In an age where wellness fads come and go, the ancient wisdom of yoga continues to stand tall, rooted in India’s spiritual heritage and now embraced globally. At the forefront of this movement in the UK is Neil Patel, founder of Chi Kri Yoga, whose life story is as inspiring as his teaching.
For over three decades, Patel has been quietly transforming lives across Britain, from the Royal Navy to the BBC and school halls to the High Commission of India. But his mission isn’t just about physical flexibility or trendy poses—it’s about building character, nurturing inner peace, and guiding individuals toward holistic transformation.
And it all began with a battle for his own life. Diagnosed with cancer over 25 years ago, he chose an unconventional path by embracing yogic discipline over hospitalisation. "I believe yoga gave me the mental strength, immunity and sheer physical power I needed to win my battle,” he says. Today, doctors refer to him as “The Miracle Man”, a living testament to yoga’s healing power.
His legacy is also family-rooted. His great-grandfather was a renunciant yogi in Gujarat, and his mother, Tara Patel, was one of the UK's first Indian yoga teachers, launching yoga classes in Harrow as early as 1976 and producing the UK’s first yoga VHS series.
At the heart of Patel’s mission is “The Gold Standard”, a comprehensive yoga teacher training and personal development course. Taught only once every two to three years, this London-based programme blends ancient Vedic knowledge with modern mindfulness, posture training, breathwork, meditation, and character development.
What sets this course apart? For starters, it’s not just about postures. Students explore topics ranging from Ayurveda and Vedic astrology to the law of karma, the Mahabharata, and the 30 essential qualities of a yogi, as taught by Lord Krishna.
With only one or two half-Sundays per month and generous holiday breaks, it’s designed for working adults, spiritual seekers, and even curious beginners aged 13 years and up, with no prior yoga experience needed.
Though based in London, Chi Kri Yoga attracts students from as far as Japan and the United States. Recent cohorts included teenagers, professionals, and retirees, all united by a common desire to live with intention and elevate their consciousness.
And the training isn’t theoretical. Patel has taught everyone from British Army brigadiers to ITV executives, guiding even the most disciplined professionals toward mental clarity and spiritual resilience.
Whether you’re searching for purpose, a meaningful new career, or just a like-minded spiritual community, Chi Kri Yoga’s Gold Standard course offers more than training, it offers transformation.
You’ll receive a certified teaching qualification through an in-person, London-based programme featuring 300 hours of training, delivered across 32 modules over 18 months.
Neil suggests: Try these two tools for modern life
Blue Circle Meditation (to help with stress):
Focus on a blue sphere of light around you and imagine yourself floating, cross-legged, in the centre. Imagine everything within the blue circle is calm. You can see people and things you know on the outside, but they can’t come in and disturb you.
See the world, but remain in your blue circle of peace. Practise this meditation before you start your day. And imagine this circle protecting your peace all day, as you act and react calmly and wisely to everything.
Trinity Breath (to help with anxiety):
Breathe in, from your nose, to your chest, extremely slowly, whilst counting to three. Hold that breath for three more counts.
Then gently exhale it for a final three counts. Repeat this slow respiration cycle twelve times, and do it twice a day, on an empty stomach – or whenever you feel anxious. This will relax your nerves, cells, heart and mind and you should not feel anxious anymore.
Five-minute flow
Try this five minute yoga sequence at home for an
all-round workout:
Cat (up and down, three times)
Plank Pose (1 minute)
Downward Dog followed by Child Pose (three times)
Twisted Lizard (right and left, two times)
Child Pose (1 minute).
This sequence will oxygenate, detoxify and revitalise your body in a surprisingly, short space of time.
Next course begins soon. Limited spaces available.
Quote Discount Code “AV11” for a special £250* Yoga Day discount
(valid until July 7th, 2025). Join the journey - and save £250
Enquire now at [email protected] | WhatsApp: +44 (0)7956 60 88 99 | Website: www.chikri.com - Instagram: @chi_kri | Facebook: /nkpatel
*discounts cannot be compounded.
