I have known Ken Breniman for over twelve years; first as a yoga instructor in the Mission District and later at a yoga retreat in Hawaii. I have worked with him as my counselor in person, over the phone and by Skype. I attended a grief and loss workshop of his in Oakland and more recently I have worked with him with sound baths and plant medicine integration counseling. Ken has the unique ability to always make everyone feel welcome and valued, no matter what hat he is wearing at the time. He is a compassionate, nurturing, and caring man with many amazing abilities. I have learned a lot by being around him and I am a much better person for having known and worked with him throughout the years. He is an awesome role model and I highly recommend him as a peaceful spiritual teacher. read more

Because I'm a lazy butt who doesn't do yoga as much as I wish, I've been a handful of times instead of weekly. But that's no reflection on Ken, I mean I love his yoga classes! At risk of sounding hippy dippy, he has an amazing vibe that fills his classes with joy. I've arrived to Open Heart Yoga in Oakland on days when I just didn't want to be there, when I was feeling stiff, down and cold. And I've always left feeling loose, revitalized and warm. Ken is not just a yoga teacher but a therapist, and I truly find his classes therapeutic. Ken is a friendly, responsive and sensitive teacher. He takes inventory on how each person is doing and of what they hope to get out of the class. Then he gives modifications to make sure people are getting what they need. I've been to classes where people who wanted a "workout" were worked out while for those who needed something more relaxing, he focused on restorative poses (if I'm using the right language for that). I've brought a couple of friends to his Open Heart Studio classes, and they completely agree that Ken's classes are wonderful. He teaches well for both beginners and more advanced students. One of my friends had done little to no yoga before and this class was perfect for her. And then I've done sporadic yoga for 12 years and this class meets me at my level too (note I'm still intermediate not advanced and cannot attest to whether he teaches that level, but I'm pretty sure he can throw in advanced poses too). Finally the classes are affordable with a sliding scale fee. Ken has a sun-shiny heart and his classes are a blessing. I could not give a higher recommendation. read more

I took the grief yoga workshop with Ken in February at the Sun Room. I found the workshop to be a positive experience both physically and emotionally. Ken creates a very calming atmosphere where a person can honor a loved one while also getting in touch with one's own grief. Healthy snacks and tea were provided and I appreciated the optional acupuncture that we could try. The studio has some materials that can be used to assist you in the yoga poses if you need them. The yoga was challenging but not so much so that you would get stressed out. The class is broken up into optional introductions, a vigorous yoga portion, group exercises, a restorative yoga session and a meditation session. Ken also gives instructions on how to practice calming techniques at home to help through the grief process. Though I still left Ken's class struggling with my loss I felt that I had gained a few techniques to help me work through my grief over time. I will probably return to Ken's grief workshop in a few months. Bring plenty of water. I would also recommend going with a friend if you are feeling vulnerable. Classes at the Sun Room can be warm. read more

Ken is more than a teacher, he is a healer. He is compassionate, his demeanor in class is calming and peaceful, and he truly understands the connection between the mind, body, emotions and spirit when it comes to well being and health. I am a huge fan. I've taken his regular yoga classes (not that I would call his classes regular) as well as a Yoga for Grief workshop and would highly, highly recommend both. If you are lucky enough to catch his workshop on grief (not sure how often he does it), do yourself a favor and go. It was a 4 hour workshop that incorporated mediation, yoga, restorative yoga, yoga nidra and acupuncture, and throughout Ken would read poignant quotes. We also had an altar to put a memento of a person, relationship or idea we've lost, and light candles as we set personal intentions for our practice. It was a tremendously healing and touching day, a great way to let go of old emotions/barriers that no longer serve. There were people there for a variety of reasons: new losses, old losses. And I think Ken's workshop was amazingly healing for everyone who attended. It certainly was for me! read more

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and had the good fortune to be supervised by Ken throughout 2009. At the risk of seeming to idealize; I will say that all of my interactions with Ken resulted in my feeling heard, seen and generally more positive in outlook. Ken has a huge warm heart which, when combined with his tremendous courage and compassion, shows up as serious commitment to service and physical, emotional and spiritual health. He's also a great deal of fun. read more

I had the honor of attending Ken's most recent, four-week Yoga for Grief workshop held at Namaste Yoga in Berkeley. This has been the single most valuable experience I've had since my father passed away to help me process, understand, and come to some level of peace around my loss. Ken creates and holds an incredibly safe space for all participants, and by the second class there was a mutual trust and warmth that our group had for one another. I absolutely credit this to Ken; as a therapist intern I can attest to how hard it is to facilitate groups -- Ken makes it seem effortless. Ken has a lot of gentle wisdom surrounding this particular topic, and I felt that he was able to meet each member of the group exactly where we were in our grief journeys. As for the yoga itself --- I actually had one of those transformative moments of joy and happiness that you always hope for when going to a yoga class. Every pose was offered to us with modifications as needed. The somatic experience was a large part of my healing journey, and each pose was chosen with care and purpose. Long story short, Ken is a genuine, caring and skilled teacher/healer/friend, and I feel very lucky to have found him. read more

I was able to get back in touch with some of my joy and zest for life while attending Ken Breneman's Yoga and Grief Workshop. Although I only felt this joy and zest for brief moments, it gave me hope that one day my "new normal' will include joy! Ken is not only a highly skilled yoga instructor but a caring kind person. He created a safe warm space where I was able to work through some of my grief. read more

Yoga classes with Ken are as Tony the tiger would say, "grrrrrrrrrreat!". Ken is an excellent instructor, very attentive to his student. He asks ask the class what areas we would like to focus on from there the yoga begins. Throughout the class, he performed positions that were new and challenging for me. Yet, the whole time, I am relaxed and with calm breathing. Yeah to Ken! read more

I have been coming to Ken for private yoga sessions for some time now. He has a very nurturing and caring personality, and this comes out in his sessions. I usually have pain and mobility issues in my neck and shoulder areas and he tailor makes the session to make sure you have an integrated yoga workout, yet makes sure your problem areas are addressed. He does wonderful assisted stretches, which helps with my neck, shoulders and back. Highly recommended. read more

Yoga tremendously changed my life in ways I couldn't possibly imagine when I first made its discovery back in 2010 with Ken Breniman. I found yoga hoping it would allow me to avoid a surgical process that would have implanted steel rods near my spinal columns. Prior to beginning my yogic practice, both doctors and chiropractors agreed this surgery was necessary to further prevent hunching in my spinal region, which at that time had already begun to compress both my lungs and stomach. After doing one-on-one sessions 3 times a week with Ken for nearly a year, I was able to see my body completely physically restructure itself in flexibility and posture. I can honestly attribute this to Ken's personal skills as a teacher in reading the specific needs of each students individual needs and a genuine compassion and care for them. He really helped me grow in so many ways! As the tension and pain from the scoliosis subsided, through Ken I developed a newly found love and awareness for my body. I can proudly contribute this state of connective consciousness and this feeling of connectivity within my body to yoga and Ken who has helped me comprehend what takes place beneath the surface of the body and mind as well as the connectivity of the mind, body, and spirit on a deeper level than I ever had. Now, five years later--in our present day--I am in the position to give the gift of instruction. It was only the handful of years ago when Ken and I first met that I couldn't reach past my knees when bending toward my toes, but after an amazing journey full of encouragement and motivation from Ken, I am able to accomplish things I would have formerly thought of as impossible. So now I am also a yoga teacher continuing on with the tradition of help and inspiration Ken taught me, showing we all have the ability to transform ourselves within our hearts, bodies, and minds as long as we approach our lives (and the trials within them) with patience, dedication, a willingness to learn, and, most important of all, a great love for ourselves. Thank you Ken for being a part in changing my life! read more

Ok been inspired to write my second review. I would like to start by saying what an amazing spirit Ken has. I have attended some of Ken's group classes and taken some - one on one sessions with him. Ken has a very open, caring heart this translates into his work. He makes his classes fun, informative and creates an amazing supportive flow for the whole class no matter your background or ability. In his one on one sessions he really listens to your requests and is creative in his approach to how to tackle anything that maybe blocking you achieving your goal. The combination of Ken being both Yoga teacher and Therapist means you get 2 services rolled into one. Not to say it turns into a couch session but he listens and we work on how this maybe showing up within the body. I myself am a massage therapist and work a lot with the mind and body connection with my clients. It was wonderful to have someone relate that back to me and make me stop and think for myself and hold space for me. Ken is a true healer a gentle soul and a wonderful spiritual person. Thank you Ken. read more

I have been curious about yoga for quite sometime now, but my prejudgments made me stay away until now. My first session was with Ken at Naked Yoga SF. Ken creates a relaxing calm atmosphere that is free of pretension. As a complete novice, I was made to feel comfortable in my akwardness and encouraged with positive affirmations. I thought Ken struck a great balance between the spiritual and physical aspects of yoga. Before my first class I wondered if i would make it through the entire session without leaving early, but to my surprise when the class ended I was shocked at how fast the time had passed... For me that is a great sign of how much I enjoyed the experience. I will return many times. I am an instant fan of yoga and Ken's classes. I encourage others to sign up for private lessons to get some personalized instructions. read more

Last night was the first time I had gone to Ken to take part in his teaching. I had attempted group classes before and found that I had a tendency toward turning "competitive" trying to do and emulate and acheive the positions that others who were far more advanced then I am could do easily. In that type of situation I ended up getting hurt. I opted with Ken to do the private class route. With ease he had my body remembering a flexibility it hasn't known in over 10 years. I've been more energetic and focused. I really think the man is a miracle worker. If you are interested in a great teacher who can get you where you need to be, this is the man. read more

Ken is the gold standard by which I compare all other yoga teachers. I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher when I first started my practice. He is kind and compassionate, knowledgable but humorous. Love his classes! read more

Ken always so clear and assuring that I find myself doing the poses that I have never imagined doing. He has made me feel comfortable and has shown me patiently how to adapt poses so I can work towards improvement. All while being one of the most joyful people I have met lately. read more

I came to Ken's partner yoga class not knowing what to expect and boy was I blown away! He is incredibly down to earth and really has no sense of holier than thou which I really appreciated. Lots of room for laughter and for me to be myself in the workshop. Ken demoed several of the poses with his lovely partner Tim, which helped make the poses more accessible. On that note I was amazed at how seamlessly he was able to make a class that I really enjoyed as a teacher and other newer students were clearly having as much of a juicy good time in. Check out his next workshop- you won't wanna miss it! read more

We did a yoga retreat with Ken and found him to be an absolutely wonderful instructor. He is knowledgeable, intuitive, respectful and helpful. We can highly recommend him! read more

Ken is a wonderful and, more importantly, patient Yoga teacher. He understands the holistic nature of Yoga and how it is more than a set of physical exercises. To this understanding, Ken brings an earnest, empathetic and quirky approach that makes beginners and experienced practitioners alike feel comfortable. For example, two classes ago, I was unable to do headstands on my own. Today, I did one without any assistance. I would highly recommend Ken to anyone looking to hone their practice or interested in learning more about Yoga... read more

Most days, I go to a yoga class, or try to incorporate some home practice along the way. I always feel I benefit a lot in some way by having gone to yoga class. Ken's yoga class, however, brings a completely different experience. Don't know why, but, while practicing yoga in Ken's class, my body and mind feels light and free. (Even with my cranky arthritic hip and the ups and downs the day brings.) How is that I wonder? Well, whatever the reason, it makes my day exceptionally better. Ken has such a wonderful outlook on life and on each and every moment. read more

Watching Ken teach yoga is like watching a flower blooming in front of you. You can't help but admire the beauty of a person and the practice. I can't forget the moment he showed us how to transition from bakasana to halasana. It was effortless and utterly inspiring. Go for the class and go see Ken. read more

If you've never been encouraged to smile while in a sideways chair pose, then you should take Ken's class.

Yipee, I'm the first! I've known Ken for years now and have always found him to be a fun, caring and giving person. I started practicing yoga in August 08, and in the past 11 months, I've gone through a lot of instructors because I go to Crunch in LA--one of the regular teachers there had to have a lot subs for an unknown reason. Ken certainly ranks in the tops in my experience. His personality translates into his teaching--he pushes you subtly and makes it a great workout! I definitely wish I could practice more with Ken. read more

Ken led a beautiful partner's workshop for Valentine's Day. I had never worked with him before and my partner and I both enjoyed his easy, open-hearted approach to practice. I am a teacher and I resonated to his flexibility (no pun intended!) and his quick solutions when alternative asanas or adjustments were called for. I recommend! read more

My entree back into fitness and cross training made doing naked yoga an essential part of my overall wellness. Nervous at first, my intitial class was with Ken. Was amazed at how the meditation always hit upon the things I was dwelling on the most and how the asanas always hit the muscles that were most compromised by practicing my sport of trail running. Ken validated how yoga as a practice not only extends beyond how one poses in a classroom but also how one poses as a human being in the theater of life. Now I hit the runway in my trail running naked yoga body knowing that what i'm presenting is a manifestation of what is within. My only grief is that Ken switched his class dates to days when I work so, errrgggh... read more

Ken and I worked together at Vital Life Services, a non-profit HIV/AIDS support center that fell victim to the financial crisis and closed its doors this year, alas. During the two years that we worked together -- myself as an acupuncturist, Ken as a therapist -- we shared a number of clients. Aside from the personal warmth and integrity I saw in him on a daily basis, I was also privy to reports from the clients as to how their sessions with him went. "Lifesaver" was a word I heard on a regular basis. He even started a free yoga class for the clients, in addition to the therapy work he was brought on to do. Ken is golden, in my book. read more

He's kind, he's encouraging and he knows what he's doing. Whether you're new to yoga, plateauing in your practice or a professional yogi, Ken's classes will usher in a new level of understanding and connection with your body. The classes I've taken with him are thorough and invigorating with plenty of time for restorative moments and grounding towards the end of class. He guides newcomers and gently adjusts experienced students. What I like best about Ken's classes are his reminders that wherever you are right now, is exactly where you should be. He has classes in SF and Oakland. (Ken's naked yoga classes are a safe space for trans-men.) read more

Ken is a compassionate, smart, funny, and thoughtful yoga teacher. I have been taking his class for over a year, though I can no longer make my regular class, I will work it back into my life....evenutally!! read more

Ken is such a very warm hearted and kind person. I've had the privilege of taking two yoga retreats with him. It was this last time in Palm Springs where we were able to connect deeply. Enjoyed my yoga practice with Ken. Great teacher who I look forward to getting to know better. read more

Can't believe I haven't reviewed Ken before now. His reputation as a compassionate and skilled healer is known far and wide, but it was a few months ago that I took his workshop on stress reduction for healers and was able to experience his teaching first hand. What a great workshop!! I learned a few simple poses that can be done without even leaving my desk and especially enjoyed sharing experiences with the other participants. His energy and attitude are infectious. I am an acupuncturist and quite honestly thought I knew much and more about self care, but Ken has shown me there is always room for growth. I consider him a teacher, healer and colleague, and recommend his various classes and workshops to yogi and yoginis of all ages and levels! read more

Ken is one of my favorite yoga instructors. His classes are the only ones in which I'm not interested in looking at the clock. To anybody who does yoga for 90 minutes at a time, you know I need say no more. Ken Breniman is as good as it gets. read more

I never seem to comprehend the phrase "perfect yoga voice" until I practice yoga with Ken, both in an individual basis and in class. His gentle, soothing, yet deep and confident voice makes yoga directions easy to follow. Aside from his voice, he is very patient and understands the needs of his students and gauge the intensity of the class quite well. In a class setting, he would provide several alternatives to a yoga pose that accomodate the different level of yoga practice between the students. In other words, whether you are a new yoga student or someone that practice it for a long time, you can still benefit from taking his class. Ken is warm and friendly and certainly provide adequate attention for new and returning students. I thoroughly enjoy his classes as I have seen great improvement in my flexibility and coordination over the past year. I am an exercise physiologist and I usually recommend clients to practice yoga as part of his/her flexibilty training component and Ken would be the top name on my list whom I refer my clients to! read more

I always look forward to Ken's classes because I know I will be transformed by his optimism, challenging yet mindful asanas, and humor basted with lots of yummy wisdom. He is a competent teacher that can reach all levels and age groups because he practices and models for his students spirit and compassion. Thank you Ken, you are a gift! spirit and wisdom of yoga read more

Ken is responsible for me starting my yogic journey and I finally had the pleasure of taking his Tuesday naked yoga class in San Francisco Sun Room. I have known Ken on/off for a number of years and have always thought of him as a gentle soul with a kind heart. His actions in class proved my impression of him to be accurate. Ken is courteous, professional, kind, gentle, playful, and attentive to all. He provided modifications continuously so everyone could attempt the poses irregardless of our yoga experience. It's a honor to call Ken a friend and now (another) one of my yoga teachers who inspires me....I look forward to taking more of his classes - naked or clothed read more

I occasionally attend Ken's yoga classes in Oakland and recently attended the retreat he co-facilitated in Hawaii. He's an amazing individual and a fantastic and creative yoga instructor. He always creates a very warm, welcoming environment and his classes are enjoyed by experienced yogis and those who are new to yoga alike. read more

Loved the partner yoga workshop. Ken is sweet, inspiring, and wonderfully supportive. The perfect valentines day treat. We are still glowing. read more

I take a yoga class from Ken every Thursday, and, if more of his classes fit into my schedule, it would be far more frequently. I look forward to those Thursday classes all week. Ken is a wonderful yoga teacher. I'm a relatively experienced yogi, and Ken conducts his classes in such a way that I can feel thoroughly challenged, while folks who are less experienced can feel perfectly comfortable as well. The spiritual facet of yoga is equally important to the physical for me, and Ken always brings a spaciousness to the practice that helps connect me with my beingness. (Is that a word?) Ken also brings his beautiful sense of humor to the practice. So, in Ken's classes, I get to have it all! It's a very joyful experience. Ken has a very special energy. Kind, loving, compassionate, intelligent, articulate, skillful, funny, fun, joyful, radiant - these are just a few of the words that describe Ken and his beautiful spirit. I'm blessed by his presence in my life. read more

Ken's classes are always infused with Light, humor, gentleness, openness, clarity, spirituality and lovely guidance. He is really one of my favorite yoga teachers. I enjoy the short spiritual readings he does to offer wisdom words to the mind at the beginning of class and the optional lavender lotion at the end of class that makes me feel totally nourished and nurtured. The classes are just the right balance of challenging physicality blended with time to deepen postures, listen to one's own body intuition, and relax deeply. He has a beautiful energy and deep knowledge of the practice of yoga without artifice or ego. read more

Ken is a wonderful instructor! I have taken his class at Club One and feel it is a great balance of stretching and active yoga poses. He recently led a yoga class for our birthday gathering of about 17 women. He was thoughtful to the exercises that would bring group harmony and fun in addition to providing a good basic yoga routine for all levels of ability. He brought such warmth to our event and went above and beyond our expectations for our birthday yoga class. He always incorporates interesting readings into his yoga classes, and brings lavender scented lotion for the final moments of rest and relaxation. I highly recommend his classes. read more

Ken has made it safe for me to be successful trying, then continuing a yoga practice. He is gentle, kind, and patient teacher. His ability to meet the needs of advanced and beginner students in the same class is amazing. He also provides extra's that make a difference. I couldn't give a higher recommendation. read more

Please forgive the gushing tone of this review. I can't help it! I'm just back from a yoga retreat in Hawaii. This is the Hawaiian retreat with Ken. He has an uncanny ability to meet an individual and a group right where s/he/they are and to stick with that focus. I think of him as a healer, a leader, and an inspiration. Last year, I was a yoga novice, yet through his gentle leadership I kept up well. And that experience was repeated this year. As others have written, Ken also excels at integrating the spiritual foundations of yoga with the physical experience of the practice. Wish I lived in the Bay area, instead of the other side of the country! read more