Krama Yoga Center

I started back at Krama about a month ago and am so happy I did! I’ve always enjoyed Karla’s gentle yoga classes along with anything that Ricky Tran, the owner, teaches. However, new teachers have been added, and they are terrific! I love taking Kelli’s Sweaty Vinyasa classes. She is a very considerate teacher… never making you feel like you have to do all of the poses. Believe me, the movements and poses she has us do can be challenging, so you may have days where child’s pose is necessary. She encourages listening to your body… as do Karla and Ricky. After one month, I’ve already noticed changes in my body and mind. Very happy with the classes and teachers! I would also say the pricing is reasonable compared to other studios.

Note: In the spirit of transparency, since writing this review, my practice with Ricky Tran inspired me to attend yoga teacher training (¹²⁄₂₀₁₃) and subsequently was blessed to have him entrust me with his students meaning I now teach at both CHY locations (⁰⁵⁄₂₀₁₄). My reviews are from when I was only a student but I’m proof of the fruits of a dedicated practice with an top notch teacher.

Perhaps personal preference, but I didn’t like the style of teaching from my instructor, Ricky. Though a wonderful yoga practitioner, balancing on his head and doing phenomenal physical feats, I didn’t find the style to be appropriate for beginner yogis. Reason: on multiple occasions he verbally corrected students by name from the front of the room, and at no point did I see him walk around the room to physically adjust students.

Just don’t think it’s the studio for me.
I’d read good reviews of this studio and I took advantage of the free class special to try it out. I tried the gentle class to get back into my yoga routine post-​injury. There were just too many distractions.
Pros:
Staff is concerned and responsive, used humor, and even though it was a gentle class, encouraged students to push a little further.
Cons:
Smaller studio, but maybe the class was just really full that night. I kept bumping into my neighbors.
People were a little chatty at first, but calmed down.
There’s a kids’ karate studio next door, and the music and sounds came through the wall a bit, but I eventually ignored that and relaxed. Hopefully Krama can buy them out.

Had a Great class with Ricky Tran! It was very balanced and very well rounded. We sang, we stretched, worked out, had a Great stretch and sweat, learned some yoga philosophy on reducing stress and being more Present in life, and even had time to rest and do some meditation. I felt Great afterward and maybe even a little High like I released the weight off my shoulders and chest. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to relieve stress or discover the better person they already are =)

I’ve taken yoga in many places in my life, and the yoga classes offered in Dallas are some of the worst examples that I’ve ever encountered. No doubt there are some great studios and fantastic teachers here that I haven’t encountered, but in general the classes are far too fast and there is very little to no teaching of the philosophy behind the poses.
Krama Yoga and Ricky Tran are a welcome exception to the rule. A practitioner can find and develop an authentic yoga practice here, with a wonderful community of yogis as support, and a beautiful man and teacher at the helm in Ricky Tran. The asana practice is safe, level appropriate, and a careful eye for alignment is always there looking out for practitioners long term health of joints, muscles and bones. Philosophy is always woven into practice, and even guided pranayama and chanting are presented which is very rare and an incredible boon.
I’ve grown to know Ricky as a contemporary, a friend, and also as a teacher. In response to one of the comments that is presented here about his ego, I couldn’t disagree more. He is one of the finest teachers that I know.
When presented with truth, people usually move through the following three phases: Ridicule, violent opposition, and finally acceptance as being self evident. I thank God that I found someone in this community to share with me the truths of yoga, and I think that it is expected to encounter folks in all three phases of acceptance.
Thank you Ricky, and thank you to the whole Krama family and community.
Om Shanti, shanti, shanti…

Response from owner is below. My initial observations were in NO way written to personally insult the management and they are not solely my opinions or I likely would not have written a single thing. Are they on the harsh side? Yes, most would say so but again, I don’t know Ricky’s heart and I’m not reviewing Ricky’s heart: I was reviewing his teacher to client relationship trends. In reading his response, I’m left thinking that my and my fellow yogi’s opinions were not wacky — Mr. Tran projects any shred of negative feedback (or even objective feedback that is received negatively) as a reflection back upon the other person; not his management or teaching style.
«thank you for the compliments. but let me quickly answer your post.
could you please give me specifics on each of your accusation? i think you may have misunderstood or mistaken me.
my students are brought face to face with their own egos, and sometimes they project this ego onto me. i get it. it has happened in the past and will continue to happen in the future. you’re not an isolated case.
i’m just sorry that you are taking offense to the post „for public consumption“ on facebook about you know who. or do you know who? because i never mentioned the name. did you see it anywhere? please show me because i was really careful. maybe i messed up. how do you know it’s verbatim, besides the quotation marks? unless you’re making and assumption/​judgement.
how do you know it’s not just a story i made up to stir a response?
it’s probably you or one of your friends who has practice with me. sorry that it ruffled your feathers, but i did it out of my compassion. not ego. that is YOUR OWN PROJECTION. i did it so that you (or your friend) could possibly see something that you might not have before. isn’t’ it hard to see the forest looking through the trees? well, you got to see the forest through the eyes of an outsider. maybe there is no truth to their comments. if so, then forget about it. it doesn’t even matter. the person referenced has no name. but maybe there is. only you would know. and i was hoping maybe it would help… i did it out of compassion. i’m sorry you don’t see compassion, but you see it as me victimizing someone who remained nameless. on which you blame MY EGO.
but i do have to say, bringing in the MLM to the studio was probably not a good move. it sounded like a good idea at the time, but it was scratched quickly. i am still promoting when i see a good opportunity to get someone who is living on fast food to change their eating habits. it because i believe in it. my roommate has lost some weight and is being more mindful about his eating. but does not do yoga. and a few students are on the product and it’s really helping them. you really don’t know me, do you?
my friend who got me into it does it at her studio in another city and her students are getting great health benefits and she’s supplementing the studio income so they can keep the doors open. because you know how hard it is to keep a studio open. don’t you?
listen, i can see why you would perceive me the way you do. and i am sorry you do. but it may be a reflection of your own ego. because if truly knew me, you would know differently.
thank you for commenting on Unilocal.
happy journeys!
ricky»

It is teacher appreciation week, so I thought I would give a well deserved pat on the back to my favorite teacher!
I have been going to Krama Yoga for a little over two months. I have lost 25 pounds without changing my diet, and I feel a great since of stress relief. I attend gentle yoga classes, and Karla teaches 2 out of the 3 classes a week that I attend.
I adore Karla’s classes! They are very well organized and I always feel like I learn something new. I love that she takes her yoga wisdom and anatomical knowledge to help me work on building a peaceful body. She applies sensitivity to my level while encouraging me to take risks as I grow in my journey. I appreciate that she offers modifications and choices for the many ability levels represented… she genuinely appreciates the uniqueness of each person at every class, and I always leave feeling nurtured in my yoga practice.
Karla keeps a consistent flow to the class and makes sure that we all remain focused on OUR work (instead of the progress of those around us). She does not distract or detract with chatter, and that helps me to remain present and centered. I also appreciate her ‘hands on’ approach to helping students who are struggling. The class continues calmly and no one feels ‘called out’ if they are new or not getting a technique.
Karla is like a good counselor since she allows the focus to be on you the student, and not on herself. My yoga classes are the only ‘me’ time I get between multiple jobs, a dying mother, and other life stresses. I appreciate that Karla keeps the focal point in the right place and acts as my guide.
I have been in many yoga classes over the years, and there are some things I have learned about different types of teachers:
1. Some teachers teach to be the center of attention, successful teachers help you center your attention.
2. Some teachers teach to be worshipped, successful teachers teach as a way to honor others.
3. Some teachers need to prove they are number one, successful teachers teach without the need to prove but are student focused.
4. Some teachers teach for money, but successful teachers work with gratitude and for pleasure.
5. Some teachers need to be seen as attractive, but the BEST teachers help their students find their beauty within and nurture them to bring it out for all to see!
I feel blessed to have a yoga studio right by my house that has a teacher that exhibits the latter half of all 5 statements above! Thank you Karla for being patient, encouraging and bringing out the best in me! Happy teacher appreciation week!

Fantastic yoga studio! Have tried many studios and this is the best one I have found. Really appreciate the approach the instructors have and I always feel better when I leave.

All i have to say is everyone needs a little yoga in their life and at Krama yoga center you will understand why. Its educational, calming, stress free and fun! I’m a big guy and was very hesitant in going but i did it for my wife and now i do it for me. You can go and feel comfortable in the friendly atmosphere without any concerns of feeling judged or intimidated. Ricky is an excellent teacher with patience for every level of student.

Still wonderful… still here after over a year with the Transter Crew. We have a great time and he has opened a studio next to the place we originated on the Blue Mat. Full Schedule on the weekends and weekdays now. I enjoy me a Wet TShirt Wednesday/​Friday Class with Stephanie, and a Perky Butt Class (and it is bounce a quarter off it perky!) with Ricky, or an Ashtanga Practice with Victoria (you could just watch her, so graceful), Jenny is so inspiring and brings a very fierce feminine quality to the studio (she hands it to you while smiling lololol) Karla has a relaxing take in the Gentle Classes oh and Carter and his fabulous self has an excellent Dharma Mittra Class in the evenings. Wide selection… it is like trying different flavors, we all have our favorite but you need a variety. Variety helps you to always appreciate the things you did not realize you love so much.

I LOVE Krama Yoga! I am so glad to find a yoga studio so close to my house. Ricky and the staff always makes you feel comfortable. I always feel full of energy after class, like I can take over the world! They also offer a variety of classes for your level so you never feel out of place. Plus every first Saturday of the month they have the Breakfast yoga club. If you don’t know what that is you’ll have to stop and check it out.
THANK YOU for being so close to home! Namaste!

Blair Lewis — Meditation Lectures at Krama Yoga Center
I have been attending the recent Workshop featuring Blair Lewis —
— and it has been truly amazing. I can’t put into words the fascinating spirit and wealth of information discussed. If you are unsure of meditation and calming the mind because you are too busy or too practiced at staying busy, you should attend one of the lectures. He melds the spirit of yoga, meditation and medical science in a way that just makes sense. There is no struggle, no feelings of boredom, no feelings of where do I need to be next.
He has a beautiful calm spirit and a wonderful sense of humor that keeps you enthralled and wanting to learn more.
If you do not attend another workshop at Krama, this is the one that will really make you think and understand you and your mind. Visit the workshop and say hello to your mind! We are fortunate, he is lecturing in February and March too!
If you have been searching for a place to get your ME time, then this is the workshop to attend. But any of the yoga classes at Krama are top notch. I attended 4 different ones last week! Beat my goal of 3 days a week and realized I have a lot more practicing to do!

Ricky Tran is an amazing yoga instructor! I’ve been to several of his AWESOME workshops in Houston and classes at KYC. He gives amazing adjustments and always reminds you to relax & breathe during difficult poses. My bf has really tight hips. He is very impressed that Ricky can safely guide him into difficult hip opening poses w/​o pain.
***Check out his amazing yoga practice on YouTube! =)

I am an at home yoga person and this was the first yoga studio I’d stepped foot in. I attended a lecture during the free yoga day in DFW with my boyfriend. Upon arrival we were very warmly greeted by a lady who asked us questions and told us a little bit about the studio. She forgot to mention where we should put our belongings during the session. So as we walked into the room someone (later identified as the lecturer himself, Ricky) across the way shouts, «NO SHOES!» Then as we turn around the woman who greeted us directs us to the cubbies along the wall. Now, as a front desk agent at a hotel, my number one priority is making sure each and every guest has a good first impression because if you leave a person with a bitter taste in their mouth their entire experience there is going to be awful and they’ll be LOOKING for things to complain about but if you make their check-​in experience a great one, they often overlook minor flaws. So us being barked at upon arrival really made the whole experience for me a bad one. We thought he acted like he knew more than he actually did, the lecture didn’t flow and didn’t make a lick of sense. There was even another listener who continued to question Ricky and the third time Ricky rudely interrupted him and, I would again describe it as barking, shouts «Well, that’s what I’ve been taught!»
This is still my only yoga studio experience. Unfortunately, Ricky alone has turned me off to them all. Hopefully soon I can again overcome my fear of studios.