KATE BURFORD – Owner/Director

Kate was born and raised in Christchurch, and is now the lucky Owner and Director of Bikram Yoga in her home town. Kate initially studied and trained in art and design, gaining a Bachelor of Design at the Christchurch Art and Design School. Her love for design and health have always been hand in hand. While at design school, Kate also became certified as a Les Mills aerobics instructor for their BodyBalance program, and RPM, she then went on to study Sports Science gaining a diploma.

It was in Melbourne, Kate walked into her first Bikram class in 2005, and its been with her ever since.

“I couldn’t believe the change which occurred in me over 90 minutes. It wasn’t only the physical discipline which I enjoyed, but the emotional release and the grounding I felt. I’m not without my physical and emotional challenges and honestly, my daily Bikram practice is what helps keep me balanced and focused right now.”

This is what lead Kate to give up her job as a graphic designer on the Gold Coast and head off to Bikram’s teacher training in Hawaii. Kate has been teaching Bikram’s Yoga since July 2007. Kate gives her love and attention to creating a space for a buzzing community of yogis, aiming to teach classes which nourish the mind and body, seamlessly blending the physical body with your self realization and ability to move beyond what you believe your capable of.

“Teaching is the most inspiring and rewarding job I can imagine and I am eternally grateful for the support of my Dad, helping me plot this magical life. I am inspired everyday by students, and lucky to be surrounded in the most unbelievable community”.

ABBIE PETERS – Teacher/Massage therapist

Abbie Peters grew up in Christchurch, her hometown. Then after finishing school she went on to accomplish a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Classics. Abbie then embarked on the kiwi adventure of travelling and living overseas for what she thought would be a few months (which actually turned out to be 7 years): pursuing her passion for snowboarding in the French Alps, living by the sea on the Cornish coast, and climbing up to base camp Mt Everest on a trip to Nepal.

Once I finally returned “home” I followed my interest in massage and the natural therapies, completeing a Diploma in Massage Therapy at the Canterbury College of Natural Medicine in 2009.

“It has been an amazing experience and privilege to work with a wide variety of clients from sports people to those with chronic conditions, the elderly, and anyone needing stress relief and relaxation. I am continually inspired by the power of the human spirit and the ability for bodies to change and be free of pain.”

Abbie‘s return home also allowed her to find the time to reconnect with her yoga practice, and when she walked into the Bikram studio in Christchurch, instantly Abbie felt like she had found the right place. Never having practiced “hot’ yoga before Abbie was keen for the challenge. And that it certainly was!!

”You never forget your first class. I felt so amazing after that first class I just had to go back for more. 3 years later and my practice had become so regular and my passion so strong for this yoga practice that I followed my good friend, Kate’s, advice and went to teacher training in San Diego, Fall 2010.”

This turned out to be one of the most amazing, intense, rewarding journeys of Abbie’s life so far. She has continued growing as a teacher, through every class she teach’s and through every class practiced.

“It is so rewarding to facilitate change, empowerment and a healthy mind, body, breath connection in students, and watch then grow in their own practice and in their own lives.”

Now Abbie combine’s her two passions; massage and yoga, and waiting to see where this journey will lead to next…

“I encourage everyone to walk into the Hot room and give it go, you never know, it might change your life. It did for me.”

PIP DEMPSTER – Teacher

Pip Dempster grew up in a competitive sporty family and turned to Bikram Yoga after the pain of an injury started preventing her pursuing many of the sports she enjoyed, so deciding to give Birkarm a whirl she soon found herself addicted to this amazing Yoga practice and just couldn’t get enough of it.

This unique yoga series has changed her whole outlook on life in a truly en-powering and positive manner. It was in November 2008 that Pip first started practicing Birkram yoga, through a regular practice not only did her injury disappear but it had also inspired her compete in the New Zealand Yoga Asana Championships in 2009 and 2010.

After benefiting immensely from this powerful form of yoga due to simply practicing on a regular basis, she felt it was time to give back to the Bikram practice which is what motivated her to go to L.A in April 20011 and become a Bikram Teacher, she can’t wait to share her passion, watch and help others on their journey cultivate and fulfil healthier more happier lives.