Activate core muscles while improving flexibility. Our yoga classes are great for beginners or experienced students alike.
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured”
B.K.S Iylengar
Yoga Styles
There are many styles of yoga and each of our classes can incorporate different techniques based on the class dynamic and experience level.
Beginner Yoga
Beginner yoga is a fundamental style of yoga designed for individuals new to the practice or those seeking a more approachable style. It focuses on basic poses (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and relaxation techniques, emphasizing proper alignment and form.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga is an active and fast-paced style of yoga that emphasizes a vigorous physical workout. It combines aspects of Ashtanga yoga and Vinyasa yoga to create a challenging and intense practice.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is characterized by moving fluidly from one pose to the next, synchronized with the breath. . Often called “flow yoga”, it emphasizes the connection between movement and breath. Vinyasa classes are known for their fast pace and ability to elevate heart rate, making them a good option for those seeking a more intense workout.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on deep stretching of connective tissues by holding passive poses for extended periods, typically 3 to 10 minutes. It’s a more meditative and slow-paced practice compared to more active styles such as Vinyasa. Yin yoga is often used to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and promote a deeper connection with the body and mind.
Yoga Poses
There are many traditional yoga poses (asanas). Here is a list of some of the basic poses:
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
Chair Pose (Utkantasana)
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukka Svanasana)
Mountain Pose (Tadansana)
Plank
Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Tree Pose (Vrksanana)
Warrior I & II (Virabhadrasana)
Poses can be advanced to include:
Crow Pose (Bakansana)
Headstand (Sirsasana)
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
Or can be used in a restorative way such as:
Reclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konsana)
Corpse Pose (Savansana)
About John Taylor
John Taylor found interest in Yoga in 2010 and began practicing Power Yoga soon after. In 2013, he began his 200 hour yoga teacher training from Power Life Yoga and completed it at the start of 2014. He then began teaching yoga as often as possible to share his passion for yoga whenever able. He completed another 200 hour yoga teacher training from Justin Kaliszewki on Outlaw Yoga. John also completed training on how to teach Yoga sculpt, Yoga barre, and Yin Yoga through Power Life Yoga. John then taught over 1000 hours of yoga before deciding to become a 200 hour yoga school. John submitted John Taylor Yoga’s school curriculum to Yoga Alliance and received approval to teach people how to be a 200 hour yoga instructor.
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John continued his learning of Yoga and training by doing his 300 hour yoga teacher training on Maui with Allowah Lani. John subsequently taught over 2000 hours of Yoga to become an E-RYT-500 level within the Yoga Alliance in 2020 and has also been a continuing education provider for teachers since 2018. He has led five yoga teacher trainings since establishing a yoga school and has successfully certified twelve more yoga instructors.
Went in as an adult with zero martial arts experience. Everyone from the instructors to the students do a lot to both train hard and maintain a positive environment. If you come here, people will spend their energy on you and help you achieve whatever you’re looking for. I learned a lot from my time here, and no matter how my day was going before showing up, I’d always leave wanting to improve. 100% recommend at least trying it, first few classes are free!
Second month of qigong/tai chi, have barely scratched the surface and already seeing benefit. Instructors are skilled, devoted, supportive. Very friendly environment.
Multiple instructors (sifu’s) to offer a variety of perspectives rounding out training and appealing to people where they are in their practice and life. The culture and environment is welcoming. I have gone to other places in the past and felt out of place, the staff and students are quick to help and accept making sure all know this place is for them. Whether young or old, anxious or confident, you can find a place here to develop mind and body through martial arts and a culture of acceptance and growth.
A clean, well-equipped kung fu gym that welcomes all skill levels. The teachings are authentic, led by Sifu Giddings, who trained at the Shaolin Temple in China among other notable achievements.
I look forward to class every week! Classes are engaging, fun, and help develop skills and techniques needed for Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Wu Tai Chi. The instructors are knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive in classes for all ages and abilities. Over the last several months, I have gained confidence in myself and made great friends while learning authentic martial arts and increasing my athleticism. Highly recommend!!
Take your pick from Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu, sparring, Wu Style Tai Chi, Yoga, stretching and conditioning, traditional lion dancing, and more to come! A gorgeous growing school modeled after the teachings of Grand Master Shum. Excellent teachers who know their stuff.
School is focused on students and a positive learning environment. They adapt to the individual’s needs and learning style. Highly recommend for experienced and new students!!
Great family atmosphere with small class sizes and regular events and demos. To my knowledge, this is the only school teaching any authentic traditional kung fu in Des Moines.
Sifu Aaron also has well over 20 years of experience in the style and was recognized as a master by grand master Leung Shum that brought this style to the US 50 years ago.
Very positive, friendly culture for both kids and adults. Learning environment is not formal like karate or tkd.
This isn’t wushu. While there are plenty of forms to learn and practice, including a large variety of weapons forms, Eagle Claw also emphasizes fighting application, if that’s what you’re interested in.
