About Nomad Yoga

Nomad Yoga was born eight years ago in Kraków, Poland, beginning as a small, heartfelt project rooted in community and movement. What started with renting a single room quickly grew into a beloved local school known for its creativity and connection to nature. During the warmer months, Nomad Yoga became recognized for its signature outdoor classes—“Yoga by the Wisła” and “Yoga in the Park”—popular weekly and weekend gatherings that brought students together riverside and in open green spaces whenever the weather allowed.

Today, Nomad Yoga is a Yoga Alliance–certified school that has grown far beyond its first home in Kraków. We now host international retreats, workshops, and professional trainings across the globe. Continuing our spirit of adventure and heart-centered teaching, we are proud to offer comprehensive Teacher Training Courses (TTCs) designed to guide students deeper into the practice, philosophy, and lifelong path of yoga

Nomad Yoga remains committed to blending tradition with exploration, creating transformative experiences for a global community while honoring its origins along the Wisła.

Andrew Garrett

At the age of 4, my mother put me in Gymnastics. Apparently I had a lot of energy and needed an outlet. I even remember as a child that I would pretend that I had energy shooting out of my hands like lasers...

A few years into my gymnastics career, my family was struggling a bit financially and my mother asked my coach if I had any potential, or if this was just a waste of time and money? He told her, "He's talented for sure. I'm not sure about Olympics, but he will definitely get a college scholarship." Talent is one thing, but the ability to recognize talent is another. The ability to bring it out in others to further their potential is a whole different ball game.

Moving into the future about 15 years later and I had received a college scholarship to Clemson University in the sport of Diving. I remember walking into an international competition, where I would be competing against past (and future) Olympians and national champions, and my coach looked at me and said, "I want you to know you are the most talented person in this place." I knew he meant it, but I also knew I was as consistent as the others. Unfortunately, my athletic career was cut short by sickness and injury and I never really lived up to my full athletic potential.

After a few years off of sports and a few years on of fun, I wanted to travel the world as an English teacher, and get back into both mental and physical health. I restarted practicing martial arts and excelled quickly. I earned a black belt in Hap Ki Do while I was living in South Korea, and while I was living in Saudi Arabia, I earned a second degree black belt in Rou Chuan Do Kung Fu.

When I received my second degree black belt, my master looked at me and said, "I have taught you the same things my masters have taught me, but you will express it in your own way. The information won't change, but how you express it will make that information uniquely yours."

A year later, I would meet MMA International Event Producer and Promoter, and 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Master Bruce "Asu" Harvard, at a Jiu Jitsu seminar in Saudi Arabia. While rolling and sparring with him, he asked me how long I had been practicing Jiu-Jitsu. I told him just a few months. "You just got that talent, don't you?" he said/. He offered to bring me back to Chicago and promote me as a professional fighter into the UFC. This was like offering my dreams on a silver platter, but I had already signed up for a 200 hr. Yoga TTC in Cape Town, South Africa. He thought that was an asset, not a hindrance. "Great, go and learn Yoga and then you can also teach that at my gym while we promote you."

In between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, I would get my first introduction to Yoga while I was living in Mexico. A friend invited me to join her in a Yoga class from Byron Miller, a "celebrity Yoga instructor" from Hollywood. Apparently he had taught "Flavor-Flav" Yoga on one of his dates on the show "Flavor of Love." He was extremely knowledgeable about Yoga, Ayurveda and other subjects and clearly sparked an interest in me.

When I moved to Cape Town, I met a girl, fell in love, met my teacher Jim Harrington and Yoga, and fell more in love. I changed my plans and never moved to Chicago to become a professional fighter. Instead, I stayed in Cape Town where I would meet my Reiki Master, Louise Westerhouse. You could say, it was a very awakening time of my life.

After hearing my background in Yoga, Kung Fu and Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Louise offered to teach me all three levels of Reiki in a year. Normally it takes six. When I asked her if she thought I was ready for all three levels she replied, "You've done a lot of work on yourself. Why would I hold you at the same level as a person that has never done anything?" She had a point. After finishing my course with her and becoming a Reiki Master, she looked at me and said, "You're just getting started. Reiki is almost like therapy where people will come to you for all kinds of reasons, so you have to be ready for that. Learn as much as possible about as much as possible." So I did...

A year later when I was back in Charleston, South Carolina, looking to start my path as a Yoga teacher and get into the business of Yoga and one owner of a school said I had potential, but I wasn't "Her kind of teacher." She could see that I was talented, but she said she wanted me to stick around and learn from her for six months as a kind of mentor/mentee program. I was happy just to get my foot in the door and I called my teacher Jim, and told him the news. I'll never forget what he said. "No. Don't do it. You're weird. Be your weird self. And people will like you for your weird-self." And he was right...

Fast forward to now... Almost 15 years after Cape Town, and while I am a perpetual and forever student, I have taught Yoga, Reiki, Kung Fu, Tai Chi/Qi Gong and Massage all around the world. I have taught thousands of hours in Yoga studios as a "drop-in" teacher. I've created my own classes, retreats and workshops. I founded Nomad Yoga in Krakow, Poland. I've taught as the Head Teacher for different Yoga schools in India for their 200 hr. and 300 hr TTCs. I've written books, created my own teacher training courses and I'm the director of an Eco Village in South Goa, India. Maybe even the best part is, that those who were once my teachers are now my friends. I'm now working alongside my teacher Jim (who is now a close friend and confidant) and created a close circle of those that I feel confident in, and rely on, not only as great teachers, but as great people.

And you know what all of these stories have in common? That I had someone to help me along the way. While I had a mother, a friend, a coach, a teacher, or someone to guide me in an almost organic way, I also stayed true to my own unique and authentic path. Now, I am walking that path and am expressing the same information my teachers have taught me, in my own unique way. I can't wait to share it all with you!

Andrew Garrett

FOUNDER

TEAM

Just like any “school” or wellness center, the most important thing is the team; the team of teachers, facilitators, workers, management, staff, etc. I have spent the past 20 years traveling around the world, making amazing connections with some of the best teachers and businessmen on the planet. Combining these people with my local partners that I trust, let's just say, the team is nothing short of magical...

Jim Harrington

Jim Harrington is a senior yoga teacher, remedial therapist, and holistic health coach with nearly four decades of practice and over 20 years of continuous teaching experience. His journey began in India in 1987 and has included long-term study in classical yoga, meditation, pranayama, and Buddhist mindfulness traditions.

Based in Cape Town since 2003, Jim has led teacher training programs, retreats, and workshops internationally. His influences include Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, the teachings of Krishnamacharya, and the Himalayan Yoga Tradition.

Jim is known for his grounded, non-dogmatic teaching style, progressive and inclusive approach to asana, and his ability to integrate traditional wisdom into modern life. He teaches yoga as a practical system for health, clarity, resilience, and meaningful connection — serious in intent, human in tone, and accessible to all bodies.

Natasha Ward

Tash is an experienced yoga teacher whose path has been shaped by a lifelong relationship with movement and its power to support holistic wellbeing. She discovered yoga in 2011 while studying Theatre & Performance in Cape Town and immediately knew it was her calling.

She has completed extensive training, including over 500 hours with Jim Harrington, 300 hours of advanced Yoga Synergy training with Simon Borg-Oliver and further study with Meghan Currie.

Over six years in India, Tash immersed herself deeply in the culture while exploring the Himalayas through inner journeys, including meditation retreats (both attending and facilitating), treks, pilgrimages and a Reiki training with Andrew Garrett.

Tash’s teaching is fluid, grounded and intuitive, blending gentleness with challenge while encouraging curiosity, compassion and dedication. She is passionate about creating an embodied, sustainable practice, supporting individual needs and fostering a strong sense of connection and community through yoga.

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Welcome to Kraków — The City of Dancers

Our first home...

Kraków is a city where history breathes, legends whisper, and creativity flows as naturally as the River Wisła that winds through its heart. Often affectionately called the “City of Dancers” by those who feel its subtle rhythm, Kraków carries an energy that invites movement, expression, and transformation.

Encircled by the lush green belt of the Planty Park, the Old Town glows with timeless charm — a sanctuary of cobblestone pathways, gothic spires, and wide open spaces that feel both ancient and alive. Despite the turmoil of the 20th century, Kraków miraculously remained untouched during WWII. Many locals believe this is no coincidence, but rather the protection of the mystical chakra said to pulse beneath Wawel Castle, one of the Earth’s legendary energy centers. This sacred point is thought to radiate spiritual strength, grounding, and clarity — a beacon that continues to infuse the city with harmony and resilience.

Krakow is magnetic. I can say myself, I felt the energy of the city the first time I got off the train, and I can say, I still feel that energy just as strongly as I felt it on the first day, almost 20 years ago.

Beyond its storied architecture and magical legends, Kraków is a remarkably natural city. The vast riverbanks of the Wisła offer peaceful walking paths, sunrise reflections, and moments of quiet contemplation. Countless parks soften the urban landscape, inviting outdoor practice, meditation, and connection to the elements.

And just under two hours to the south rise the majestic Tatra Mountains — a dramatic range of alpine peaks, forests, and crystal lakes that elevate the spirit and inspire deep breath.

With its blend of myth, beauty, nature, and unwavering spirit, Kraków is an ideal setting for a Yoga Teacher Training. Here, ancient wisdom meets modern creativity; here, transformation feels supported by the earth below, the sky above, and the water in between.

Samyama Retreat Center

Experience Tranquility and Comfort in Cola, South Goa

Welcome to Samyama Retreat, your peaceful haven just steps from the pristine Cola Beach. Our comfortable accommodations offer the perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, with stunning garden, river, and mountain views.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or spiritual renewal through yoga and fitness classes, our retreat provides the ideal setting for your Goa getaway.

Key Features:

• Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and air-conditioning

• Balcony or terrace with garden, river, or mountain views

• Delicious Restaurant serving Chinese, Indian, and international cuisines

• Yoga, healing & fitness facilities & teachers already available

• 3-minute walk from Cola Beach

• Free WiFi throughout the property

We have created a perfect space for you to come and host your own retreats, workshops and courses. Please get in touch for any details about prices regarding length of stay and group sizes

Available for Teachers

Our "Home Away From Home" in India

Nomad Yoga's home in South Goa, India. Nestled in the jungle, but a short walk to Cola Beach. Bringing to you, the best of everything. Welcome home...

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