MD
Dermatologist

I was so lucky to find Julian when I joined Ascend Studio in my quest to become a yoga instructor. As a student, and now new RYT200 instructor, I continue to look at Julian as an amazing mentor teacher. His yoga teaching style ensures safe and correct alignment. His cues are such that you feel as if he’s in your body as well as in your mind in his meditation teachings. He just knows people so well, that whatever doubts or insecurities you could think of, he’s aware of them and addresses them practically at the moment you experience them yourself. I have learned so much from Julian’s meditation classes that I know in the future I will be able to lead my students in pranayama and meditation. There would have to be an emergency for me to miss Julian’s weekly meditation class because it has such a positive impact on my well-being.

Donna Scott
Teacher

I’ve studied with Julian for about 15 years now. I started yoga initially to strengthen and increase flexibility. Julian has helped me manage my sciatica and has taught me how to listen to my body. It’s true that all the women love Julian’s class but he also knows what men need to do to mitigate the effects of middle age. 

In Julian’s class I’ve gained more than the benefits of a rigorous yoga exercise. Julian also teaches how the mind plays an active role in our physical health. He teaches how not to judge ourselves when the mind strays but rather to gently return to an intention and be in the moment. An active body brings a calming mind. He teaches mindfulness as a way to be and he reminds us to have gratitude for the good in our lives.

Adam Osterfeld
Manitou School

Glennon Doyle, in her book “Love Warrior” states that “yoga” saved her life when she was going through strife, and that’s exactly the advice I took when starting a yoga habit…albeit later in life. Julian’s teaching style was spot on and patient to a beginner such as myself circa 2017, and allows much flexibility in the teachings to “make it your own”. I love the fact that he does not have one standard of yoga to teach but rather encompasses many different formats (I assume from his various and worldly training) to ensure you get the most out of your yoga practice. The type of yoga he teaches is fun, light but also not superficial or transparent. After his classes you feel steadier, happier, more grounded. Come as you are to his classes, as he relates to novices and more experienced yoga ethusthists alike. I am so so glad I took the advice in the book all those years back , and I hope you take mine now when it comes to Julian’s classes. His classes are life changing!!

Lisa Silvestro
CPA

Julian was the first instructor that made me understand the power of meditation. His classes are the perfect balance between strength and release. Julian’s yoga sequences are a wonderful physical challenge that require concentration and focus. I always appreciated the alignment assistance or hands on assist to get me deeper in the pose. Julian has a wonderful energy and he puts that into his classes and students. I have since moved out of the Hudson Valley but I am always looking forward to my next visit and class with Julian.

Nicole Haight
People and Culture Manager

Julian is an amazing teacher. I appreciate his high level of communication and the knowledge he has about human anatomy. He teaches his students how to achieve yoga poses using clearly defined movement sequences coupled with an understanding about the muscular skeletal systems of the body. This has been useful for me in my journey to heal physical injuries and for pain management. Julian also integrates a fair amount of meditation techniques into his yoga classes. He has a very unique voice which is very calming, and conducive to quieting the mind and relaxing during meditation. He offers his students useful, replicable methods for practicing both yoga and meditation beyond his sessions. Julian has given me tools to help me develop a balance between my mind and body. I’m so grateful that we have such a skilled teacher of both yoga movement and meditation in our community.

Laura Sansone
Textile Designer, Activist, and Consultant

In my experience, Julian stands way apart from other yoga and meditation teachers in creating a space for conscious connection with the body, which is so beautiful and healing. He has a very direct and powerful way of engaging the senses, through his voice, subtle physical assists, and an intimate knowledge of inner experience. He has helped me tune into and use my breath and body attention slowly, fully, and subtly, which has made my awareness much more refined. This is so important to me and has been so helpful in many ways! When I practice with Julian my body is much stronger and I feel calmer, clearer, more grounded, and more centered in my life. I deeply value the experience of being absorbed in movement meditation during Julian’s classes, and the spacious peaceful feeling that practicing with him cultivates!

Kristin Jay
Teacher

My first class with Julian was an outdoor class and between the view of the water, the grass beneath my mat, and the sound of Julian’s mesmerizing voice and attention to detail, I knew I was going deep into my practice. And every class of his since that day has done so. He is an excellent teacher who has the skill to take the student from outside oneself to inside oneself through breath and precise alignment of each pose. A great teacher is one who will guide you where to look but does not tell you what to see. And that is Julian Paik.

Anne Roberts

Julian is great at teaching the nuances of meditation and yoga. His focus on staying still and slow movement help to emphasize a more authentic interpretation of the yogic arts; his style less flashy than your head-stand yogis, but his essence and practicality — the daily implications of the mature and grounded movement he emphasizes — noticeably more vast and impactful in my humble opinion. The greatest thing about Julian is that he is not just a yogi — when you truly listen to what he says and observe the way that he interacts with the world around him, you realize he is an artist, making bold statements about existence. In my opinion, Julian is the next big thing in Meditation, so learn with him before he’s famous and writes 4 books and his lessons cost quadruple. Now’s your chance I guess!

Cem Manisali
Musician

Working with Julian is a breath of fresh air for the soul. Julian is authentically Julian! He is down to earth and humorously insightful about himself and related enlightenment. Regardless of whether Julian is practicing or enjoying the great outdoors, he always exudes acceptance of self and others. Julian’s depth and breadth of knowledge, experience and technical acumen is balanced with his unassuming way of being that attracts, welcomes and engages yoga practitioners and meditators of all levels. Julian always brings out the centering sense of OMMM and namaste in others.

Marlene Sauer

 My colleague introduced our team to meditation through a workshop conducted by Julian. I had no experience with meditation before but because of Covid and working from home we were all experiencing additional stress. Julian led us through a 2 hour long meditation practice and discussion. Who knew? I hadn’t felt that relaxed or at peace in a really long time. Now I often rely on the breathing techniques we learned to help manage stress and feel grounded. We hope to have Julian come back and conduct more in person mediation workshops in the future.

Joe Small
Founder & CEO, Small World Wealth Management

Julian truly has a gift for guiding you to a peaceful and calming state through meditation. Although it took me many years before I finally overcame my fears and ignorance of meditation, Julian has a magical quality that allows even the most cynical person to enjoy and appreciate its benefits (and he also instructs an amazing yoga class incorporating meditation into the physical poses!). His thoughtful intelligence is a rare gift which I have had the good fortune to enjoy over the last several years. Do whatever you can to take his class- your mind and body will forever thank you!

Elise Langsam
Attorney, Langsam Law LLP

I am blissfully grateful to have the opportunity to work with Julian. Over the years, I have experienced his group yoga classes, intimate online meditation classes, and one-on-one instruction. His approach to Yoga, breath, and meditation is beautifully present and passionate. He teaches each asana as if it’s the first time he has ever done so, with curiosity and fresh creativity, even though he has been doing it expertly for decades. He meets each student where they are at, honoring each individual’s unique experience, with care and compassion. Julian’s talent as a meditation teacher lies within his ability to make a sometimes elusive technique completely tangible. His words, images, and playful jokes keep his classes accessible and fun. He is truly a gift.

Jennifer Daly
President, Haldane Board of Education
Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Specialized Master Trainer

We’ve both been students of Yoga for over ten years. What we enjoy is the space in the consciousness where breath and holding the asana create the perfect marriage for Julian’s culminating meditation. You never feel unnoticed or invisible in Julian’s classes that are frequently filled to capacity. He’s super intuitive and knowledgeable in making  specific corrections and detailed modifications that allow you to settle in and breathe into your pose.  When we reach closing meditations and savasana, we are elevated, exhilarated and empowered for the day.

Gwen Laster and Damon Banks
Musicians 

I have been participating in Julian’s classes for many years starting in 2005. His teachings relay his deep sense of connectivity to the body and mind and a more meditative approach than a “generic” class. Because Julian doesn’t use music in his class, he allows the space to be open and clear, which ironically as a musician does wonders for my yoga practice. I always leave refreshed, recharged and super zenned out after one of Julian’s classes… I HIGHLY recommend!

Patrick Seacor
Artist/DJ/Drummer (Scissor Sisters)

Julian is by far our favorite yoga teacher of all time (and Alborz is VERY picky haha). We love how he combines his meditative guidance style with thoughtful instruction so the entire class becomes a deeply present process. You literally end every class feeling like you’ve had a deep tissue massage! Alborz is new to yoga and I’ve been practicing for over a decade and Julian’s classes are perfect for both of us – he takes you deep into the practice with skillful instruction that allows you to find the most benefit from the poses. We literally cannot stop ranting about his classes to anyone who is interested in yoga. There’s a reason his classes are always packed! Even once class is over Julian’s teaching will stay with you.

Sarah Mac
Writer & Mindset Coach
Alborz Borjian
D.O. Physician

Taking a class with Julian is always a privilege and a treat. His classes have a vibe to them that just
feels different, in all the best possible ways, than others. From the onset, through the 60 some-odd
minutes that follows, it’s clear you’re being guided by a true pro. Julian doesn’t just take you through
a series of poses, but he challenges you mentaly and physically. His understanding of the craft and
appreciation of it is deeper than most. Upon meeting Julian or taking a class with him, the many
years he’s spent learning and countless hours sharpening his craft are/l evident. Additionally, it’s
clear that this is not a hobby or a job but is all deeply woven into his life. The benefit gained through
Julian’s classes will surely follow you off the mat.

Julie and Greg Nacerino

I have been following Julian around our corner of the Hudson Valley (and now Zoom and YouTube) for over 16 years. Julian’s gift is in his evocative detail as he describes poses and pauses that enable you to improve both your physical practice and your meditative one. Julian’s adjustments will echo in your head long after class – when you are practicing at home or taking another class. His classes will challenge you to safely get the most out of each pose and help you build strength while enabling you to let go and calm your mind. You will leave Julian’s class, whether a meditation session or a yoga class, feeling lighter and stronger.

Brienne Cliadakis
Director of Development
Black Rock Forest in Cornwall, NY

During the pandemic, my husband and I took a series of private classes with Julian in the outdoors, which included guided meditation. This was an incredibly powerful practice that elevated the yoga.

I began taking yoga classes with Julian when I first moved to the Hudson Valley 6 years ago and for the first time felt I was experiencing yoga in a meaningful and “true” way — the “mind-body connection” that you hear and read about finally clicked for me!

Eva Deitch 
Photographer

Ryan Burk
Angry Orchard

I first met Julian and experienced his yoga class in 2010 when he was teaching at The Roundhouse in Beacon. Even though I had been practicing regularly for about five years, his class really challenged me — in the best ways! I felt a bit uneasy going back each week because it challenged me that much, but I couldn’t stay away. I knew there was something very special about Julian.

Over the years, I have introduced many friends to Julian and his amazing classes and not one has been disappointed. He is serious about his yoga, while keeping it light and fun with his unique sense of humor. He makes everyone feel at ease — and challenged in the best ways! — regardless of their level of practice. I am a stronger yogi because of Julian. I’m so happy I kept going back so many years ago, and will continue to!

Paula Finnerty
Creative Director — Designer for Digital and Print

The times that my husband and I treasure are when we have the opportunity to take classes with Julian. We have followed Julian’s teachings for years, no matter how far away he is from us. Julian’s classes are strong, and bring clarity to some of the cloudiness we sometimes come across in life. Each time we have class with Julian, we enhance our yoga practice and find yet another way to for us to celebrate our time together through Julian’s enlightening classes. 

Elisha and Robert Simpson

I began my yoga practice in earnest when I began taking Julian’s classes ten years ago after struggling with chronic back pain and in need of better tools for managing anxiety. Something finally clicked with his approach to yoga which is unique to other forms I’d tried in the past. It’s a yoga class. It’s a meditation class. You’re guided to a place of deep strength and alignment in the poses not just through demonstration but by guided visualizations in Julian’s trademark happy, meditative cadence. I’m able to deepen and live in each of the poses without noticing how long I’ve been holding them! Leaving Julian’s classes I feel not just strong and relaxed in my body, but most importantly: clear and open in my head and heart. I’m continually grateful for the positive impact his approach to the practice has made in my life.

Evelyn Carr-White
Designer / Entrepreneur

 I participated in competitive sports my whole life and was new to yoga when I met Julian. I wasn’t familiar with yoga or meditation at all but Julian explained things carefully and clearly. His classes were accessible but challenging and Julian understood where I was coming from physically. I thought that I had already experienced the limitations
of my body until I worked with Julian and realized how much more I was capable of doing. Julian’s style appeals to me because he’s a thoughtful instructor with a welcoming attitude. Julian has had a lasting impact on my yoga practice and my lifestyle.

Ryan Rogers
Independent Researcher

As soon as I met Julian, I immediately felt comfortable and decided I wanted to take class with him regularly. Julian’s approach is meditative, challenging, and leaves me feeling clear and present. Julian weaves the teachings of meditation, pranayama, and asana together in a way  which is easy to integrate into your own practice. Taking class with Julian has been the perfect gateway to a life of greater focus and self awareness. I appreciate his humor, warmth, and sincerity felt in every class.

Phylicia Chartier

Julian is a gifted, caring teacher whose classes leaves you feeling lighter and brighter in body and spirit. He truly knows the body, his cues are perceptive and spot-on, and his classes nourish, challenge and inspire every level of student. With his great sense of pacing, Julian somehow gets me working even on those days I am less than energetic, and I leave with the bliss of a happily challenged body and clear mind! Once you’ve experienced the high caliber of Julian’s teaching, it’s hard to go to anyone else!

Mai Yee
Pole Artist/Athlete/Instructor

Without reservation I highly recommend Julian Paik, a well trained and experienced meditation and yoga instructor.

Through a circuit of basic poses, Julian unifies the mind with breath and movement so one can experience true balance and harmony. His yoga class is always down-to-earth: more about the process of getting “there” and less about muscling through advanced poses. However, don’t assume it will be easy. Wherever you are, there is work to be done. He will find and encourage you through to a powerful inner space.

Shelley Walker
Certified yoga Teacher

I met Julian half a dozen years ago at a festival or maybe a local studio and I began to practice with him whenever I could find him, in Beacon or Fishkill. As a bit of a yoga junkie at the time, I was primarily interested in the physical asana but with Julian that was not the practice. Oh, it was challenging! But it is so much more – alignment, holding, breathing, feeling and living the practice. His style is uniquely his own. For a deep dive inside your practice, work alongside him and live your practice.

Tricia O’Malley
President & COO
Financial Services Industry

Even when I’m doing yoga on my own, Julian’s meditative instruction (not to mention his great jokes!) are in the front of my mind, helping me along and reminding me to breathe. I joined his classes for the physical challenge, but over time his emphasis on meditation has coaxed me into taking on the mental challenge of “getting out of your head and into your heart.” I’d say I even take his prompts with me into other parts of my life. Whenever I find myself achieving a calm mind, I think to myself, “Now you’re doing the yoga.” Thanks, Julian.

Elizabeth Murphy
Poet
Editor-in-Chief, Grid Books

Before I met Julian, I practiced yoga as a form of exercise… Julian taught me “The Yoga” which transformed me into a mindful yoga practitioner.  Julian teaches you to calm your mind through the breath, which is a fundamental part of survival. He guides you into poses, coaches you to hold the pose, using your breath. This enabled me to reach my “Prana” which changed my yoga experience. Understanding how the breath calms the mind was also my gateway to meditation, all thanks to Julian. I have great admiration for Julian’s ability to teach a healing, soulful meaning to “The Yoga” & beyond.

Sue Strange
CEO Strange Pool and Spas