What is BYSJ? Bikram Yoga San Jose
Bikram Yoga San Jose is one of hundreds of official Bikram Yoga College of India schools around the globe that offers the Bikram Method of yoga exclusively. Bikram Yoga San Jose opened in January 2003 and is solely owned by Michele Vennard. Michele’s dream was to open a special place that focuses on introducing this specific type of yoga to new practitioners and serving the many diverse students that diligently follow this discipline.
Since then, what was only a dream has become a thriving community that supports growth and positive change.
“I cannot imagine anything more rewarding than being a part of such a beautiful group of dedicated, friendly, open-hearted and inspiring people who are creating more fulfilled lives.”
~ Michele Vennard, Bikram Yoga San Jose Owner and Director
Interviews
Click here to read an interview given by Local Heath Magazine
Eucalyptus Magazine, 2009
Listen to an interview of BYSJ owner Michele Vennard, lead by Michael Harris of Falling Up Radio.
Listen to an interview by Michael Harris, Falling Up Radio, with Michele Vennard, Bikram Yoga San Jose Owner and Director, Click here to access the 2013 interview.
Michele Vennard, Bikram Yoga San Jose Owner and Director
Interview with Michele Vennard given by Local Heath Magazine, Eucalyptus Magazine, 2009.
Bikram Yoga San Jose – Mission Statement
The mission of Bikram Yoga San Jose is to bring improved health and well-being to its members by providing the highest quality Bikram yoga instruction. We are dedicated to serving our community with excellence, and to fostering an environment conducive to learning, inspiration, and self-realization.
Bikram Yoga San Jose – Invitation
We will never know. We will never really know to what extent BYSJ has been instrumental in making the world a better place. Since our inception, we welcomed change, and quickly learned that the power of transformation reaches far beyond any of us as individuals. Our original intention of holding a space to encourage our dreams has created tangible freedom, love and a connection to one another that has surpassed our wildest expectations. Over the years we’ve blossomed from a simple, warm community into a supportive extended family that is an example for those who are ready.
There is a movement happening now… We’ve heard hundreds of stories of how this yoga has impacted lives in infinite and miraculous ways. We don’t really know how it works, we just know that yoga makes everything better. Because of our participation together in co-creating the spirit of BYSJ, we can now empower many more to live the best version of themselves through the practice of yoga.
As our facility expands, so do our hearts. With abundant laughter, camaraderie, hard work and compassion, we continue to support our dreams, truth and peace. Our new and larger studio is simply a reflection that we can make a difference, and that all that we are doing individually and collectively is important. We are grateful for the courage and commitment. Now, together, let’s lead the way.
Welcome to BYSJ—Welcome Home
Former BYSJ Manager, Chris Canevaro
Our loved friend, yogi and manager, Chris will be sorely missed at our BYSJ home. He was a pillar for the studio, championing several big projects to help the studio grow into the home we are today. His legacy will live on through all the people and lives he touched while at the studio. We all believe he is in a better place now.
Chris graduated from Santa Clara University with a Law Degree with my eyes on being a lawyer. For many reasons, He decided to stay away from practicing law but over the years have used his degree in other ways. He spent over 20 years selling RV’s (short for recreational vehicles) and while Chris was good at it, he wasn’t so good at taking care of himself or others. He knew that he needed help and a big change needed to happen and it did. Chris called it a Spiritual Awakening. Soon after, Chris walked into Bikram Yoga San Jose and met Michele Vennard. Chris wanted to make his life about others instead of about himself which he had done for most of his young life and this was the place where he could do just that. Chris told all his friends that he consider this part of his life (clean and sober 9+ years) to be a bonus. Chris and the entire BYSJ family were fortunate for each day.– BYSJ Manager, Chris Canevaro
From Chris, Thanksgiving 2013:
“Surely, this time of year requires reflection and recognition of our joys and of our sorrows. For me, the last three months, have tested my faith, my endurance and my hope. I recognize I am climbing an uphill road. The “adventure” at times has been a bit rough. My speaking is not so clear and my thinking sometimes a bit cloudy. Your support, optimism and love draws me away from the dark side and into the light. You are the people who have given me the gift of your time, your hope and generosity. Who can be as lucky as I am to have each of you care so much about me? I intend to be back before Thanksgiving Day to thank each of you in person for your gifts of affection and commitment. Believe me, you are what keeps this guy going. I may have been the catalyst for all this outpouring of kindness, but it is truly you who deserve the credit for your demonstration of abiding love and commitment to your friend who is in need and to this beautiful yoga community we all love and want to serve.”
Your friend and fellow yogi, Chris, Manager, Bikram Yoga San Jose (the best place to be ever)